Little is known of the printing process for this issue. Kellow (1990) reports two die proofs are known and the two images below are reproduced from his excellent book.
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Rod Perry also had a second set of similar die proofs for the 1897 Victorian issue which he noted in a personal communication as being "rather lovely" - hence they must have been very striking. He describes them as being "full size, glazed cards for the respective denominations in black".
The 1d was endorsed: "Proof taken before being retouched ..... unfinished/face to be retouched, cross to go on Crown".
The 2½d was endorsed: Unfinished proof, retouch & put southern cross in sky.
Rod sold that set to Australia Post.