Stanley Gibbons

GREAT BRITAIN
NUMBERS ISSUED
1840 to 1910
by Rikki Hyde
IN COLOUR
STANLEY GIBBONS
Great Britain Department
For more information contact Mark Facey on: 020 7557 4424 or Michael Barrell on 020 7557 4448
or email: [email protected] or [email protected]
Stanley Gibbons Limited, 399 Strand, London WC2R 0LX
Tel: 020 7836 8444 Fax: 020 7836 7342
9 7 8 0 8 5 2 5 9 6 9 5 1
ISBN-10 0-85259-695-2
ISBN-13 978-0-85259-695-1
0 0 7 9 5
numbers issued
7.95
UK Retail Price
Published by
Stanley Gibbons Ltd
London and Ringwood
cover number iss-3.indd 1 04/04/2008 16:48:35 Untitled-1 1 03/08/2011 09:42:46
STANLEY GIBBONS
GREAT BRITAIN
NUMBERS ISSUED
1840 to 1910
Compiled by RIKKI C. HYDE
A
STANLEY GIBBONS
London and Ringwood
gb_numbers issued-5.indd 1 07/04/2008 09:42:18
2 | GREAT BRITAIN NUMBERS ISSUED 18401910
When my book was frst published in May, 1975 it created a storm of
excitement as it enabled the collector for the frst time to compare
market prices of individual stamps with the rarity factor of numbers
issued. Whilst the value of a stamp may also be infuenced by its
demand, its history and survival rate, and the quantities which were
actually retrieved for collecting purposes, knowing the numbers
issued gives the collector a good guide as to what is and what is not
a reasonable buy at present price levels. For instance, a glance at the
numbers issued for the 1887 Jubilee 4d: and the King Edward VII 7d.
values may well surprise many collectors! Unfortunately, only 2000 of
the 1975 edition of this book were printed. It soon became apparent
that nowhere near enough copies had been produced to meet the
demand of the many Great Britain collectors at that time and the book
soon went out of print. In 1990 Stanley Gibbons ofered to take over
the publication and produced a second edition launched to coincide
with the 1990 International Stamp Exhibition celebrating the 150th
anniversary of the frst postage stamp. Despite a larger quantity being
produced even this eventually went out of print. Following many
requests in recent years from present day collectors I am delighted
that Stanley Gibbons has decided to publish a new third edition, this
time in colour. I would like to dedicate this latest edition to the hobby
of philately which has bestowed me with 55 years of pleasure as a
collector and with 42 years of dedication as a dealer.
Rikki Hyde
March, 2008
CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION 3
GENERAL INFORMATION 5
QUEEN VICTORIA
Line-Engraved Issues 7
Embossed Stamps 14
Surface-Printed Issues 15
KING EDWARD VII
190210 De La Rue Printings 30
Commemorative sets 1924 to 1951 32
THE OFFICIALS 33
GREAT BRITAIN OVERPRINTED
FOR USE IN OTHER COUNTRIES 34
PROTECTIVE UNDERPRINTS 36
A SUMMARY OF NUMBERS ISSUED (QUEEN VICTORIA) 37
Stanley Gibbons Publications Ltd.
7 Parkside, Christchurch Road, Ringwood,
Hants. BH24 3SH
Published by
Stanley Gibbons Publications Ltd.
Editorial, Sales Ofces
and Distribution Centre,
7 Parkside, Christchurch Road,
Ringwood, Hants BH24 3SH.
First published in 1975 by Birmingham and
Bristol Stamp Auctions Ltd.
Stanley Gibbons Publications Ltd., 2008
ISBN 13 978-0-85259-695-1
ISBN 10 0-85259-695-2
Printed & Bound by
Butler & Tanner, Frome, Somerset.
Happy is the man with
a hobby for he has
two worlds to live in
(Rikkis adopted lifelong slogan)
gb_numbers issued-5.indd 2 07/04/2008 09:42:18
GREAT BRITAIN NUMBERS ISSUED 18401910 | 3
INTRODUCTION
My fortunate discovery some years ago of the rare Great Britain error
of the 1883 6d on 6d, overprint double (S.G.162L), frst made me think
in terms of calculating rarity value from numbers issued. Just six years
ago I started to compile and collate information regarding numbers
issued, printed, or sold for the Victorian era, and later I extended this
to the Edwardian period. This was purely for my own use, and I had no
intention at that time of producing a publication. Many basic fgures
were frst gained from the Robson Lowe Encyclopaedia, for which I
express my sincere gratitude and from thereon I collated information
from numerous publications, articles, and ofcial records, all of which
helped me to compile what is now an almost complete listing. My
appreciation is extended to all those people whose painstaking
research in these articles have helped me to produce this catalogue.
To the best of my knowledge, a combined listing dedicated to
numbers issued for Victorian and Edwardian stamps of Great Britain
in catalogue form has never before been published. The object of
this work is to enable its users to assess rarity value and to be able
to judge for themselves what is and what is not a good buy. Indeed,
many amusing anomalies appear when comparing this listing with
any standard priced catalogue!
The statistics in this catalogue for numbers issued relate to those
put into circulation, sold, or printed, whichever is the most realistic
fgure available. The quantities are often qualifed by notes on printing
spoilage or numbers ofcially destroyed. In some cases, where fgures
were not fully available, an estimated or calculated approximate
number has been entered. Whilst all the quantities and data are
entered in this catalogue in all good faith, I can neither guarantee
their accuracy nor accept responsibility for errors.
It must be remembered that survival rate plays a large part in
determining rarity. Obviously, one cannot lay down a set survival rate
for every stamp, but about 2% can generally be used as a gauge for
calculating possible numbers in existence for this period (say 5 to each
sheet of 240). Furthermore, even the survival rate includes both mint
and used examples, and generally there are at least 50 used examples
for every mint copy in existence (with the exception perhaps of the
1887 Jubilee 4). The earlier Victorian also had 240 diferent letter
combinations to each sheet, and this should be considered by those
who are attempting reconstructions. Some of the later Victorian (and
a few of the earlier ones) and Edwardian were overprinted for use as
Ofcials and for use in other countries. This too should be taken into
consideration, and a tabulated listing of the stamps involved and
some statistical fgures are given at the end of this book.
With all these points in mind, let us take an example of the sort of
calculation that can be derived from this catalogue:
Mr. X is reconstructing by letters the 1876 8d orange in used
condition, and is searching for one more letter combination to
complete his set. He calculates his chances of fnding it as follows:
Total number issued 4,800,000
Survival rate 2% 50) 4,800,000
i.e. divide by 50 = 96,000
Less mint survival rate 1/50th 1,920
Fraction of Letter Combination 240) 94,080
i.e. divide by 240 = 392
Mr.X would probably be looking for one of 392 copies in existence.
Thus, each used 8d orange should have a letter combination rarity
value of 1/392th. Let us assume for the purpose of this exercise that
a unique stamp is worth 3,000 (based on the auction realisation of
gb_numbers issued-5.indd 3 07/04/2008 09:42:18
4 | GREAT BRITAIN NUMBERS ISSUED 18401910
the 1867 10d plate 2, mint), then Mr. X should expect to pay 1/392ths
of 3,000 for it (i.e. about 8). This, of course, does not take condition
into account, but the condition does not alter the rarity value, but
only reduces the price for an inferior specimen.
When King Edward VII died on the 6th of May 1910, Messrs. De
La Rue passed over some of the printing plates to Messrs. Harrison
& Sons and to the Somerset House Printers, but unfortunately from
then on, it appears that inadequate records were kept of the numbers
of stamps issued or produced. For this reason I regret my book
fnishes at 1910. However, records were kept for commemorative sets
from 1924 and those issued to the end of the reign of King George VI
have been listed by me, but because most specialised catalogues list
the numbers sold for the Queen Elizabeth period, I feel it is pointless
repeating them here.
I wish success to all the users of my book, and I dedicate this work
to my beloved hobby of stamp collecting and to all those who collect
the stamps of Great Britain.
Rikki C. Hyde
BRISTOL,
January 1st, 1975
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GREAT BRITAIN NUMBERS ISSUED 18401910 | 5
GENERAL INFORMATION
FORMAT
Stamps are listed in a suitable order to allow easy cross-reference
with most published standard priced catalogues. Illustrations are
provided for quick identifcation. The total number issued is given for
each stamp disregarding plate numbers and this is usually followed
by a more detailed break-down of the various plates and any relevant
notes.
SHADES, PAPER AND VARIETIES
Most shades are caused by variation in the pigment of printers ink
and do not form separate issues. These and minor varieties of paper,
watermark, gum, printing and imperforate errors of perforated issues
are beyond the scope of this catalogue.
PERFORATION
The frst issues from 1840 were imperforate. Line-engraved stamps of
1848 to 1858 were perforated either 14 or 16. The later line-engraved
and all surface-printed issues were perforated 14 with the exception
of the 1867 Maltese Cross Watermark high values. Where a perforation
is not indicated in the text, it must be taken as being gauge 14.
WATERMARKS
The following are the watermarks used during the period covered:
Small Crown
Small Garter
Large Anchor Small Anchor Orb Imperial Crown
Medium Garter Large Garter Emblems Spray of Rose
Maltese Cross
Large Crown Halfpenny V. R.
gb_numbers issued-5.indd 5 07/04/2008 09:42:19
If youd like to receive our monthly colour brochure of 450 - 500 selected items,
contact Mark Facey on: 020 7557 4424 or Michael Barrell on 020 7557 4448
or email: [email protected] or [email protected]
Stanley Gibbons Limited, 399 Strand, London WC2R 0LX
Tel: 020 7836 8444 Fax: 020 7836 7342
To view all our stock 24 hours a day visit www.stanleygibbons.com
STANLEY GIBBONS
Great Britain Department
gb_numbers issued-5.indd 38 07/04/2008 09:42:41
GREAT BRITAIN NUMBERS ISSUED 18401910 | 7
PLATE NUMBERS
These are listed separately for stamps which incorporate the plate
number in their design, and also for the earlier 1d Blacks and 2d Blues,
but not for the 1d Red stars owing to their complexity.
OFFICIAL STAMPS, AND BRITISH STAMPS OVERPRINTED
FOR USE IN OTHER COUNTRIES
Tabulated listing of stamps overprinted for these purposes will be
found at the end of the catalogue, together with some information
on numbers overprinted.
POST1910 PERIOD
For convenience, numbers issued for commemorative sets up to the
end of the reign of King George VI have been included.
