Malaya - Straits Settlements 1906-12 $500 purple and orange overprinted 'SPECIMEN', SG169s.
A very fine, well centred example with exceptional colour and perforations and virtually full original gum. A couple of tiny surface marks, which do not detract from lovely appearance, and exceedingly rare in so fine quality.
A spectacular and sought after high value stamp, which is often spoilt by soling and rubbing.
"SPECIMEN" examples were used solely by postal administrations for reference purposes to help spot any attempted forgeries.
