the Red Maiden in the Green Robe （綠衣紅娘）

the Red Maiden in the Green Robe

Estimated value: US$444,477

Nicknamed the Red Maiden in the Green Robe, the stamp is also known as a 2-cent Small Figure Surcharged on Red Revenue Stamps in Green. It is one of China's postage stamps issued during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911).

During the Qing Dynasty currency reforms, stamps with a face value in silver could not be used any more, and a short period of time would pass by before the new stamps could be issued. As a transitional measure, green ink was imprinted on the Red Revenue Stamp to it could be used as a temporary stamp.

Evidence shows that there are nine such stamps in existence, seven of which are singles. The only vertical pair is now exhibited in the China National Post and Postage Stamp Museum.

In December 2004, a piece of the stamp was auctioned off for 3.45 million HK dollars (US$444,477) in Hong Kong.