All stamps were issued in sheets of 240 unless otherwise stated
QUEEN VICTORIA Line-Engraved Issues
1840 1d BLACK
Watermark Small Crown Imperforate
Total number issued 68,158,080 (283,992 sheets)
Break-down of plates:
Plate la 4,133,760 (17,224 sheets)
1b 5,918,640 (24,661 sheets)
2 7,659,120 (31,913 sheets)
3 4,786,800 (19,945 sheets)
4 6,701,760 (27,924 sheets)
5 8,616,480 (35,902 sheets)
6 9,095,040 (37,896 sheets)
7 8,137,680 (33,907 sheets)
8 7,180,320 (29,918 sheets)
9 3,840,000 (16,000 sheets)
10 1,920,000 (8,000 sheets)
11 168,000 (700 sheets)
In addition, 8,453 sheets (2,028,720 stamps) were produced but spoilt
in printing and were ofcially destroyed.
Notes: The total number of 1d Blacks distributed in 1840 is recorded
as 63,561,840.
The fgure for plate 1a does not include spoilage. The plate 1b
fgure includes spoilage for both 1a and 1b.
Owing to the defciency of black obliterating ink for the superseding
1d Red stamps, a late consignment of black stamps was printed and
delivered in January/February, 1841 which amounted to 10,018
sheets (2,404,320 stamps). This provisional printing included all plates
save plates 2 and 8, whilst the scarce Plate 11 was only introduced at
this stage. The above totals include this late provisional printing and
of the 8,453 spoilt sheets, 182 sheets were from this printing.
1840 2d BLUE
Watermark Small Crown Imperforate
Total number issued 6,462,960 (26,929 sheets)
Break-down of plates:
Plate 1 3,977,280 (16,572 sheets)
2 2,485,680 (10,357 sheets)
For a limited period we are able to offer Full Sets of this amazing publication with each section in
a superb Presentation Box for just 950, with an extended payment facility of 6 months and Free
Postage within the UK.
We specialize in the Line Engraved 1840 To 1864 1d & 2d SG1 to SG42
We have good stocks of IMPERFS, PERFS & PLATES, both UNPLATED and PLATED including the RARE
PLATES 175, 176 and 177 IMPERF with R.RS. certicates as well as The GARDINER-HILL Collection of
the First Perforated Issue and INVERTED WMKS from the whole range.
Reecting our COMPREHENSIVE stocks of GB, QV to KGVI They include our specialist areas mentioned
above as well as:-
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3) GREAT BRITAIN USED ABROAD
4) INDIVIDUALLY PLATED 1d RED IMPERFS & STARS
5) A RARE, UNUSUAL and DIFFICULT-TO-FIND section
ALL STAMPS ARE ILLUSTRATED
LISTS LISTS
Eric Paul Ltd.
PO BOX 44, MARPLE
CHESHIRE SK6 7EE
Website:
www.ericpaul.co.uk
Email: [email protected]
Tel No. 0161 427 2101
Fax No. 0161 427 6386
Postal Only
Members: P.T.S. M.&D.P.T.A. G.B.P.S. A.D.P.S.
For each plate used, Dr Statham analyses its HISTORY, ALIGNMENT, CHARACTERISTICS, CHECK LETTERS,
DESCRIPTION, DATES, QUANTITIES, IMPRIMATURS and gives detailed listings of its VARIETIES and an
aid to PLATING. The impetus for this book came from the frustration in his early plating days with the information
then published. The availability and access to the new information, material and original documents has enabled
previous data to be checked and amended where necessary. Many THOUSANDS of NEW VARIETIES have been
listed for the rst time, following Dr. Stathams meticulous research and process of double-checking. It is intended
that virtually EVERY VARIETY is ILLUSTRATED - all drawn by Dr. Statham.
Dr. Statham hoped that his publication would enable other collectors, both specialist and beginners alike, to derive
the same pleasure that he has had over the years in collecting these issues. As the scope of the book is so large, it has
been published in several parts and with the publication of Volume 18 and totals 3835 pages.
The Essential Guide
To The Line Engraved 1840 To 1864
1d & 2d Stars
Volume 1 Introduction
Volume 2 The One Penny Value - Die 1 Plates 1-11
Volume 3 The One Penny Value - Die 1 Plates l2-56
Volume 4 Plating Summary covering all the
red Plates from l-56
Volume 5 The One Penny Value - Die 1 Plates 57-87
Volume 6 Plating Summary covering Plates 57-87
Volume 7 The One Penny Value - Die 1 Plates 88-131
Volume 8 Plating Summary covering Plates 88-131
Volume 9 The One Penny Value -
Die 1 Plates 132-177
Volume 10 Plating Summary covering Plates l32-177
Volume 11 The One Penny Value -
Die 1 Plates 178-204, Rl to R6
Volume 12 Plating Summary covering
Plates 178-204, Rl to R6
Volume 13 The One Penny Value - Die 2 Plates 1-21
Volume 14 Plating Summary covering plates 1-21
Volume 15 The One Penny Value Die 2 Plates 22-49
Volume 16 The One Penny Value Die
2 Plates 50-68, R15-R17
Volume 17 Plating Summary Covering
Plates 22-68, R15-R17
Volume 18 The Two Penny Value Plates 1-6
Including Photographs of the Dendy
Marshal Reconstructions and the Addenda
and Corringenda to the whole series
gb_numbers issued-5.indd 7 07/04/2008 09:42:22
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GIBBONS
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GREAT BRITAIN NUMBERS ISSUED 18401910 | 9
In addition, 633 sheets (151,920 stamps) were produced of the
combined plates but spoilt in printing and were ofcially destroyed.
Notes: The total number of 2d Blues recorded as sold in 1840 is
5,382,240.
The frst delivery of 2d Blues was not until 8th May, 1840 (two days
after the issue of the 1d Black) and this consisted of only 600 sheets
which were restricted to sale within the London area.
1841 1d RED
Watermark Small Crown Imperforate
Total number issued over 2,588,000,000 of which it is estimated
120,000,000 were later perforated, leaving an approximate total of
imperforate stamps of 2,468,000,000.
Break-down of plates: About four-ffths of this quantity (over
2,013,000,000 stamps) were from plates 1 to 131 of Alphabet I and
the remainder (about 575,000,000 stamps) were from plates 132 to
175 of Alphabet II. Some of the latter group, i.e. Alphabet II, were later
perforated (see above) and these perforated types are included in the
totals for the 185461 issue.
Notes: The frst delivery of red stamps was made by the 27th of
January, 1841 and consisted of some 19,000 sheets printed from the
original black plates 1, 2, 5, 8, 9, 10 and the new plate 11.
A Trial Printing of plate 11 on Dickinson silk-threaded paper was
made in April, 1841 consisting of 8 sheets (1920 stamps), six sheets
being gummed and two without gum.
1841 2d BLUE
Watermark Small Crown Imperforate
Total number issued about 87,960,000 (366,500 sheets)
Break-down of plates:
Plate 3 45,960,000 (191,500 sheets)
4 42,000,000 (175,000 sheets)
Notes: The later perforated issue of plate 4 was from a new printing
with the marginal inscriptions altered and not from remainders of the
imperforate sheets.
184853 1d RED WITH TRIAL PERFORATIONS
Henry Archer apparently experimented on 5,000 sheets (1,200,000
stamps) with his perforating machines between 1848 to 1850, most
of which were destroyed because of imperfections. A similar quantity
was used by the Government in 1853 whilst making trial perforations
(gauge 14 and 16) on the Napier Machine.
185461 PERFORATED 1d REDS
Total number issued for the combined Large and Small Crown
watermarked paper perforated 14 or 16 was over 5,116,000,000
(21,316,500+ sheets). Unfortunately, fgures are not available for the
separate issues except that for the 1854 1d Die I on Small Crown paper
perforated 16 well in excess of 410,000,000 (1,708,300+ sheets) were
produced, and it is estimated that some 3,840,000,000 (16,000,000
sheets) were on white paper. Consequently, the remaining issues
could only have totalled less than 866,000,000 (3,608,300 sheets)
altogether.
Break-down of plates: This varies considerably. For instance, only
19,400 sheets were printed of plate 64, whilst plate 27 produced over
a million sheets on white paper alone.
gb_numbers issued-5.indd 9 07/04/2008 09:42:24
10 | GREAT BRITAIN NUMBERS ISSUED 18401910
185458 PERFORATED 2d BLUES
Total number issued for the combined Large and Small Crown
watermarked paper perforated 14 or 16 was about 45,360,000
(189,000 sheets).
