China – imperial post issues

under construction
With the notable exception of the red revenue stamps, all issues to the 1897 issueshave been forged.

 File:China 1 cand dragon.jpg|1882 1 candarin value File:China 5c dragon.jpg|1883 5c value 
 * Beginning in 1878, China issued its first stamps, three values with a dragon design, simply inscribed CHINA.
 * The 1878 issue was printed on thin paper, designs printed a maximum 3.25mm apart.
 * The 1882 issue was printed on very thin to pelure paper, designs printed 4.5mm apart.
 * The 1883 issue was printed on medium ot thick paper, designs once again printed a maximum 3.25mm apart.
 * In 1885, a smaller design was issued, perf 12½ and a yingyang watermark. In 1888, they were issued perf 11½-12.

 File:China 2c red revenue.jpg File:China lrge dollar.jpg File:China sm dollar.jpg File:China imperial post 1c.jpg 
 * In 1894, a new lithographed series was issued.
 * In 1897, a new printing was released, with colors noticeably duller and paler and white gum thinly applied.
 * In 1897, the lihto designs of 1894 and the smaller dragons of 1888 were surcharged with new values with small arabic numerals 2½mm below the Chinese character group. Some values also exist with the numerals 4mm below the Chinese characters.
 * Later in 1897, heavier surcharges were issued with larger arabic numerals. This was used on both the 1894 and 1897 printings.

 File:China imp post brown due.jpg 