Issued on January 2, 1897 during the currency reform under the Qing dynasty, this 4 cents on 4 candareens rose pink stamp is part of the first printing of the Empress Dowager Birthday series, bearing the scarce “Large Figures” narrow surcharge. Lithographically printed and part of China's earliest overprinted issues denominated in cents, it reflects the transition to a decimal-based postal currency system. This used example, catalogued as Scott IM31, Michel CN-IM 19II, Yvert et Tellier CN 19, Stanley Gibbons CN-IM 40, and China Stamp Society CN-IM 46, shows a clear circular postmark and retains strong color and detail despite hinge remnants and surface thinning on the reverse. Still, the surcharge is sharply impressed and the stamp is visually striking from the front. Estimate "$280 – 340"