Break-down of plates and issues:
Small Crown perf. 16
(plate 4) 14,160,000 (59,000 sheets)
(plate 5) 960,000 (4,000 sheets)
Small Crown perf. 14
(plate 4) 1,680,000 (7,000 sheets)
(plate 5) 1,920,000 (8,000 sheets)
Large Crown perf. 16
(plate 5) 960,000 (4,000 sheets)
Large Crown perf. 14
(plate 5) 15,600,000 (65,000 sheets)
(plate 6) 8,880,000 (37,000 sheets)
Large Crown perf. 16 on white paper
(plate 6) 1,200,000 (5,000 sheets)
185869 1d RED WITH LETTERS IN ALL FOUR CORNERS
Watermark Large Crown Plate Numbers printed in the design
Total number issued 13,434,000,000 (55,975,000 sheets)
Break-down of plates printed including spoilt sheets:
Plate 71 133,680,000 (557,000 sheets)
72 125,472,000 (552,800 sheets)
73 127,176,000 (529,900 sheets)
74 127,440,000 (531,000 sheets)
76 133,320,000 (555,500 sheets)
78 147,744,000 (615,600 sheets)
79 153,264,000 (638,600 sheets)
80 118,848,000 (495,200 sheets)
81 124,872,000 (520,300 sheets)
82 63,216,000 (263,400 sheets)
83 47,904,000 (199,600 sheets)
84 88,656,000 (369,400 sheets)
85 122,472,000 (510,300 sheets)
86 110,520,000 (460,500 sheets)
87 110,976,000 (462,400 sheets)
88 47,760,000 (199,000 sheets)
89 120,936,000 (503,900 sheets)
90 113,208,000 (471,700 sheets)
91 92,184,000 (384,100 sheets)
92 136,248,000 (567,700 sheets)
93 109,224,000 (455,100 sheets)
94 114,864,000 (478,600 sheets)
95 128,064,000 (533,600 sheets)
96 117,192,000 (488,300 sheets)
97 128,832,000 (536,800 sheets)
98 84,336,000 (351,400 sheets)
99 85,272,000 (355,300 sheets)
100 61,608,000 (256,700 sheets)
101 89,400,000 (372,500 sheets)
102 118,848,000 (495,200 sheets)
103 96,144,000 (400,600 sheets)
gb_numbers issued-5.indd 10 07/04/2008 09:42:25
GREAT BRITAIN NUMBERS ISSUED 18401910 | 11
104 42,336,000 (176,400 sheets)
105 48,624,000 (202,600 sheets)
106 93,912,000 (391,300 sheets)
107 77,040,000 (321,000 sheets)
108 51,240,000 (213,500 sheets)
109 56,760,000 (236,500 sheets)
110 76,032,000 (316,800 sheets)
111 108,648,000 (452,700 sheets)
112 71,856,000 (299,400 sheets)
113 87,840,000 (366,000 sheets)
114 55,944,000 (233,100 sheets)
115 51,360,000 (214,000 sheets)
116 84,120,000 (350,500 sheets)
117 114,960,000 (479,000 sheets)
118 105,792,000 (440,800 sheets)
119 118,512,000 (493,800 sheets)
120 169,632,000 (706,800 sheets)
121 97,488,000 (406,200 sheets)
122 166,416,000 (693,400 sheets)
123 107,472,000 (447,800 sheets)
124 143,448,000 (597,700 sheets)
125 103,128,000 (429,700 sheets)
127 94,872,000 (395,300 sheets)
129 104,352,000 (434,800 sheets)
130 98,880,000 (412,000 sheets)
131 76,968,000 (320,700 sheets)
132 22,872,000 (95,300 sheets)
133 33,936,000 (141,400 sheets)
134 190,368,000 (793,200 sheets)
135 45,720,000 (190,500 sheets)
136 71,880,000 (299,500 sheets)
137 143,088,000 (596,200 sheets)
138 168,072,000 (700,300 sheets)
139 46,632,000 (194,300 sheets)
140 235,800,000 (982,500 sheets)
141 43,512,000 (181,300 sheets)
142 50,952,000 (212,300 sheets)
143 68,808,000 (286,700 sheets)
144 49,584,000 (206,600 sheets)
145 130,800,000 (545,000 sheets)
146 110,424,000 (460,100 sheets)
147 99,192,000 (413,300 sheets)
148 121,872,000 (507,800 sheets)
149 113,976,000 (474,900 sheets)
150 163,800,000 (682,500 sheets)
151 67,872,000 (282,800 sheets)
152 77,496,000 (322,900 sheets)
153 30,816,000 (128,400 sheets)
154 99,624,000 (415,100 sheets)
155 92,472,000 (385,300 sheets)
156 119,232,000 (496,800 sheets)
157 108,000,000 (450,000 sheets)
158 127,440,000 (531,000 sheets)
159 117,528,000 (489,700 sheets)
160 126,000,000 (525,000 sheets)
gb_numbers issued-5.indd 11 07/04/2008 09:42:25
12 | GREAT BRITAIN NUMBERS ISSUED 18401910
161 55,752,000 (232,300 sheets)
162 87,648,000 (365,200 sheets)
163 90,552,000 (377,300 sheets)
164 76,392,000 (318,300 sheets)
165 115,992,000 (483,300 sheets)
166 92,352,000 (384,800 sheets)
167 119,376,000 (497,400 sheets)
168 89,832,000 (374,300 sheets)
169 55,944,000 (233,100 sheets)
170 137,400,000 (572,500 sheets)
171 217,608,000 (906,700 sheets)
172 110,064,000 (458,600 sheets)
173 72,792,000 (303,300 sheets)
174 108,000,000 estimate
175 90,456,000 (376,900 sheets)
176 76,144,000 (313,100 sheets)
177 90,000,000 estimate
178 58,944,000 (245,600 sheets)
179 97,824,000 (407,600 sheets)
180 51,720,000 (215,500 sheets)
181 114,864,000 (478,600 sheets)
182 51,648,000 (215,200 sheets)
183 90,384,000 (376,600 sheets)
184 70,000,000 estimate
185 53,112,000 (221,300 sheets)
186 73,056,000 (304,400 sheets)
187 102,672,000 (427,800 sheets)
188 55,584,000 (231,600 sheets)
189 52,320,000 (218,000 sheets)
190 80,000,000 estimate
191 80,000,000 estimate
192 110,400,000 (460,000 sheets)
193 80,000,000 estimate
194 66,000,000 (275,000 sheets)
195 72,000,000 estimate
196 78,000,000 estimate
197 61,728,000 (257,200 sheets)
198 96,000,000 estimate
199 75,360,000 (314,000 sheets)
200 65,000,000 estimate
201 83,448,000 (347,700 sheets)
202 60,000,000 estimate
203 96,000,000 estimate
204 85,000,000 estimate
205 85,000,000 estimate
206 92,000,000 estimate
207 60,000,000 estimate
208 85,000,000 estimate
209 85,000,000 estimate
210 45,384,000 (189,100 sheets)
211 34,000,000 estimate
212 60,000,000 estimate
213 60,000,000 estimate
214 55,000,000 estimate
215 55,000,000 estimate
gb_numbers issued-5.indd 12 07/04/2008 09:42:25
GREAT BRITAIN NUMBERS ISSUED 18401910 | 13
216 48,000,000 estimate
217 36,000,000 estimate
218 37,000,000 estimate
219 12,000,000 estimate
220 37,000,000 estimate
221 31,000,000 estimate
222 30,000,000 estimate
223 15,000,000 estimate
224 20,000,000 estimate
225 3,000,000 estimate
The total number printed for plates 71 to 225 amounted to about
14,000,000,000 stamps (58,333,000 sheets) of which some 566,000,000
stamps (2,358,000 sheets) were spoilt in printing and ofcially
destroyed, leaving a total number actually issued of 13,434,000,000
stamps (55,975,000 sheets).
Notes: Plate 77 (together with plates 69, 70, 75, 126 and 128) was
rejected owing to defects, but a few sheets were apparently printed
from which seven or eight stamps have survived.
185869 2d BLUE WITH LETTERS IN ALL FOUR CORNERS
Watermark Large Crown Plate Numbers printed in the design
Total number issued about 196,824,000 (820,100 sheets.
Break-down of plates:
Plate 7 9,600,000 (40,000 sheets)
8 15,840,000 (66,000 sheets)
9 92,040,000 (383,500 sheets)
12 7,344,000 (30,600 sheets)
13 30,000,000 (125,000 sheets)
14 21,000,000 estimate
15 21,000,000 estimate
Notes: No ofcial records were kept of numbers printed or issued
for plates 14 or 15. However, accepting that these two plates are of
comparable rarity, we have arrived at the above estimates by dividing
equally the remainder after deducting the quantities known for the
other plates from the total number issued.
1870 d RED
Watermark Halfpenny extending over three stamps. Issued in sheets
of 480
Total number issued 1,600,276,320 (3,333,909 sheets)
In addition, 236,923,680 (493,591 sheets) were produced but spoilt in
printing and were ofcially destroyed.
Break-down of plates printed including spoilt sheets:
Plate 1 58,320,000 (121,500 sheets)
3 92,400,000 (192,500 sheets)
4 127,008,000 (264,600 sheets)
5 255,936,000 (533,200 sheets)
6 193,008,000 (402,100 sheets)
8 12,500,000 estimate
9 2,500,000 estimate
10 185,328,000 (386,100 sheets)
11 197,280,000 (411,000 sheets)
12 175,000,000 estimate
13 175,000,000 estimate
14 175,000,000 estimate
gb_numbers issued-5.indd 13 07/04/2008 09:42:25
14 | GREAT BRITAIN NUMBERS ISSUED 18401910
15 80,000,000 estimate
19 60,000,000 estimate
20 48,000,000 estimate
1870 1d RED
Watermark Large Crown
Total number issued 42,638,160 (177,659 sheets)
In addition, 2,874,000 (11,975 sheets) were produced but spoilt in
printing and were ofcially destroyed.
Break-down of plates printed including spoilt sheets:
Plate 1 (no plate number) 15,872,160 (66,134 sheets)
3 (number 3 at sides) 29,640,000 (123,500 sheets)
This stamp was prepared for use in 1860 but not issued and 10,000
sheets (2,400,000 stamps) of plate 1 were printed in rosy-mauve. Of
these, 1,000 sheets were overprinted Specimen and distributed to
postmasters. Of the remaining 9,000 sheets, 8,962 were destroyed in
May, 1867. The remaining 38 sheets (9,120 stamps) have since been
split up and are in the hands of collectors.
The error of lettering OP-PC instead of CP-PC occurred on all
printings from plate 1, thus 66,134 examples (one on each sheet)
were originally created. However, since the error was not discovered
until 1894 many of these must have been destroyed.
Embossed Stamps
1847 1s GREEN
Paper with silk threads Imperforate Issued in sheets of 20
Total number issued 5,655,420 (282,771 sheets)
In addition, 1,804,580 (90,229 sheets) were produced but spoilt in
printing and were ofcially destroyed.
Break-down of Dies (estimated):
Die I 3,000,000 (150,000 sheets)
Die II 2,655,420 (132,771 sheets)
Notes: The frst printing was in 1847 when 40,000 sheets were
printed. Subsequent printings were not until 1850 (16,000 sheets),
1851 (32,000 sheets), 1852 (46,000 sheets), 1853 (64,000 sheets), and
the remainder were printed prior to the end of October, 1856.
1848 10d BROWN
Paper with silk threads Imperforate Issued in sheets of 24
Total number issued 2,805,960 (116,915 sheets)
In addition, 122,040 (5,085 sheets) were produced which are believed
to have been destroyed as waste, making a total printing of 122,000
sheets.
Break-down of Dies:
Die I 404,016 (16,834 sheets)
Die II 826,104 (34,421 sheets)
Die III 1,382,736 (57,614 sheets)
Die IV 193,104 (8,046 sheets)
Notes: The frst printing was in 1847 when 20,000 sheets were
printed. Subsequent printings were not until 1850 (8,000 sheets),
1851 (16,000 sheets), 1852 (14,000 sheets), 1853 (32,000 sheets), 1854
(32,000 sheets).
