The five-cents value was issued to prepay the rate for the first ounce on foreign letters. It was also used to mark payment of registration.
Originally blue, the colour of the five-cents issue was changed to violet as a result of an increase in the foreign rate for the first ounce from 5 to 10 cents, which became effective on 1 October 1921. In accordance with the standards agreed to under the auspices of the Universal Postal Union, blue was reserved for the ten-cents value.
Note: Colours in this electronic medium are very difficult to reproduce with accuracy and what is seen is often dependent on individual colour settings and monitor capabilities. For a more accurate depiction of colours, readers are advised to consult catalogues or works such as Hans Reiche's Admiral Colour Identification. (See References.)
Updated: 11 Oct 97