Issued on March 24, 1912, this mint never hinged 5 cent violet stamp from the Republic of China's first definitive series features a coiling dragon design with a Sung-style character overprint. The imagery, rooted in imperial symbolism, reflects the transitional moment from the Qing Dynasty to the nascent Republic and was intended to retain continuity during the postal reform. Printed in gravure by the Custom Statistical Department in Shanghai in cooperation with Waterlow & Sons Ltd., the stamp has no watermark and exhibits variable perforation. The 5-cent value fulfilled common domestic rates and remains among the most culturally resonant issues of early Republican China. Catalogued as Michel CN-IM 99, Scott CN-IM 151, and Stanley Gibbons CN-IM 197, this example is well-preserved with full original gum and fresh color. Estimate "$45 – 55"