The 10d was withdrawn on August 15th, 1855 but re-issued in 1862
when 2,012 withdrawn sheets, left over at Somerset House, were put
back into circulation.
gb_numbers issued-5.indd 14 07/04/2008 09:42:26
GREAT BRITAIN NUMBERS ISSUED 18401910 | 15
1854 6d PURPLE
Watermark V.R. Imperforate Issued in sheets of 40
Total number issued 3,718,280 (92,957 sheets)
Of 6,659,920 (166,498 sheets) printed, which included 2,219,920
(55,498 sheets) printed in 1856 but never issued, 2,941,640 (73,541
sheets) were apparently ofcially destroyed upon the introduction of
the surface-printed 6d.
Notes: 4,000 of the total number issued were overprinted Specimen
and distributed amongst various post ofces.
Surface-Printed Issues
1855 4d CARMINE
Watermark Small Garter Thick, blued Safety paper
Total number issued 2,770,800 (11,545 sheets)
Break-down of plates:
Plate 1 2,760,000 (11,500 sheets)
2 10,800 (45 sheets)
Notes: The quantity of plate 1 includes a late printing made in
November, 1856 and January, 1857 on a remainder stock of Small
Garter watermarked paper which lacked the blueing giving the
appearance of white paper and we estimate these amounted to 1,000
sheets. The quantity of plate 2 includes the imprimatur sheet.
4,000 stamps from plate 1 were overprinted Specimen and
distributed amongst various post ofces.
1856 4d CARMINE
Watermark Medium Garter Thick, blued `Safety paper.
Total number issued 1,320,000 (5,500 sheets)
Break-down of plates: All plate 1.
1856 4d CARMINE ON WHITE PAPER
Watermark Medium Garter
Total number issued 480,000 (2,000 sheets)
Break-down of plates: All plate 1.
1856 4d ROSE
Watermark Medium Garter Specially prepared ink
Total number issued 1,800,000 (7,500 sheets)
Break-down of plates: All plate 1.
1857 4d ROSE
Watermark Large Garter
Total number issued 28,776,960 (119,904 sheets)
Break-down of plates:
Plate 1 23,147,760 (96,449 sheets)
2 5,629,200 (23,455 sheets)
1856 6d LILAC
Watermark Emblems
Total number issued 32,040,000 (133,500 sheets)
Break-down of plates: All plate 1.
Notes: The frst 2,000 sheets (480,000 stamps) were printed on azure
paper.
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16 | GREAT BRITAIN NUMBERS ISSUED 18401910
1856 1s GREEN
Watermark Emblems
Total number issued 12,120,000 (50,500 sheets)
Break-down of plates: All plate 1.
Notes: The frst 500 sheets (120,000 stamps) were printed earlier by
way of an experiment on azure paper in June 1856.
186264 SERIES WITH `SMALL WHITE CORNER LETTERS
Watermark Emblems (except 4d which has Large Garter)
3d CARMINE-ROSE
Total number issued 5,173,200 (21,555 sheets)
Break-down of plates:
Plate 2 5,172,000 (21,550 sheets)
3 1,200 (5 sheets)
Notes: The 3d plate 2 was frst printed with a network background in
the spandrels. These were never issued and consisted of 1,458 sheets
which were mainly destroyed, but a few were overprinted Specimen
and some exist without the overprint. These are not included in the
quantities given.
The 3d plate 3 were the fve Registration sheets of which one or
two sheets were perforated and put into circulation. A few used
copies (two of which came from Yarmouth) and 2 unused examples
are known to exist.
5,000 stamps from plate 2 were overprinted Specimen and
distributed amongst various post ofces.
4d RED
Total number issued 30,000,000 (125,000 sheets)
Break-down of plates:
Plate 3 13,800,000 (57,500 sheets)
4 16,200,000 (67,500 sheets)
6d LILAC
Total number issued 15,360,000 (64,000 sheets)
Break-down of plates:
Plate 3 11,040,000 (46,000 sheets)
4 4,320,000 (18,000 sheets)
9d BISTRE
Total number issued 1,573,200 (6,555 sheets)
Break-down of plates:
Plate 2 1,572,000 (6,550 sheets)
3 1,200 (5 sheets)
Notes: The 9d plate 3 were the fve Registration sheets of which some
were perforated and put into circulation. About 30 used copies and 3
unused examples have been recorded.
1s GREEN
Total number issued 6,241,200 (26,005 sheets)
Break-down of plates:
Plate 1 = Plate 2 6,240,000 (26,000 sheets)
Plate 2 = Plate 3 1,200 (5 sheets)
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GREAT BRITAIN NUMBERS ISSUED 18401910 | 17
Notes: The 1s plate 2 = 3 were the fve Registration sheets of which a
few were unofcially perforated. 3 mint copies are known to exist.
5,000 stamps from plate 1 = 2 were overprinted Specimen and
distributed amongst various post ofces.
186567 SERIES WITH `LARGE WHITE CORNER LETTERS
Watermark Emblem (except 4d which has Large Garter)
3d ROSE
Total number issued 10,198,800 (42,495 sheets)
Break-down of plates: All plate 4.
4d VERMILION
Total number issued 81,362,880 (339,012 sheets)
Break-down of plates:
Plate 7 8,280,000 (34,500 sheets)
8 10,800,000 (45,000 sheets)
9 10,080,000 (42,000 sheets)
10 2,760,000 (11,500 sheets)
11 13,200,000 (55,000 sheets)
12 15,842,880 (66,012 sheets)
13 12,000,000 (50,000 sheets)
14 8,400,000 (35,000 sheets)
6d LILAC
Total number issued 17,760,000 (74,000 sheets)
Break-down of plates:
Plate 5 14,880,000 (62,000 sheets)
6 2,880,000 (12,000 sheets)
9d STRAW
Total number issued 721,200 (3,005 sheets)
Break-down of plates: All plate 4.
Notes: Unused copies of the unissued plate 5 exist and examples
must have come from the fve Registration sheets printed, from which
about 3 dozen stamps from the K, L, M, & N rows were perforated by
Messrs. De La Rue in 1887 for insertion in twelve souvenir albums to
be presented to members of the Stamp Committee. About twenty of
these stamps were later returned to the Archives and replaced in the
imprimatur sheet.
10d RED-BROWN
The 10d on Emblems watermark paper was printed in error whilst
preparing the 1867 issue on Spray watermark paper. Only one or
two sheets could have been produced and only 10 copies have been
reported of which 7 were used in Constantinople.
1s GREEN
Total number issued 9,362,640 (39,011 sheets)
Break-down of plates: All plate 4.
Notes: Five Registration sheets of the 1s plate 5 with Emblems
watermark were printed but never issued. Perforated examples with
this watermark do not exist.
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18 | GREAT BRITAIN NUMBERS ISSUED 18401910
186780 SERIES WITH `LARGE WHITE CORNER LETTERS
Watermark Spray of Rose Designs as for 186567 series
3d ROSE
Total number issued 77,280,000 (322 sheets)
Break-down of plates:
Plate 4 2,641,200 (11,005 sheets)
5 23,158,800 (96,495 sheets)
6 17,880,000 (74,500 sheets)
7 8,400,000 (35,000 sheets)
8 8,400,000 (35,000 sheets)
9 8,400,000 (35,000 sheets)
10 8,400,000 (35,000 sheets)
6d LILAC (WITH HYPHEN)
Total number issued 14,400,000 (60,000 sheets)
Break-down of plates: All plate 6.
Notes: The Board decided on the 24th of March, 1868 that this stamp
should be issued in a brighter colour and from the 22nd of July,
1868 about 22,000 sheets (5,280,000 stamps) were issued in bright
violet. This quantity is included in the fgure given above for the total
number issued.
6d MAUVE (WITHOUT HYPHEN)
Total number issued 27,841,200 (116,005 sheets)
Break-down of plates:
Plate 8 14,520,000 (60,500 sheets)
9 13,320,000 (55,500 sheets)
10 1,200 (5 sheets)
Notes: The 6d plate 10 were the fve Registration sheets from which
one or more sheets apparently got into circulation. About 5 or 6
used copies have been reported including one used on cover from
Weymouth.
9d STRAW
Total number issued 5,315,520 (22,148 sheets)
Break-down of plates: All plate 4.
In addition, some 1,352 sheets (324,480 stamps) were produced
but ofcially destroyed, comprising 230,660 stamps destroyed
in December 1876 and the remainder destroyed during printing
because of spoilage. A few of the sheets destroyed in December
1876 may have come from the unissued plate 5 (see notes under the
186567 9d issue). The total printing of this stamp was thus 23,500
sheets.
10d RED-BROWN
Total number issued 3,165,540 (13,189 () sheets)
Break-down of plates:
Plate 1 3,164,340 (13,184 () sheets)
2 1,200 (5 sheets)
In addition, 815 sheets (195,660 stamps) were produced but ofcially
destroyed in December 1876, making a total printing for plate 1 of
14,000 sheets.
Notes: The 10d plate 2 were the fve Registration sheets which are
all believed to have been perforated and put into circulation. About
gb_numbers issued-5.indd 18 07/04/2008 09:42:28
GREAT BRITAIN NUMBERS ISSUED 18401910 | 19
30 used copies have been recorded and one mint example was
discovered in 1972. Another alleged unused copy exists in the Royal
Collection but this may have had a cancellation removed.
1s GREEN
Total number issued 48,598,800 (202,495 sheets)
Break-down of plates:
Plate 4 18,480,000 (77,000 sheets)
5 13,318,800 (55,495 sheets)
6 8,400,000 (35,000 sheets)
7 8,400,000 (35,000 sheets)
Notes: One complete imperforate sheet of plate 4 overprinted
Specimen has been broken up, and a single imperforate copy
lettered TL has also been recorded.
2s BLUE
Total number issued 6,722,400 (28,010 sheets)
Break-down of plates:
Plate 1 6,721,200 (28,005 sheets)
3 1,200 (5 sheets)
Notes: At frst, plate 1 was not aligned correctly which resulted in
difculty in perforating the stamps. After 2,005 sheets were printed,
Messrs. De La Rue cut the plate into separate panes and refxed them
to correct the problem. However, the fault had only afected part of
the sheets and since Messrs. De La Rue had invoiced 1,953 sheets prior
to the correction of this plate, it is assumed that part sheets equal in
quantity to 52 complete sheets (12,480 stamps) were probably spoilt
and destroyed. The quantity given for plate 1 does not take this into
account.
The 2s plate 3 were the fve Registration sheets, some of which
were perforated and put into circulation. A very few used copies are
known and a mint perforated example exists in the Royal Collection.
