The first stamp issued by the Dominion of Canada was the 3-pence beaver stamp, but technically, that’s from the Province of Canada period (1851), before Confederation.
After Confederation in 1867, when the Dominion of Canada was formed, the first Dominion of Canada stamp issue came in 1868.
Official First Stamp of the Dominion of Canada:
Issued: April 1, 1868
Denomination: ½ cent to 15 cents
Design: The most famous is the Large Queen issue, engraved portraits of Queen Victoria
Notable Stamp: The 1/2 cent black Queen Victoria is often cited as the first of the Dominion period
So to be precise:
1851 3d Beaver = First Canadian stamp (Province of Canada)
1868 Large Queens = First stamps of the Dominion of Canada
The Large Queens: Canada’s First Dominion Stamp Issue
The Large Queens are Canada’s first postage stamps issued after Confederation created the Dominion of Canada in 1867. Released in April 1868, this series replaced the earlier Province of Canada designs and marked a new era in Canadian postal history.
Design and Production
The stamps feature an engraved profile of Queen Victoria, based on the Chalon portrait. They were printed by the British American Bank Note Company in Ottawa on wove paper, though some rare examples appear on laid paper. The stamps earned the nickname “Large Queens” because of their generous size compared to the later “Small Queens” series.
Denominations and Colors
The Large Queens series includes seven denominations:
½ cent black
1 cent brown red
2 cent deep green
3 cent red
6 cent brown
12½ cent blue
15 cent grey violet
These covered all the typical postal rates of the time, from newspapers and circulars (½ cent) to heavier letters and overseas mail (12½ and 15 cents).
Collecting and Rarity
Among collectors, the Large Queens are notable for their subtle printing varieties, paper types, perforations, and shades. One of the greatest Canadian philatelic rarities is the 2 cent on laid paper (Scott #23a), with only a few examples known.
Because the stamps were issued over several years, they can be found with different paper textures, thicknesses, and watermark varieties, making them a rewarding area for specialists.
Legacy
The Large Queens laid the foundation for Canada’s national postal identity. They were in use until the introduction of the Small Queens in 1870, which continued the portrait of Victoria in a smaller, more economical format. Today, the Large Queens are prized both for their historical significance and the challenge they present to serious collectors.
Denominations, Colors, and Values
Denomination Scott # Color Approx. Mint Catalog Value (CAD) Approx. Retail Range (CAD)
½ cent #21 Black $540 $340–675
1 cent #22 Brown red $600 $400–740
2 cent #23 Deep green $2,025 $1,350–2,700
2 cent laid paper #23a Deep green (laid paper) $337,500+ Auction only, extremely rare
3 cent #24 Red $540 $340–675
6 cent #25 Brown or yellow brown $1,080–$1,350 $810–1,600
12½ cent #27 Blue $2,700 $2,000–4,000
15 cent #29 Grey violet $3,050 $2,400–4,750
Notes on Rarity and Value:
The 2 cent laid paper (#23a) is among Canada’s greatest stamp rarities—only 3 examples known.
Many stamps occur in multiple shades (especially the 6 cent).
Used copies typically bring 10–25% of mint values, unless exceptionally well-centered.
Centering, gum condition, and color freshness greatly affect the price.
Poorly centered or repaired examples can be much less expensive.
Collecting Tip:
When acquiring Large Queens:
Confirm paper type (wove vs. laid)
Check perforation quality
Beware re-gumming or repairs
Seek reputable provenance for high-value items
Legacy
The Large Queens remained in use into the early 1870s, gradually replaced by the Small Queens series. Today, they form the foundation of classic Canadian philately and remain highly sought after.
These are approximate catalog and retail ranges for mint, unused, fine condition.
Values can fluctuate with market trends and condition.
