Lot 277 Lagos SG#30 (SC#18) 2d Slate Lilac & Ultramarine, Queen Victoria, 1887-1902 Bicoloured Crown CA Watermarked Issue, Early, Mid and Late Printings, Three VF Used Examples, 2022 Scott Classic Cat. $9.75 USD, Click on Listing to See ALL Pictures

Three well centered and very fine OG examples of the 2d slate lilac and ultramarine Queen Victoria De La Rue Keyplate stamp from the 1887-1902 bicoloured Crown CA watermarked issue, with early, mid and late printings represented. According to J.F Ince in his definitive work, there were a total of 448,800 stamps sent to the colony and 244,260 remainders returned to London in 1905 for destruction. Thus, the net quantity issued was 205,540. This was spread out over between 45 and 64 printings. The lower estimate of 45 is based on 1 printing per calendar quarter, during the life of the issue, which is consistent with what was usually done at this time. However, in my study of mint and used examples, I believe that I have identified 64 different printings made between March 1887 and August 1901. The majority of the printings have the duty plate (value) printed in ultramarine. But a small proportion, being the early printings had the value printed in grey blue or blue. All three have Lagos CDS cancels dated September 9, 1889, September 24, 1895 and October 20, 1903

2022 Scott Classic values three VF-75 used examples at $9.75 USD.

I have written four blog posts which outline the differences between the printings. You can access the first of these here.

The stamps offered here grade VF-80 and VF-75 as follows:

Margins/centering: 35/60 and 40/60

Paper freshness: 5/5

Colour: 5/5

Impression: 5/5

Absence of visible paper flaws: 5/5

Perforations: 10/10

Cancellation: 10/10