4,000 stamps from plate 1 were overprinted Specimen and
distributed amongst various post ofces. A complete imperforate
sheet overprinted as such is known, together with an imperforate
single lettered NG.
2s BROWN
Total number issued 77,620 (equal to nearly 323 half sheets)
Break-down of plates: All plate 1.
Notes: Originally, 1,000 sheets were printed of which after spoilage
967 full sheets and 28 half sheets were issued. After about four
months the Post Ofce decided to discontinue this stamp and 157,820
examples (equal to over 657 half sheets) were ofcially destroyed. This
leaves the total number put into circulation (plus a small residue of 4
sheets left over in stock) as given above. The facts indicate that about
1,000 mint copies exist.
1872 6d BUFF
Watermark Spray of Rose Large white corner letters
Total number issued 9,601,200 (40,005 sheets)
Break-down of plates:
Plate 11 (Chestnut) 4,800,000 (20,000 sheets)
11 (Buf) 3,600,000 (15,000 sheets)
12 (Chestnut) 1,200 (5 sheets)
12 (Buf) 1,200,000 (5,000 sheets)
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20 | GREAT BRITAIN NUMBERS ISSUED 18401910
Notes: The fve sheets of plate 12 in chestnut were Registration sheets,
of which up to 4 sheets were apparently perforated and issued. A
number of used examples have been recorded.
1873 6d GREY
Watermark Spray of Rose Design as 1872 6d Buf
Total number issued 7,198,800 (29,995 sheets)
Break-down of plates: All plate 12.
186783 HIGH VALUES
Notes: Early printings of the stamps with Anchor watermark were on
blued paper, but as printings progressed the paper became less blued
and fnally almost white owing to the variation in the composition
of the prussate of potash. The blued and white papers are therefore
really one issue and cannot be classifed separately. A few of these
stamps, especially those on Anchor paper, were used on telegrams.
5s ROSE
Watermark Maltese Cross Perforation 15 15 Issued in sheets
of 80
Total number issued 5,480,800 (68,510 sheets)
Break-down of plates:
Plate 1 3,920,000 (49,000 sheets)
2 1,560,400 (19,505 sheets)
4 400 (5 sheets)
Notes: The fve sheets of plate 4 were Registration sheets and no
perforated mint or used copies have yet been recorded.
5s ROSE
Watermark Large Anchor Perforation 14 Issued in sheets of 56
Total number issued 537,374 (9,596 sheets)
Break-down of plates: All plate 4.
In addition, some 404 sheets (22,626 stamps) were produced but
destroyed in 1884, making a total printing of 10,000 sheets.
10s GREY-GREEN
Watermark Maltese Cross Perforation 15 15 Issued in sheets
of 80
Total number issued 242,000 (3,025 sheets)
Break-down of plates: All plate 1.
10s GREY-GREEN
Watermark Large Anchor Perforation 14 Issued in sheets of 56
Total number issued 224,000 (4,000 sheets)
Break-down of plates: All plate 1.
1 BROWN-LILAC
Watermark Maltese Cross Perforation 15 15 Issued in sheets
of 80
Total number issued 242,000 (3,025 sheets)
Break-down of plates: All plate 1.
1 BROWN-LILAC
Watermark Large Anchor Perforation 14 Issued in sheets of 56
Total number issued 112,000 (2,000 sheets)
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GREAT BRITAIN NUMBERS ISSUED 18401910 | 21
Break-down of plates: All plate 1.
5 ORANGE
Watermark Two Large Anchors Perforation 14 Issued in sheets
of 56
Total number issued 246,826 (over 4,407 half sheets)
Break-down of plates: All plate 1.
Notes: This stamp was produced from the 5 Telegraph stamp by
drilling out of each electro the word `Telegraph and replacing it by
the word `Postage. It is interesting to note that only 1,500 sheets
(84,000 stamps) were issued for the 5 Telegraph stamp which makes
it considerably rarer than its postal counterpart.
187380 SERIES
WITH `LARGE COLOURED CORNER LETTERS
2d ROSY-MAUVE
Watermark Anchor Issued in sheets of 192
Notes: These stamps were printed on paper which was blued
chemically and normally used for fscal purposes. Often the blueing
was so slight that it appeared absent (the so-called white paper),
especially on plates 2 and 3, but on plate 1 the blueing was usually
more pronounced.
Total number issued 17,281,920 (90,010 sheets)
Break-down of plates:
Plate 1 6,720,000 (35,000 sheets)
2 6,720,000 (35,000 sheets)
3 3,840,000 (20,000 sheets)
4 960 (5 sheets)
5 960 (5 sheets)
Notes: The 2d plates 4 and 5 on Anchor paper were printed as
Registration sheets and although some of these may have been put
into circulation, no mint or used perforated examples have yet been
discovered.
The error of lettering LH-FL instead of LH-HL occurred on all
printings from plate 2, thus 35,000 (one on each sheet) were originally
created. However, since the error was not discovered until June, 1893
many of these must have been destroyed.
2d ROSY-MAUVE
Watermark Orb Issued in sheets of 192
Total number issued 91,198,080 (474,990 sheets)
Break-down of plates:
Plate 3 2,880,000 (15,000 sheets)
4 6,719,040 (34,995 sheets)
5 6,719,040 (34,995 sheets)
6 6,720,000 (35,000 sheets)
7 6,720,000 (35,000 sheets)
8 6,720,000 (35,000 sheets)
9 6,720,000 (35,000 sheets)
10 6,720,000 (35,000 sheets)
11 6,720,000 (35,000 sheets)
12 6,720,000 (35,000 sheets)
13 6,720,000 (35,000 sheets)
14 6,720,000 (35,000 sheets)
15 6,720,000 (35,000 sheets)
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22 | GREAT BRITAIN NUMBERS ISSUED 18401910
16 6,720,000 (35,000 sheets)
17 960,000 (5,000 sheets)
Notes: One complete imperforate sheet of plate 8 overprinted
Specimen has been broken up.
2d BLUE
Watermark Orb Issued in sheets of 192
Total number issued 30,720,000 (160,000 sheets)
Break-down of plates:
Plate 17 5,760,000 (30,000 sheets)
18 6,720,000 (35,000 sheets)
19 11,520,000 (60,000 sheets)
20 6,720,000 (35,000 sheets)
Notes: There was no record kept of the quantity produced for plate
20, but the facts indicate that probably the usual 35,000 sheets were
printed.
Plate 17 had already produced 5,000 sheets in rosy-mauve when
the colour of this stamp was changed to blue. A further 30,000 sheets
were then printed in the new blue colour, thus completing its quota
of 35,000 sheets.
3d ROSE
Watermark Spray of Rose
Total number issued 74,400,000 (310,000 sheets)
Break-down of plates:
Plate 11 8,400,000 (35,000 sheets)
12 8,400,000 (35,000 sheets)
14 8,400,000 (35,000 sheets)
15 8,400,000 (35,000 sheets)
16 8,400,000 (35,000 sheets)
17 8,400,000 (35,000 sheets)
18 8,400,000 (35,000 sheets)
19 8,400,000 (35,000 sheets)
20 7,200,000 (30,000 sheets)
Notes: Plate 13 was defective and no stamps were printed from it.
It is possible that fve Registration sheets were printed from plate
21 on Spray of Rose watermarked paper, since an imprimatur sheet
does exist. However, no mint or used perforated examples have yet
been discovered.
4d VERMILION
Watermark Large Garter
Total number issued 3,601,200 (15,005 sheets)
Break-down of plates:
Plate 15 3,600,000 (15,000 sheets)
16 1,200 (5 sheets)
Notes: The 4d plate 16 were the fve Registration sheets, but at least two
of these sheets were perforated and issued. Some 8 used copies have
been reported, but no mint perforated examples have yet been found.
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GREAT BRITAIN NUMBERS ISSUED 18401910 | 23
4d SAGE-GREEN
Watermark Large Garter
Total number issued 12,000,000 (50,000 sheets)
Break-down of plates:
Plate 15 4,800,000 (20,000 sheets)
16 7,198,800 (29,995 sheets)
17 1,200 (5 sheets)
Notes: The 4d plate 17 were the fve Registration sheets from which
two sheets are believed to have been perforated and issued. A very
few used copies are known to exist, mostly emanating from Bradford,
but no mint perforated examples have yet been found.
One complete imperforate sheet of plate 15 overprinted Specimen
has been broken up.
4d GREY-BROWN
Watermark Large Garter
Total number issued about 2,350,800 (9,795 sheets)
Break-down of plates: All plate 17.
6d BUFF
Watermark Spray of Rose
Total number issued 1,200 (5 sheets)
Break-down of plates: All plate 13
Notes: These were actually Registration sheets which were apparently
all perforated and issued. About 18 used copies have been recorded,
mostly used at Leeds, but no mint examples have yet been found.
6d GREY
Watermark Spray of Rose
Total number issued 37,198,800 (154,995 sheets)
Break-down of plates:
Plate 13 8,398,800 (34,995 sheets)
14 8,400,000 (35,000 sheets)
15 8,400,000 (35,000 sheets)
16 8,400,000 (35,000 sheets)
17 3,600,000 (15,000 sheets)
Notes: One complete imperforate sheet of plate 16 overprinted
Specimen has been broken up.
8d ORANGE
Watermark Large Garter
Total number issued 4,801,200 (20,005 sheets)
Break-down of plates:
Plate 1 4,800,000 (20,000 sheets)
2 1,200 (5 sheets)
Notes: The 8d plate 2 were the fve Registration sheets. No mint or
used copies of these have yet been discovered.
8d PURPLE-BROWN
Watermark Large Garter
This stamp was prepared for use in July, 1876, but not issued and
about 10,000 sheets of plate 1 were printed of which most were
ofcially destroyed. However, a few mint copies have survived. This
stamp was eventually issued in orange (see above).
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24 | GREAT BRITAIN NUMBERS ISSUED 18401910
1s GREEN
Watermark Spray of Rose
Total number issued 48,001,200 (200,005 sheets)
Break-down of plates:
Plate 8 8,400,000 (35,000 sheets)
9 8,400,000 (35,000 sheets)
10 8,400,000 (35,000 sheets)
11 8,400,000 (35,000 sheets)
12 8,400,000 (35,000 sheets)
13 6,000,000 (25,000 sheets)
14 1,200 (5 sheets)
Notes: The 1s plate 14 were the fve Registration sheets from which
possibly only one sheet was perforated and issued. Four used copies
are known, mostly emanating from Greenock, but no mint perforated
examples have yet been found.
