Issued in 1884 by the Shanghai Local Post Office, this 60 cash violet stamp features the stylized “Small Dragon” (Xiaolong) design, symbolic of power and prosperity in Chinese culture. Printed typographically without watermark and perforated 15, the stamp was part of the earliest issues used to facilitate postal services within the foreign-controlled Treaty Port of Shanghai before national unification of postal operations. Catalogued as Scott SH 95, Michel SH 77Aa, Yvert 58, and Stanley Gibbons SH 95, this issue holds particular historic value as it predates the national Chinese Imperial Post system. The detailed frame with auspicious motifs and the centrally positioned dragon reflect Qing-era iconography and international postal influence. This example is mint, with clear impression and strong color, and well-centered for the issue, making it a desirable classic from the treaty port era. Estimate "$220 – 260"