Province of Canada postage stamp, issued in 1859 as part of the First Cents Issue marking the transition to decimal currency.
Text: 8 d. stg. / CANADA POSTAGE / SEVENTEEN CENTS / 17
This stamp is a significant component of the "First Cents Issue," released by the Province of Canada following the adoption of the decimal currency system in 1859, replacing the previous pence system. The stamp features a portrait of French explorer Jacques Cartier, based on a painting by François Riss. The engraving was executed by the American Bank Note Company.
The 17-cent denomination was specifically established to cover the single letter rate for mail sent from Canada to the United Kingdom via the United States (typically through the port of New York). This route was faster but more expensive than the direct Canadian packet route (which cost 12½ cents). The inscription "8 d. stg." (8 pence sterling) in the upper corners indicates the equivalent value in British currency, facilitating the accounting of international mail rates between the colonial and imperial postal administrations.
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