Edward VII 2d Tyrian plum
Encyclopedia
The two pence Tyrian plum was a postage stamp
produced by Britain
in 1910 as a replacement for the existing two colour 2d stamp of King Edward VII
.
One hundred thousand sheets, totalling 24,000,000 stamps, were printed and delivered to the post office stores for distribution to Postmasters. The circulation of the new stamps was delayed while 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, however, following the death of Edward VII on 6 May 1910, it was decided not to go ahead with the new stamp and almost all the stock was destroyed. Only a few examples survive in private hands, making this stamp one of the great rarities of British philately
.
A single used example is known used on cover
which was sent by the then Prince of Wales
, later King George V
, to himself. This example is in the Royal Philatelic Collection
.
Additionally, a complete imperforate registration sheet of 240 stamps is in the British Postal Museum & Archive along with a perforated sheet of 139 stamps.
Postage stamp
A postage stamp is a small piece of paper that is purchased and displayed on an item of mail as evidence of payment of postage. Typically, stamps are made from special paper, with a national designation and denomination on the face, and a gum adhesive on the reverse side...
produced by Britain
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland was the formal name of the United Kingdom during the period when what is now the Republic of Ireland formed a part of it....
in 1910 as a replacement for the existing two colour 2d stamp of King Edward VII
Edward VII of the United Kingdom
Edward VII was King of the United Kingdom and the British Dominions and Emperor of India from 22 January 1901 until his death in 1910...
.
One hundred thousand sheets, totalling 24,000,000 stamps, were printed and delivered to the post office stores for distribution to Postmasters. The circulation of the new stamps was delayed while 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, however, following the death of Edward VII on 6 May 1910, it was decided not to go ahead with the new stamp and almost all the stock was destroyed. Only a few examples survive in private hands, making this stamp one of the great rarities of British philately
Philately
Philately is the study of stamps and postal history and other related items. Philately involves more than just stamp collecting, which does not necessarily involve the study of stamps. It is possible to be a philatelist without owning any stamps...
.
A single used example is known used on cover
Cover (philately)
In philately, the term cover pertains to the outside of an envelope or package with an address, typically with postage stamps that have been cancelled and is a term generally used among stamp and postal history collectors. The term does not include the contents of the letter or package, although...
which was sent by the then Prince of Wales
Prince of Wales
Prince of Wales is a title traditionally granted to the heir apparent to the reigning monarch of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the 15 other independent Commonwealth realms...
, later King George V
George V of the United Kingdom
George V was King of the United Kingdom and the British Dominions, and Emperor of India, from 6 May 1910 through the First World War until his death in 1936....
, to himself. This example is in the Royal Philatelic Collection
Royal Philatelic Collection
The Royal Philatelic Collection is the postage stamp collection of the British Royal Family. It is the most comprehensive collection of items related to the philately of the United Kingdom and the British Commonwealth, with many unique pieces.- Early history :...
.
Additionally, a complete imperforate registration sheet of 240 stamps is in the British Postal Museum & Archive along with a perforated sheet of 139 stamps.