New Zealand 2½c Christmas 1970 'Adoration of the Child' Stamp

Name: New Zealand 2½c Christmas 1970 'Adoration of the Child' Stamp
Brand: helen
Availability: LimitedAvailability

New Zealand Christmas 1970 stamp depicting Adoration of the Child by Correggio, 2.5 cents denomination.

Estimated value

$1 - $5

Rarity

Ordinary(3/10)

NEW ZEALAND 2½C CHRISTMAS 1970 'ADORATION OF THE CHILD' STAMP: IDENTIFICATION

This is a postal stamp issued by New Zealand for Christmas in 1970, depicting a detail from Correggio's 'Adoration of the Child' painting. The denomination is clearly visible as 2½ cents. The stamp features standard perforation along all four edges and appears to be in unused condition based on visual inspection, though the presence of original gum cannot be fully ascertained from the image.

Compare with other stamps in the archive: 10-Cent Pan-American Union Air Mail Stamp (Scott #C25), Belgian Congo, Queen Elisabeth Mask Issue (1928-1930) - 6 Francs, Belgium 1912 definitive series postage stamp, 10-centime carmine on blue frame, cancelled 'MONS S-GENERAL'.

PHILATELIC NOTES

The 2½ cent denomination was a common value for internal letter postage in New Zealand around 1970, indicating this stamp was primarily intended for everyday postal use during the holiday season.

SCARCITY

Ordinary40-55%

CommonLegendary

Standard antiques commonly found at estate sales and flea markets. Plentiful supply meets modest demand.

Rarity 3/10. Curiosa currently catalogues 13 stamps items at rarity 3 or higher.

Typical Characteristics

Moderate production runs
Common at estate sales
Entry-level collectibles

Confidence Factors

This is a common, mass-produced issue with low face value, making it an unlikely target for sophisticated forgery.
The visible details align with known issues of New Zealand's 1970 Christmas stamps.

How does authenticity detection work?

PHILATELIST'S VERDICT

Philatelist

Stamp Specialist

The stamp's country, issue, and denomination are clearly legible, allowing for a high degree of certainty in its basic identification as a New Zealand Christmas stamp from 1970. The subject matter further corroborates this.

KEY EVIDENCE

1Clear 'New Zealand' and 'Christmas * 1970' inscription identifying the country and year of issue.
2Denomination '2½c' prominently displayed in the upper right corner.
3Printed inscription 'Adoration of the Child - Correggio' indicating the artwork inspiration.
4Standard roulette perforations visible on all four sides.

WHAT WOULD IMPROVE CERTAINTY

→Examine the reverse side of the stamp for gum condition (Mint Never Hinged, hinged, regummed) and any hinge remnants.
→Measure the perforation gauge using a philatelic perforation guide to confirm consistency with published catalog data.
→Check for watermarks using a watermark fluid or tray, as watermarks can sometimes distinguish varieties.
→Consult a specialized New Zealand stamp catalog (e.g., Scott or Stanley Gibbons) for official catalog number, printing details, and known varieties.

CONDITION & GRADE

Condition

Visually, the centering appears good, with even margins around the design. The perforations are regular and show no apparent tearing. Without examining the reverse, it's difficult to assess gum condition (e.g., whether it's Mint Never Hinged, lightly hinged, or regummed) or for any thins or faults.