The die proofs of the final designs are exceptionally rare. It is not known how many were printed - nor how many are still surviving.

Those below are the only known die proofs.


Size: 24 × 40.5 mm.
Size (to outer frame lines): 40.5 × 24 mm.

 

1d and 2d single die proofs of final designs.
Printed in violet on thick surfaced wove paper
without watermark.
Only recorded examples.

Provenance: Alan Griffiths.
Spink October 2012 Lot 1391.

These may also have been sold at Matthew Bennett February 2003 as Lot 569.


1d and 2d die proofs printed se-tenant.
Printed on thick surfaced wove paper.
Only recorded example.

Size (to frame lines): 83 × 24 mm.

Provenance: Alan Griffiths.
Spink October 2012 Lot 1390.

Some plate proofs were printed - at least for the 2d (1/-) design.

They were printed on unwatermarked paper and left ungummed and imperforate. They were also trimmed to approximate size.

These characteristics distinguish them from colour trials which are watermarked like the stamps.


Dull violet.
Upward point on top right corner and top right frame slightly doubled. Ink marks at right.
Two small thin spots.

This example was sold by Prestige Philately December 2009 Lot 404.