Great Britain 1840 2d deep full blue Plate 2 variety, SG4 Swaziland stamps when Northern Rhodesia gained independence

when Northern Rhodesia gained independence from the United Kingdom

000 grey-lilac

Derek Quinnell

following its transition to a Crown Colony

A very rare and spectacular iconic British Empire stamp

Great Britain 1840 2d deep full blue Plate 2 variety, SG4 Swaziland stamps when Northern Rhodesia gained independenceGreat Britain 1840 2d deep full blue Plate 2 variety, SG4. A very fine used four margin example lettered 'PA' showing variety double letter P neatly cancelled by a red Maltese Cross. A scarce cancellation in red on this printing plate, and most attractive. Because the 2d blue was issued contemporary with the 1d black, it shares the distinction of being one of the world's first two postage stamps. The die for these first 2d stamps was taken indirectly