1893 12c Hawaii, red lilac, red overprint

High-Value Hawaii Overprint
As Few as 7,500 Exist!

Hawaii overprinted stamps chronicle the end of a monarchy – and a century-old debate over imperialism.

Backed by Hawaiian businessmen, U.S. troops overthrew Hawaii’s queen in January 1893.  However, incoming President Grover Cleveland opposed annexing the sun-drenched islands.  Without U.S. support, Hawaii’s provisional government was forced to overprint a small number of Kingdom of Hawaii stamps to keep mail service running.  Just 7,500 12¢ Prince Leleiohoku stamps exist – act now to make this scarce stamp your own!