1s ORANGE-BROWN
Watermark Spray of Rose
Total number issued 1,200,000 (5,000 sheets)
Break-down of plates: All plate 13.
Notes: No record was kept of the production of this stamp, but
since there was no longer a great demand for a 1s. value owing to
the introduction of a Telegraph stamp of the same duty, it may be
safely assumed that there was only the one creation warrant, for 5,000
sheets, made out in September 1880.
POSTAGE STAMPS USED ON TELEGRAMS
When the Government took over the private Telegraph Companies
in 1870, telegraph charges were mainly defrayed by the use of an
embossed 1s. stamp similar in appearance to the embossed 1s.
postage stamp of 1847, but the charges could also be paid by using
ordinary postage stamps. Early in 1876 the Post Ofce introduced
special telegraph stamps and the use of postage stamps was no
longer permissible. On the 1st of November 1881 telegraph stamps
were abolished altogether and from then on all telegrams were
prepaid by the use of ordinary postage stamps. Consequently,
certain post1881 values (especially the 1s. denomination) had a
considerable telegraphic usage and most of the stamps used on
telegrams were eventually ofcially destroyed. In this catalogue
the proportions and quantities quoted of postage stamps most
frequently used for telegraphic purposes are calculated by
comparing such denominations with the numbers sold of the
ofcial telegraph stamps issued prior to 1881. The use of the
telegraph system started to decline after 1900 owing to the
increasing use of the telephone.
188083 SERIES WITH `LARGE COLOURED
CORNER LETTERS
Watermark Imperial Crown Designs as in 187380 series
Notes: The quantities produced from each plate in this series are not
recorded, but some information is available on the total numbers
sold for each value. The total quantities must therefore be taken as
approximate and the break-down of plates have been estimated.
gb_numbers issued-5.indd 24 07/04/2008 09:42:30
GREAT BRITAIN NUMBERS ISSUED 18401910 | 25
2d BLUE
Total number issued 92,640,000 (386,000 sheets)
Break-down of plates:
Plate 21 30,240,000 (126,000 sheets)
22 31,200,000 (130,000 sheets)
23 31,200,000 (130,000 sheets)
3d ROSE
Total number issued 45,900,000 (191,250 sheets)
Break-down of plates:
Plate 20 15,900,000 (66,250 sheets)
21 30,000,000 (125,000 sheets)
Note: At least one quarter of these stamps were used on telegrams.
4d GREY-BROWN
Total number issued 13,248,000 (55,200 sheets)
Break-down of plates:
Plate 17 6,048,000 (25,200 sheets)
18 7,200,000 (30,000 sheets)
6d GREY
Total number issued 30,000,000 (125,000 sheets)
Break-down of plates:
Plate 17 13,200,000 (55,000 sheets)
18 16,800,000 (70,000 sheets)
Notes: When the 6d on 6d lilac was introduced in 1883 the remaining
stock of plate 18 in grey was overprinted I.R.Ofcial and these are
included in the above total.
It is estimated that some 1,750,000 stamps from plate 17 and
1,250,000 stamps from plate 18 were used on telegrams.
1s ORANGE-BROWN
Total number issued 59,520,000 (248,000 sheets)
Break-down of plates:
Plate 13 31,920,000 (133,000 sheets)
14 27,600,000 (115,000 sheets)
Notes: At least one half of these stamps were used on telegrams.
`3d SURCHARGED IN CARMINE ON 3d LILAC
Total number issued 14,400,000 (60,000 sheets)
Break-down of plates: All plate 21.
Notes: At least one quarter of these stamps were used on telegrams,
and a few were used for revenue purposes.
`6d SURCHARGED IN CARMINE ON 6d LILAC
Total number issued 9,600,000 (40,000 sheets)
Break-down of plates: All plate 18.
Notes: One example of this stamp exists with a double overprint and
this was discovered by the author of this book in 1966.
At least one quarter of these stamps were used on telegrams, and
a few were used for revenue purposes.
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26 | GREAT BRITAIN NUMBERS ISSUED 18401910
188081 NEW DESIGNS `WITHOUT PLATE NUMBERS
Watermark Imperial Crown No check letters (except for 1 d value)
d GREEN
Total number issued 902,520,000 (3,760,500 sheets)
1d VENETIAN RED
Total number issued 1,462,584,000 (6,094,100 sheets)
1d VENETIAN RED
Total number issued 49,248,000 (205,200 sheets)
2d ROSE
Total number issued 27,396,000 (114,150 sheets)
Notes: One imperforate copy overprinted Specimen has been
recorded.
5d INDIGO
Total number issued 9,804,000 (40,850 sheets)
Notes: One imperforate copy overprinted Specimen has been
recorded.
POSTAGE STAMPS USED FOR REVENUE PURPOSES
With the introduction of the 1881 1d lilac, penny postage stamps
could also be used for revenue purposes and the words Postage &
Revenue were incorporated in the stamp design. In February 1883
this inscription and usage was extended to all other values up to
2s.6d. The main demand for revenue usage at that time was for the
1d, 3d, 6d, 1s, and 2s.6d. denominations.
THE PARCEL POST
The Post Ofce introduced the Parcel Post on the 1st of August,
1883 and thus stamps used after that date may be found with
parcel post obliterations. Since 3d was the minimum inland parcel
post rate, values of 3d and over were mainly used.
1881 1d LILAC
Watermark Imperial Crown No check letters in corners.
Total number issued 34,095,984,000 (142,066,600 sheets)
Breakdown of Dies:
Die I (14 dots in each corner) 495,984,000 (2,066,600 sheets)
Die II (16 dots in each corner) 33,600,000,000 (140,000,000 sheets)
Notes: It is estimated that about 1% of these were used for revenue
purposes.
188384 HIGH VALUES
Watermark Large Anchor Issued in sheets of 112
Notes: At frst this issue was printed on paper blued for revenue
purposes, but early in 1884 the blued paper was replaced by white
paper. The actual quantities printed on blued paper are not available,
although considerably less were produced than on the later white
paper. The totals given below are therefore of the combined printings
on blued and white paper. A few of these stamps were used on
telegrams
gb_numbers issued-5.indd 26 07/04/2008 09:42:31
GREAT BRITAIN NUMBERS ISSUED 18401910 | 27
2s.6d LILAC
Total number issued 10,325,392 (92,191 sheets)
Notes: A few of these stamps were used for revenue purposes.
5s ROSE
Total number issued 7,520,800 (67,150 sheets)
Notes: These stamps may be found perforated 12 but they were never
issued and originate from parts of waste sheets sent to Somerset
House for ofcial reasons.
10s ULTRAMARINE
Total number issued 1,929,200 (17,225 sheets)
1884 1 BROWN-LILAC
Watermark three Imperial Crowns Issued in sheets of 80
Total number issued 360,160 (4,502 sheets)
Notes: A few of these stamps were used on telegrams.
1888 1 BROWN-LILAC
Watermark three Orbs Issued in sheets of 80 Design as 1884 1
Total number issued 80,800 (1,010 sheets)
Notes: This issue was actually an error of printing on fscal paper. When
the error was discovered the Post Ofce withdrew the remainder
which had not already been circulated (probably some 10,000 stamps
of the above total) and overprinted them I.R. Ofcial for ofcial use.
A few of these stamps were used on telegrams.
188384 UNIFIED SERIES
Watermark Imperial Crown Check letters in corners
Notes: All the following values (except the 9d) may be found
imperforate or perforated 12. These were never issued and came from
parts of waste sheets sent to Somerset House for ofcial purposes.
d SLATE BLUE
Design as 188081 d
Total number issued 949,920,000 (3,958,000 sheets)
1d LILAC
Total number issued 57,240,000 (238,500 sheets)
2d LILAC
Total number issued 27,240,000 (113,500 sheets)
2d LILAC
Total number issued 111,960,000 (466,500 sheets)
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28 | GREAT BRITAIN NUMBERS ISSUED 18401910
3d LILAC
Total number issued 42,480,000 (177,000 sheets)
Notes: At least one third of these stamps were used on telegrams or
for revenue purposes.
4d DULL GREEN
Total number issued 15,960,000 (66,500 sheets)
5d DULL GREEN
Design as 1d
Total number issued 12,000,000 (50,000 sheets)
Note: There were two Dies of the 5d of which only Die II was issued
and represented in the above total. Die I (with a short line under d of
value instead of a dot) was prepared and some 2,500 sheets printed,
but the plate cracked early in use and most of those already printed
were ofcially destroyed, although a few mint copies are known to
have survived.
6d DULL GREEN
Design as 2d
Total number issued 21,240,000 (88,500 sheets)
Notes: At least one third of these stamps were used on telegrams or
for revenue purposes.
9d DULL GREEN
Design as 2d
Total number issued 6,480,000 (27,000 sheets)
1s DULL GREEN
Design as 3d
Total number issued 54,000,000 (225,000 sheets)
Notes: At least four ffths of these stamps were used on telegrams or
for revenue purposes.
18871900 JUBILEE ISSUE
Watermark Imperial Crown (1 three Crowns)
d VERMILION
Total number issued 13,494,216,720 (56,225,903 sheets)
d BLUE-GREEN
Total number issued 2,605,146,600 (10,854,777 sheets)
1d PURPLE AND GREEN
Total number issued 492,960,000 (2,054,000 sheets)
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GREAT BRITAIN NUMBERS ISSUED 18401910 | 29
2d GREEN AND CARMINE
Total number issued 305,448,000 (1,272,700 sheets)
2d PURPLE ON BLUE PAPER
Total number issued 469,920,000 (1,958,000 sheets)
Notes: One sheet printed on the gummed side was found at
Southampton in 1904.
3d PURPLE ON YELLOW PAPER
Total number issued 527,040,000 (2,196,000 sheets)
Notes: It is estimated that about 45,000,000 of these stamps were
used on telegrams or for revenue purposes.
4d GREEN AND BROWN
Issued in sheets of 80
Total number issued 222,000,000 (2,775,000 sheets)
4d GREEN AND CARMINE
Issued in sheets of 80
Total number issued 82,000,000 (1,025,000 sheets)
Notes: This value was introduced in 1892 for use on parcels weighing
two pounds, but in June 1897 this rate became obsolete and a large
stock of 4d stamps remained unused. For this reason the 4d is
more common mint than used and the majority of used copies are, of
course, parcel cancelled.
