Small Blemish Found In 3d Health Stamp

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30231, 9 September 1963, Page 12

Small Blemish Found In 3d Health Stamp

(From Out Own Reporter)

WELLINGTON. September 8. A blemish found on one stamp in every sheet of the 3d health stamp issue is not being regarded by collectors as a notable variation, but it is attracting sufficient interest to cause the dealers price in Wellington forblocks of four ot the pink 3d stamp to advance 2s 6d. The face value of the stamp is 3d. plus Id for the health camp funds Prince Andrew appears on the stamp and the printing b!emisto is a small but easilyseen. mark across the fingers of his right hand. It is on the fifth stamp from the left on the third row of each sheet. The Post Office does not disclose the number of stamps printed, but on past sales there could be up to 40 000 sheets, each including one stamp with this imperfection. A Post Office official said tonight that the Post Office was aware of the Saw in the stamp, but because of the number of sheets available, it would not be considered a rarity and the postage '-aiue was not affected. No action would be taken by the Post Office. A Wellington stamp dealer

said this was a minor error, not comparable to missing colours or inversions on some stamps. The most valuable health stamps ace from the 1931 issue, known as the “laughing boys.” The Id red and 2d blue stamps of this vear are valued at £7 to £8 a set. But all early health stamps of the 1929-1934 period command a premium because of the low sales in those years