Post by robert on Apr 17, 2017 21:57:50 GMT
A unique accident allowed 4 sheets of rejected trial essay proofs to be issued with ordinary issues.
This stamp was a trial printing showing the background in blue-green solid colour instead of the diagonal white streaks in the upper left corner of the bright blue background as on the issued stamp. The trial was rejected by Australia Post. However, during delivery of the issued stamps there was a small shortfall in one consignment of 60c stamps, and accidentally a number of these trial sheets were included in the delivery to make up the required quantity.
These stamps were then issued in the normal manner. In 1985 an investment holding of sheets which included some of these trials was sold. Part of this holding, including at least one sheet of the trial printing was sold to a Melbourne stamp auctioneer, who used the stamps for postage.
All recorded used stamps derive from this source, and include several multiples, the largest being a block of 6; all have Tooronga (Vic.) date stamps. The remainder of the investment package was sold to Richard Juzwin Pty Ltd, who shortly after purchasing the stamps (1990) recognised the different appearance of the trial printing. From this source it is reported that four mint sheets have survived. It is now very scarce.
SG 841) 1982. Humpback Whale. 60 cents with accepted blue background. Commercial issue
SG 841a) 1982. Humpback Whale. 60 cents with rejected solid greenish-blue background. Essay trial printing