5d DULL PURPLE AND BLUE
Total number issued 142,800,000 (595,000 sheets)
Notes: Two Duty Plates exist of the 5d value, of which probably some
100,000 sheets were of Duty Plate I and the rest Duty Plate II.
6d PURPLE ON RED PAPER
Total number issued 784,800,000 (3,270,000 sheets)
Note: It is estimated that about 75,000,000 of these stamps were used
on telegrams or for revenue purposes.
9d PURPLE AND BLUE
Issued in sheets of 80
Total number issued 77,920,000 (974,000 sheets)
Notes: It is estimated that about 7,000,000 of these stamps were used
on telegrams or for revenue purposes.
10d PURPLE AND RED
Issued in sheets of 96
Total number issued 33,465,600 (348,600 sheets)
1s GREEN
Total number issued 138,600,000 (577,500 sheets)
Notes: It is estimated that over 100,000,000 of these stamps were
used on telegrams or for revenue purposes.
1s GREEN AND CARMINE
Total number issued 27,996,000 (116,650 sheets)
Notes: One sheet with inverted watermark was found at Liverpool in
1900.
Very few of these stamps were used on telegrams, as the basic
telegraph rate was changed from 1s to 6d in 1899, and this stamp
was issued in 1900.
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30 | GREAT BRITAIN NUMBERS ISSUED 18401910
1 GREEN
Issued in sheets of 80 Design as 1884 1
Total number issued 701,760 (8,772 sheets)
Notes: A few of these stamps were used on telegrams.
KING EDWARD VII
190210 DE LA RUE PRINTINGS
Watermark Imperial Crown ( to 1s); Large Anchor (2s.6d to 10s);
three Crowns (1)
d GREEN
Total number issued 18,524,101,680 (77,183,757 sheets)
Notes: 67,101,600 (279,590 sheets) of the above total were produced
in special sheets of 240, half with inverted watermark, for use in Post
Ofce Booklets.
1d RED
Total number issued 19,012,289,520 (79,227,837 sheets)
Notes: 103,524,960 (431,354 sheets) of the above total were produced
in special sheets of 240, half with inverted watermark, for use in Post
Ofce Booklets.
1d PURPLE AND GREEN
Total number issued 297,518,400 (1,239,660 sheets)
2d GREEN AND CARMINE
Total number issued 287,701,440 (1,198,756 sheets)
2d BLUE
Total number issued 603,649,200 (2,515,205 sheets)
3d PURPLE ON YELLOW PAPER
Total number issued 468,448,800 (1,951,870 sheets)
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GREAT BRITAIN NUMBERS ISSUED 18401910 | 31
4d GREEN AND BROWN
Total number issued 312,208,080 (1,300,867 sheets)
4d ORANGE
Total number issued 96,727,200 (403,030 sheets)
5d DULL PURPLE AND BLUE
Total number issued 191,848,800 (799,370 sheets)
6d PURPLE
Total number issued 561,474,240 (2,339,476 sheets)
Notes: It is estimated that about 120,000,000 of these stamps were
used on telegrams or for revenue purposes.
7d GREY
Total number issued 5,963,040 (24,846 sheets)
9d PURPLE AND BLUE
Issued in sheets of 80
Total number issued 51,010,560 (637,632 sheets)
10d PURPLE AND RED
Issued in sheets of 96
Total number issued 33,465,600 (348,600 sheets)
1s GREEN AND CARMINE
Total number issued 125,063,280 (521,097 sheets)
2s.6d PURPLE
Issued in sheets of 56
Total number issued 9,634,464 (172,044 sheets)
5s CARMINE
Issued in sheets of 56
Total number issued 4,343,472 (77,562 sheets)
10s BLUE
Issued in sheets of 56
Total number issued 1,513,680 (27,030 sheets)
1 GREEN
Issued in sheets of 40
Total number issued 804,880 (20,122 sheets)
1910 PREPARED FOR USE BUT NOT ISSUED 2d TYRIAN PLUM
It was intended that this stamp should have been issued on the 6th of
May 1910, but on that day the King died and practically all the stamps
printed were ofcially destroyed. The few surviving copies include a
complete sheet (except that one corner stamp is missing) owned by
the General Post Ofce, a mint pair in the Royal Collection and some
ten other known examples. One of these stamps was used on a letter
to the Prince of Wales (later King George V) on the 5th of May 1910
and this is housed in the Royal Collection.
King Edward VII died on the 6th of May 1910 and although further
provisional stamps bearing the Kings portrait were produced
between 1911 and 1913 by Messrs. Harrison & Sons and the Somerset
House Printers, these were actually issued during the reign of King
George V.
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32 | GREAT BRITAIN NUMBERS ISSUED 18401910
Following the Kings death, Messrs. De La Rue handed over some
of the printing plates to Messrs. Harrison & Sons and to the Somerset
House Printers for printing the provisional issues and Messrs. De La
Rues contract for printing stamps ended on the 31st of December,
1910. Unfortunately, the new printers kept inadequate records of
numbers of stamps printed and the Post Ofce Record Book ceased
recording quantities at the end of 1908. Therefore, it is impracticable
to supply numbers of defnitive stamps issued after 1910.
The numbers issued or printed for commemorative sets up to modern
times are known. Since most specialised catalogues record the quantities
issued for the Queen Elizabeth period, it is pointless repeating them
here, but for easy reference details are given for the commemorative
sets issued until the end of the reign of King George VI.
1924/25 BRITISH EMPIRE EXHIBITION:
All values combined (17,000,000)
1929 POSTAL UNION CONGRESS:
d (677,500,000), 1d (341,000,000), 1d (751,250,000),
2d (26,750,000), 1 (61,000)
1935 SILVER JUBILEE:
d (353,400,000), 1d (150,400,000), 1d (490,000,000),
2d (14,200,000)
1937 CORONATION:
1d (388,731,000)
1940 POSTAL CENTENARY:
d (82,896,960), 1d (232,903,680) 1d (40,412,800), 2d (121,065,120),
2d (312,957,440), 3d (22,128,000)
1946 VICTORY:
2d (307,832,500), 3d (43,085,700)
1948 ROYAL SILVER WEDDING:
2d (147,500,000), 1 (419,628)
1948 CHANNEL ISLANDS LIBERATION:
1d (5,934,000), 2d (5,398,000)
1948 OLYMPIC GAMES:
2d (155,350,000), 3d (32,554,000), 6d (24,397,000), 1s (32,187,000)
1949 UNIVERSAL POSTAL UNION:
2d (135,150,000), 3d (16,450,000) 6d (11,450,000), 1s. (11,400,000)
1951 FESTIVAL OF BRITAIN:
2d (260,142,000), 4d (22,197,000)
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GREAT BRITAIN NUMBERS ISSUED 18401910 | 33
THE OFFICIALS
1840 V.R. 1d BLACK
Watermark Small Crown Imperforate Letters V.R. in upper corners
It was intended to issue this stamp with the frst postage stamps
of 1840 but although it was prepared for use and 3471 sheets were
printed, it was never ofcially released. Of the original printing, 148
sheets were spoiled during production and 3302 ofcially destroyed
on 25 January 1843. Of the residue of 21 sheets, one was sent to
Rowland Hill on 18 April 1840 for use in cancellation trials, examples
being known with Maltese Cross and concentric circles cancellations.
13 sheets were sent to Somerset House to be attached to circulars
which were distributed to postmasters on 7 May 1840. Five sheets are
unaccounted for. Used examples are known, probably having passed
through the post in error, these and unused examples in collectors
hands are likely to come from the fve sheets or from Post Ofce
circulars.
GREAT BRITAIN STAMPS
OVERPRINTED FOR OFFICIAL USE
From 1882 to 1904 various Government departments overprinted
stamps which were then current, for ofcial use. These overprints
consisted of I.R. Ofcial (Inland Revenue), O.W. Ofcial (Ofce of
Works, Army Ofcial, Govt. Parcels (Government Parcels), Board of
Education, R.H. Ofcial (Royal Household), and Admiralty Ofcial.
The stamps overprinted were as follows:
188083 6d grey (plate 18), is orange-brown (plates 13 and 14).
188081 d green.
1881 1d lilac.
188384 5s rose, 10s ultramarine.
1884 1 brown-lilac watermark Crowns.
1888 1 brown-lilac watermark Orbs.
188384 d slate-blue, 1d lilac, 2d lilac, 6d dull green, 9d dull
green, 1s dull green.
18871900 Jubilee all values except 3d and 4d, including the colour
changes.
190210 Edward all values except the two 4ds, 7d and 2s.6d. The
d was only overprinted on the blue-green shade.
It has not been possible to compile a complete listing of the numbers
of stamps overprinted for ofcial purposes, but set out below is the
information that is so far known.
INLAND REVENUE
1901 6d purple on red paper (18871900 issue)
120,000 (500 sheets)
1901 1s green and carmine (18871900 issue)
2,400 (10 sheets)
1904 6d purple (190210 issue)
248 copies are known of which 6 are used and 242 are
mint. Most of the used examples are postmarked May 14th
1904 and the mint includes a near complete sheet of 234
housed in the Post Ofce archives, a marginal pair and a
single in the Royal Collection, and a block of four in the
National Museum of Ireland at Dublin.
1902 10s blue (190210 issue) The Post Ofce archives holds 51
mint copies. Others exist.
1902 1 green (190210 issue) The Post Ofce archives holds 35
mint copies. Others exist.
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34 | GREAT BRITAIN NUMBERS ISSUED 18401910
OFFICE OF WORKS
1901 d blue-green (18871900 issue) 6,000 (25 sheets)
1902 5d dull purple and blue (18871900 issue) 12,000 (50
sheets) 949 were used.
1902 10d purple and red (18871900 issue) 800 (10 sheets
of 80) 480 were used.
1903 10d purple and red (190210 issue) 240 (1,440 were
printed in 15 sheets of 96, but 1,200 were ofcially
destroyed. 134 were used.
ARMY OFFICIAL
1903 6d purple (190210 issue)
Number printed 480,000 (2,000 sheets). The bulk of this printing was
ofcially destroyed.
GOVERNMENT PARCELS
1897 1d lilac overprint inverted error 240 (1 sheet)
Notes: This is the only recorded instance of an inverted overprint on a
British stamp for use in Great Britain.
