Hong Kong: QEII 1990 miniature sheet 'black print' proof
May 18, 2017 0:51:20 GMT
Ryan, Doe, and 1 more like this
Post by Anping on May 18, 2017 0:51:20 GMT
I had intended to post this in the thread entitled Forgeries, Facsimiles , Reproductions & Blackprints, but it would seem that as this is actually described as a black imperf proof, I've posted here instead:
In 1991, Hong Kong issued a miniature sheet in conjunction with a set of stamps to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the H.K Post Office (SG.MS678). Instead of using the $5 top value in the set, a $10 of identical design was used on the sheet.
On the same day a black imperf proof of the miniature sheet was also issued. However, this could not be purchased at any post office or bureau. It was only included with a special 'Official Commemorative Album': History of the Hong Kong Post Office 1841-1891.
This rather impressive hardback publication, complete with dust sleeve, also contained 23 previously issued mint stamp sets and the $10 MS678.
Each black imperf proof contained therein, was individually numbered in red ink.
As only 25,000 books were produced, the proof is relatively uncommon, particularly as most presumably are still retained within their album. Yang lists the complete book at $HK1200 and the proof itself at $HK600.
I personally have only ever seen two sheets sold separately.
To put the numbers into context; 76,000 of the very first Hong Kong miniature sheet were issued in 1974. In 1975, 195,000 of the second miniature sheet were issued. Subsequent miniature sheets released close to the handover to China in 1997, were produced in ever increasing numbers to the point that they significantly outweighed demand.
In 1991, Hong Kong issued a miniature sheet in conjunction with a set of stamps to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the H.K Post Office (SG.MS678). Instead of using the $5 top value in the set, a $10 of identical design was used on the sheet.
On the same day a black imperf proof of the miniature sheet was also issued. However, this could not be purchased at any post office or bureau. It was only included with a special 'Official Commemorative Album': History of the Hong Kong Post Office 1841-1891.
This rather impressive hardback publication, complete with dust sleeve, also contained 23 previously issued mint stamp sets and the $10 MS678.
Each black imperf proof contained therein, was individually numbered in red ink.
As only 25,000 books were produced, the proof is relatively uncommon, particularly as most presumably are still retained within their album. Yang lists the complete book at $HK1200 and the proof itself at $HK600.
I personally have only ever seen two sheets sold separately.
To put the numbers into context; 76,000 of the very first Hong Kong miniature sheet were issued in 1974. In 1975, 195,000 of the second miniature sheet were issued. Subsequent miniature sheets released close to the handover to China in 1997, were produced in ever increasing numbers to the point that they significantly outweighed demand.