Lot 258 Newfoundland #85 5c Blue Duke Of York, 1897-1901 Royal Family Issue, 6 Very Fine Used Singles With Different Shades & Papers

6 very fine used singles of the 5c blue Duke Of York from the 1897-1901 Royal Family Issue with different shades & papers.

The stamps on rough horizontal wove without mesh, 2 shades on the same paper with mesh & 3 shades on vertical wove paper.

Unitrade values this at $24. The stamps offered here grade 78 as follows:

Centering/Margins: 40/60, 44/60

Paper Freshness: 5/5

Colour: 5/5

Impression: 5/5

Absence of Visible Paper Flaws: 5/5

Perforations: 8/10, 10/10

Cancellation: 10/10

The Royal family Issue was the main definitive set that was in use until the 1910 John Guy issue replaced it, though the 3c value would continue in use well into 1918. Because of the long period of use, there are a wide variety of shades, as well as both horizontal and vertical wove papers that can be found. This includes a coarse, rough horizontal wove that, due to its thin nature can take on a slight bluish appearance. Unitrade lists this for the 3c red orange Queen Alexandra, but this paper can be found on all values of the set, except for the 1c carmine rose and the 2c orange, both of which were replaced in 1898.