Comparison of SG156 and 156a - Eight Pence of 1876
Both of these blocks are from Plate 1 - Current number 503 (above stamp AA and below stamp TL), but printed in different colours. The symmetry between the two blocks is also striking (top left hand corner and bottom right hand corner).
Printed in purple-brown but not issued (Five sheets printed)
Image source British Postal Museum from the R M Phillips
Collection.
Vol
XXXIV Pg 43.
Printed in orange as issued
Image source British Postal Museum from the R M Phillips Collection. Vol XXXIV Pg 41.
| SG156a | SG156 | ||
| Plate | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Current number | 503 | 503 | 510 |
| Colour | Purple-brown | Orange | Orange |
| Watermark | Large Garter | Large Garter | |
| Perf | 14 | 14 | |
| Registered | 7 July 1876 | issued 11 Sep 1876 | 11 Sep 1876 |
| Number issued | Unissued | 20,000 sheets | Imprimatur |
Also shown is the unissued plate 2 in orange. The current number of the two plates also differs (510) as would be expected
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Image sources British Postal Museum from the R M Phillips Collection. Vol XXXIV Pg 41 and Vol XXXIV Pg 40