1900 1s green and carmine (18871900) 36,000 (150 sheets)
BOARD OF EDUCATION
1902 5d dull purple and blue (18871900 issue) 5,520 (66,000
were printed, 60,480 were ofcially destroyed)
1902 1s green and carmine (18871900 issue) 2,400 (33,000
were printed, 30,600 were ofcially destroyed)
190204 5d dull purple and blue and 1s green and carmine
(190210 issue)
The majority of these two values were destroyed on the 14th of May
1904 when the general issue of the Ofcials ceased. The 1s was never
ofcially issued. Very few of the 5d were issued. However, one or two
of the 1s were used by some high ofcial and a very few of the 5d
were also used. The Post Ofce archives holds 114 mint copies of the
1s value.
ROYAL HOUSEHOLD
No information available.
ADMIRALTY OFFICIAL
No information available.
GREAT BRITAIN STAMPS OVERPRINTED FOR USE
IN OTHER COUNTRIES
Although prior to 1880 British stamps had been used in many
countries apart from Great Britain, Cyprus was the only country
to actually overprint the stamps with the name of their country.
During the 1880s this practice was adopted by six other countries
(i.e. Bechuanaland, British East Africa, British Levant, Mafeking, Oil
Rivers Protectorate, and Zululand), and in 1907 Morocco Agencies
also began overprinting British stamps. Most of the British Levant
stamps were only surcharged with a new currency and it was not until
1905 that they overprinted the stamps Levant. In later years other
countries have overprinted Great Britain stamps, but the information
given below is confned to the period covered by this book 1840 to
1910. The stamps of Great Britain overprinted by the various countries
were as follows:
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GREAT BRITAIN NUMBERS ISSUED 18401910 | 35
185869 1d Red (plates 174, 181, 184, 193, 196, 201, 205, 208, 215,
216, 217, 218 and 220).
1870 d Red (plates 12, 15 and 19).
187380 2d rosy-mauve (plates 14 and 15), 4d sage-green (plate
16), 6d grey (plate 16), is green (plate 13).
1881 1d lilac
188384 2s.6d lilac, 5s rose.
188384 2d lilac, 5d dull green.
18871900 Jubilee all values to 1s except 1d, 4d, and 1s green
and carmine.
190210 Edward all values to 10/ except 7d and 9d.
Unfortunately, the totals of the stamps so overprinted are not known
for all the countries, but the information that is available is indicated
below.
BECHUANALAND
1881 1d lilac Numbers not known
18871900 Jubilee d vermilion, d blue-
green, 2d, 3d, 4d, 6d, 1s green Numbers not known
190210 Edward d (blue-green and
yellow-green), 1d, 2d Numbers not known
BRITISH EAST AFRICA
1881 1d. lilac 1,440 (6 sheets)
18871900 Jubilee
2d 1,440 (6 sheets)
5d 780 (3 sheets)
BRITISH LEVANT
188384 2s.6d lilac Number not known
188384 2d lilac, 5d dull green Numbers not known
18871900 Jubilee 2d vermilion 6,000 (25 sheets)
2d, 5d, 10d Numbers not known
190210 Edward all values (including
both 4d colours) except 7d, 9d,
10s and 1 Numbers not known
CYPRUS
185869 1d Red (plates 174, 181, 184, 193,
196, 201, 205, 208, 215, 216, 217,
218 and 220) total about 480,000 (2,000 sheets)
1870 d Red (plates 12, 15 and 19)
total 68,640 (143 sheets of 480)
187380 2d rosy-mauve (plates 14 and
15) total 319,584 (16,642 sheets of 192)
4d sage-green (plate 16) 13,440 (56 sheets)
6d grey (plate 16) 3,360 (14 sheets)
1s green (plate 13) 2,880 (12 sheets)
MAFEKING
1881 d lilac 3,600 (15 sheets)
18871900 Jubilee d vermilion 6,000 (25 sheets)
2d 2,400 (10 sheets)
3d 1,440 (6 sheets)
4d 2,320 (29 sheets of 80)
6d 1,680 (7 sheets)
1s green 570 (23/8 sheets)
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36 | GREAT BRITAIN NUMBERS ISSUED 18401910
MOROCCO AGENCIES
190210 Edward all values (including both 4d colours) except
3d, 7d, 9d and 1. The d was only overprinted on the
yellow-green shade Numbers not known
OIL RIVERS PROTECTORATE
1881 d lilac 33,360(278 half sheets)
18871900 Jubilee 1d vermilion 33,600 (280 half sheets)
2d 33,480 (279 half sheets)
2d 57,000 (475 half sheets)
5d 33,540 (279 half sheets +1 sheet)
1s green 6,720 (56 half sheets)
ZULULAND
Numbers sold
1881 1d lilac 459,776(1,915+ sheets)
188084 5s rose 998 (nearly 9 sheets of 112)
18871900 Jubilee d vermillion 268,224 (1,117+ sheets)
2d 31,987 (133+ sheets)
2d 28,544 (118+ sheets)
3d 11,949 (49+ sheets)
4d 20,250 (253+sheets of 80)
5d 6,428 (26+ sheets)
6d 11,405 (47+ sheets)
9d 3,701 (46+sheets of 80)
1s green 4,654 (19+ sheets)
PROTECTIVE UNDERPRINTS
The following quantities of line-engraved stamps were ofcially
underprinted (under the gum) by Messrs. Perkins, Bacon & Co. for
the various companies in the period November 1872 to the end of
1877. It must be remembered, that in addition to those listed some
were ofcially and unofcially both underprinted (under and over the
gum) and overprinted before and after this period by Messrs. Perkins,
Bacon & Co. and by the private frms using them, whilst Messrs. De La
Rue ofcially underprinted certain surface-printed issues.
Protective underprints
OXFORD UNION SOCIETY (O.U.S.)
1d Red 420,720 (1,753 sheets)
J. & C. BOYD & CO.
1d Red 696,000 (2,900 sheets)
W.H. SMITH AND SON
1d Red 96,000 (400 sheets)
2d Blue 12,000 (50 sheets)
gb_numbers issued-5.indd 36 07/04/2008 09:42:38
GREAT BRITAIN NUMBERS ISSUED 18401910 | 37
COPESTAKE, MOORE, CRAMPTON & CO
1d Red 1,968,000 (4,100 sheets of 480)
1d Red 1,374,720 (5,728 sheets)
1d Red 76,080 (317 sheets)
2d Blue 144,000 (600 sheets)
GREAT EASTERN RAILWAY (G.E.R.)
1d Red 360,000 (1,500 sheets)
Notes: This comprises the whole of the printing for the Great Eastern
Railway, whose stamps were underprinted between November 1873
and January 1877.
A SUMMARY OF THE NUMBERS OF ADHESIVE POSTAGE
STAMPS ISSUED DURING THE REIGN OF QUEEN VICTORIA
The following numbers of adhesive postage stamps were issued in
the period 1840 to 1900:
Stamps Sheets of Stamps
d 19,552,079,640 78,133,089
1d 56,644,726,080 236,019,525
1d 642,086,160 2,675,359
2d 696,690,960 2,902,879
2d 813,720,000 3,535,500
3d 796,872,000 3,320,300
4d 415,670,640 3,581,961
4d 82,000,000 1,025,000
5d 164,604,000 685,850
6d 1,010,759,480 4,288,962
8d 4,801,200 20,005
9d 92,009,920 1,032,708
10d 35,843,500 503,505
1s 411,295,260 1,972,937
2s 6,800,020 28,333
2s.6d 10,325,392 92,191
5s 13,538,974 145,256
10s 2,395,200 24,250
1 1,496,720 19,309
5 246,826 4,408
Totals 81,397,961,972 340,011,327
When Messrs. Perkins, Bacon & Co. fnally completed their printing
contracts for the Line-Engraved series on the 31st of December 1879,
the Board of Trade stated that the numbers of line-engraved stamps
produced by the frm (excluding wastage) were:
d 1,600,276,320
1d 20,699,858,040
1d 42,638,160
2d 338,540,280
gb_numbers issued-5.indd 37 07/04/2008 09:42:38
If youd like to receive our monthly colour brochure of 450 - 500 selected items,
contact Mark Facey on: 020 7557 4424 or Michael Barrell on 020 7557 4448
or email: [email protected] or [email protected]
Stanley Gibbons Limited, 399 Strand, London WC2R 0LX
Tel: 020 7836 8444 Fax: 020 7836 7342
To view all our stock 24 hours a day visit www.stanleygibbons.com
STANLEY GIBBONS
Great Britain Department
gb_numbers issued-5.indd 38 07/04/2008 09:42:41
Gibbons Stamp Monthly
The ofcial magazine of the worlds oldest and most famous name in philately
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Monthly colour catalogue supplement to the Specialised catalogue
Dedicated Great Britain stamp section
A monthly article, Machin Watch written by the leading dealer. John M Deering
Varied features from leading philatelic writers
Up to date news
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gb_numbers issued-5.indd 39 07/04/2008 09:42:43
These titles are part of the GBPS Publications
range available from Stanley Gibbons
Stanley Gibbons Publications
7 Parkside, Christchurch Road, Ringwood, Hampshire, BH24 3SH
E: [email protected] T: +44 (0)1425 472 363
www.stanleygibbons.com
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COLLECT BRITISH
POSTAL STATIONERY
by
AIan Huggins and CoIin Baker
A SimpIified Listing of British PostaI Stationery
1840 to 2007
PubIished by G. B. PhiIateIic PubIications Ltd.
on behaIf of
The Great Britian PhiIateIic Society
The PostaI Stationery Society
R2722 10 R2723 10 R2715 10 R2721 30
R2731 30 R2717 15 R2725 30
R2746 65 R2759 60 R2720 75 R2745 15
R2718 50
Prices correct as of April 2008.
gb_numbers issued-5.indd 40 07/04/2008 09:42:44
Stanley Gibbons
GREAT BRITAIN
NUMBERS ISSUED
1840 to 1910
by Rikki Hyde
IN COLOUR
STANLEY GIBBONS
Great Britain Department
For more information contact Mark Facey on: 020 7557 4424 or Michael Barrell on 020 7557 4448
or email: [email protected] or [email protected]
Stanley Gibbons Limited, 399 Strand, London WC2R 0LX
Tel: 020 7836 8444 Fax: 020 7836 7342
9 7 8 0 8 5 2 5 9 6 9 5 1
ISBN-10 0-85259-695-2
ISBN-13 978-0-85259-695-1
0 0 7 9 5
numbers issued
7.95
UK Retail Price
Published by
Stanley Gibbons Ltd
London and Ringwood
cover number iss-3.indd 1 04/04/2008 16:48:35
Untitled-1 4 03/08/2011 09:42:47