Issued by Bechuanaland (Botswana) in 1964, this commemorative 12½c stamp honors the 400th birth anniversary of William Shakespeare (1564–1964). The design features a fine portrait of Shakespeare alongside the Royal Shakespeare Theatre at Stratford-upon-Avon, symbolizing his enduring legacy. An inset portrait of Queen Elizabeth II reflects the colonial administration of the period. Printed in a rich brown monochrome, this stamp is prized for its historical crossover appeal—literature, royalty, and Commonwealth postal history. A desirable piece for thematic collectors of Shakespeare, British Empire issues, and cultural anniversaries.