Lot 467 South Africa SG#235 50c Black and Ultramarine 1963-1967 Pictorial Definitive Issue, Watermarked Single RSA in Triangle on Chalky Paper, Two VFNH Printings on Different HF Papers With Different Gum

VFNH examples of two different printings of the 50c black and ultramarine, from the 1963-1967 Pictorial definitive issue, with the single RSA in triangle watermark. Both printings are on HF paper. One printing is on paper with strong horizontal mesh, with a satin gum, and printed in a lighter shade of ultramarine. The second printing is on a paper with a less prominent mesh and cracklier gum Arabic, and printed in a slightly deeper shade of ultramarine. This issue is one of the most complicated from modern South Africa, and rivals any of the meatier definitive issues of the 1960's from any country. Gibbons lists at least 5 sets up to 1970, and Scott lists 6. However, there are many more varieties when you add phosphorized papers, gum variations and shades into the mix. These are from the third set, with the original designs, on chalky paper with single RSA in triangle watermark.

p>Gibbons values these stamps set at 60 GBP = approximately $102. The stamps offered here grade between 80 and 84.