Current Number of surface-printed stamps 1860-

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Surface-printed stamps

With the printer De La Rue the first numbered postage plate is 198 the 6d plate 2 in 1860 (before that the current number was not marked on the plate). The current number was no longer included on the plate with the consolidated contract, beginning with the 1d. of 1880. Only two stamps on the plate have the current number on the adjacent selvage, for the 2½d, 3d, 4d, 6d, 9d, and 10d above the second stamp at the top-left (AB) and below the second stamp from the bottom right (TK). For the 8d, AA and TL. For the 1875 1s, 1867 5s and 1878 10s it is at the top left-hand and bottom right-hand corner see Beaumont and Easton p322-336.

For plate number positions on the selvage, 1855 4d, 1856 6d, in all four corners of the sheet. For the 1875 1s, 1867 5s, 1878 10s top right and bottom left hand corners. For the 1862 4d, 1862 6d, 1862 9d, 1871 3d, 1875 2½d it is above stamp AK and bellow stamp TB. For the 1876 8d it is above stamp AL and below stamp TA. See Beaumont and Easton p322-336.

scan courtesy K & C Philatelics

Some Current Numbers from De La Rue

Source: Beaumont & Easton

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