Lot 3526
Great Britain 1840 (March) 1d Black reversed impression Die Proof, SG DP17c
Stamps & Covers of Great Britain | S25022
Auction: 11 December 2025 at 10:30 GMT
Description
1840 (March) 1d Black Die Proof. Superb reversed impression die proof of the Penny Black with "Stars" added in the upper corners and blank letter squares at foot. Printed in black on thin bluish wove paper (85 x 134mm) with a slightly overinked appearance as usually seen. Pulled from a flat plate showing vertical guide lines outside the design with part etching in the margin "Deposi(t)/Bank of Briti(sh)". Produced prior to the transfer of the impression to the full plate, possibly to verify the alignment of the transfer roller. Light vertical crease in margin at right well clear of design not detracting from this magnificent and very rare proof. One of only two complete examples in private hands, a third example resides in the Royal Philatelic Collection. SG DP17c, from £75,000.
