The one stamp was denominated 2 1/2 pence, depicted Queen Victoria in profile, and was surface-printed[?] in a brownish-rose color by De La Rue[?]. 235,440 were printed.
In 1862, Vancouver Island switched to decimal currency, and sold these stamps for 5 cents. It first issued its own 5- and 10-cent stamps in September 1865.
In June 1864, British Columbia increased its postal rate to 3 pence, selling these stamps for 3d until its own stamps became available in November 1865. Pairs of stamps, used to pay a special rate to Vancouver Island, were also sold at 15 cents per pair. Although after 1865, the 2 1/2d stamp was officially invalid, in 1867 some were made available at a 6 1/4 cent rate to express mail operators.
The upshot of all this was the single type of stamp was sold for 2 1/2d, 3d, 5c, 6 1/4c, and 7 1/2c without ever receiving a surcharge[?] indicating a changed value.
The surviving stamps sell for about US$250 as of 2003, but much more if they are in good condition and well-centered.
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