Rob1956

A unique accident allowed 4 sheets of rejected trial proofs to be issued with ordinary issues (the proof is part of my varieties collection).

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.



Normal Issue



The Rejected Trial Proof

 
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Rob1956

re: The whale that got away - Australia Post accidentally issues a rejected proof in a batch of normal issues.

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