CEYLON 1887 SG201s var Specimen

Stock Code: P212013961

1887 1r12 dull rose, wmk CC sideways, opt "SPECIMEN" (type D13) for UPU distribution, an extraordinary example with a major printing flaw (apparently caused by a paper inclusion) which leaves the "EY" of "CEYLON" only partly printed, and additionally with "SPECIMEN" clearly "double, one albino", part o.g. The printing flaw evidently a unique occurrence. Some imperfections (gum disturbance, thin spot, shortish perfs), nevertheless a fascinating stamp of exceptional interest. [N.B. The issue date of this value has always been stated as "1887", although the die and plate were invoiced by De La Rue on 13 Oct 1885, and the first supply (of 4800 stamps, in sheets of 100) on 7 Dec 1885. It must be significant that the only other stamp to receive the D13 SPECIMEN opt was the Malta 5s rose (SG 30s, invoiced by DLR 23/9/1885, with 106 Specimen examples), issued 1/1/1886. The Malta 5s was printed in sheets of 120, but the Specimen plate will have been 60 or smaller. This difference in sheet format may explain the "albino" phenomenon on Ceylon SG 201s. It also seems likely that the normal Ceylon SG 201s may be much rarer than previously assumed. We have sold only two examples in the past 20 years, and neither was really fine.]

$281.50*

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CEYLON 1887 SG201s var Specimen - $281.50*

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