Canadian Decimal Postal Rates 1859-1867

So here is my first detailed question about Worldwide Postal Rates:

Bobby La Rue, I'm looking in your general direction:




I've been interested in the denominations of stamps from New Brunswick 1860-3 (SC 5, 6-11) and Canada 1859-64 (SC 14-19, 20). These are the first issues after some provinces switched to a decimal monetary system. Here is what I know so far, so am looking for help filling in the gaps or correcting any errors.

1c: NB 6, CA 14: No idea what this denomination was for.

2c: NB 7, CA 20: As NB 7 was issued in 1863 and CA 20 in 1864, this is an add-on denomination. Either it doubled the previous 1c rate (inflation) or perhaps folks were using multiple 1c on covers and the postal service decided to save on printing and paper by issuing a 2c?

5c: NB 5, 8, CA 15: Standard 1/2 ounce letter rate; could find no information on whether distance mattered for this one. NB 5 (unissued) but with an amusing story.

10c: NB 9, CA 16, 17: Double the standard, but not sure why.

12 1/2c: NB 10, CA 18: NB 10 depicts a sailboat and sailing ship. I know in 1860 Canada started a direct mail shipping route from Montreal to Liverpool. Given that a ship is depicted, I thought this might pay that rate. I also know in 1861, The ship Canadian hit an iceberg, and the New Briton sank in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, so they had a rough go of getting it off the ground (this detail adds to my thoughts on the 17c denomination). CA 16, 17 is inscribed "Canada Packet Postage" which leads to me to think my CA-GB rate idea might be incorrect (don't know what packet postage is), but is also inscribed "Six Pence Sterling" in addition to the decimal value, which makes me think I'm spot on in that the motherland is the intended destination.

17c: NB 11, CA 19: The 17c paid the rate for overseas mail sent via the US. I wondered why this even existed, but my research on Canada's overseas plans and shipping woes made this denomination a necessity.


Newfoundland switched to decimal in 1865 (SC 24-31) and has some of the same denominations (2c, 5c, 10c) but others don't quite match up (12c, 13c, 24c). The 12c and 13c almost equate to the 12 1/2c denomination (and the 13 depicts a ship, albeit a fishing ship).

Nova Scotia also switched to decimal in 1860 (SC 8-13) with some the same (1c, 2c, 5c, 10c, 12 1/2c) but with an 8 1/2c as well.

Other provinces did not switch to decimal during this time period.


Thank you to any and all help in understanding these postal rates.

http://postalhistorycorner.blogspot...urrency.html

On the off chance you haven't seen this before.

This also may be of help - from Canada: Its Postage Stamps and Postal Stationery, by Clifton Armstrong Howes (available at gutenburg.org - https://www.gutenberg.org/files/374.../37457-h.htm).

"In the report for 1859, mentioned above, we find the following:—

The Law of last Session directing the conversion of all postage rates into decimals, and the collection of postage in the new decimal currency, was put in operation on the 1st July.... Decimal stamps of the value of 1 cent, 5 cents, and 10 cents for ordinary correspondence, and of 12½ cents for Canadian, and of 17 cents for British Packet Postage Rates were obtained in readiness for the commencement of the Decimal Postage Law in July, 1859, and have from that date been issued in lieu of the stamps previously in use."

The Provinces had separate postal systems until 1867 (1949 for Newfoundland). While the rates were similar because they were all under control of the GPO in London, there were differences.

New Brunswick
1¢ was for circulars or printed matter (aka junk mail)
2¢ drop letters, books, magazines, pamphlets
5¢ as you noted domestic letter rate
10¢ double domestic rate, rate to the United States
12.5¢ rate to the UK
17¢ rate to the UK via US

Newfoundland rates were similar, but their currency was slightly more depreciated against sterling so 12.5 cents was 13 cents

Nova Scotia almost the same as NB, but there was 2 cent county rate

Thanks! Definitely helpful (I had not come across those). Good to know I was able to infer much of it. The New Brunswick and Canada denominations are clear now. Now on to Newfoundland and Nova Scotia.

Thanks gmot and SPQR - (our last posts went simultaneously). - All that is left is Newfoundland 24c and NS 8 1/2 c. I will enjoy adding these details to my albums.

Sorry - left off the NS 8½¢ - that was the rate by UK steam packet [4 pence sterling] from Halifax to Boston Bermuda, or Newfoundland prior to May 1, 1862 when the rates increased