Issued on April 20, 1871, this 100 mon stamp belongs to Japan's first official postage stamp series, known as the Dragon issue. Printed using engraved techniques in a dark steel blue shade, the stamp features a pair of stylized dragons in a heraldic arrangement surrounded by a geometric border pattern. It was released without perforation and was later unofficially rouletted or perforated by local post offices. The design reflects both imperial symbolism and early Meiji-era ambitions of modernity. The denomination of 100 mon represents the highest face value of the issue, intended primarily for international mail or heavy domestic parcels. The vertical boxed cancellation bears bold black kanji characters, possibly from an early Tokyo or Osaka cancel, and is sharply centered across the image. The reverse shows hinge remnants and minor repair patching. Catalogued as Michel JP 2, Scott JP2, Yvert et Tellier JP 2, and Sakura JP 2, this stamp is a cornerstone for collectors of classic Japanese philately and one of the most recognized symbols of Japan’s postal beginnings. Estimate "$300 – 500"