Edward VII 2d Tyrian plum

Infobox_RareStamps
common_name = Edward VII 2d Tyrian plum


country_of_production = United Kingdom of
Great Britain and Ireland
location_of_production = London
date_of_production = 1910
nature_of_rarity = Few exist
number_in_existence = Unknown
face_value = 2 penny £sd
estimated_value =

The two pence (2d) Tyrian plum is a postage stamp produced by Britain in 1910 as a replacement for the bi-coloured stamp which was in current use at the time. Its longer appellation was given as it bore the likeness of King Edward VII.

A hundred thousand sheets totalling 24,000,000 stamps were printed and delivered to the post office stores for distribution to Postmasters. The circulation of these new stamps was delayed whilst existing stocks of the current stamp were used up so that the change would take effect at one time and the amount of surplus stock of the old value would be kept to a minimum. [ [http://www.royal.gov.uk/output/Page3402.asp A First Class Show] British Monarchy website (retrieved 27 December 2007)]

Following the death of Edward VII, it was decided not to go ahead with this new issue; almost all the stock was destroyed, and only a few examples survive.

A single used example is known used on a cover which was sent by the then Prince of Wales, later King George V, to himself. This example is in the Royal Philatelic Collection.

References

* Stanley Gibbons catalogue