Great Britain 1840 1d Black Plate 1a, SG2.
A very fine and fresh unused with original gum four margin example lettered 'JI'.
Accompanied by a 1968 Royal Philatelic Society (RPS) Certificate of Authenticity.
A very scarce mint example of the world's first postage stamp from the first printing plate. It is very difficult to find mint examples in such fine condition.
Stanley Gibbons catalogue value: £18,500.
The first printing plate of the 1d black was put to press on 11 April 1840 and registered on 15 April 1840.
As the printing plate had not been hardened in a rush to meet the issue date deadline of 6th May, it soon showed signs of wear. The plate was later withdrawn, extensively repaired and then hardened.
Penny Black stamps from the initial plate are referred to as plate 1a and plate 1b for stamps printed after the plate was repaired and hardened.
Due to the fact plate 1a soon showed signs of wear, there are very few mint penny blacks from plate 1a in this fresh condition which have survived.
To enquire about securing this major GB rarity, please contact ant@paulfrasercollectibles.com.
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