Lot 30510 – 1866, 50r blue, the only example recorded of the cracked plate variety in the lower left value tablet

1866, 50r blue, featuring the “cracked plate” variety in the lower left denomination, in addition being imperforate at top, unused without gum, very fresh; the only example recorded of the “cracked plate” variety in the lower left value tablet, unrecorded in the Catálogo Enciclopédico and offered for the first time at auction in this sale, a major rarity of this issue. Ex Dr. de Amaral Machado.

Note: The famous “cracked plate” is only recorded in this value and is located in the upper left value tablet only (in contrast with the current item) and very few examples are known showing the variety at lower left confined to the margin between the design and the perforation. This plate variety, which is the most popular and prominent in the “Dom Pedro” issues, is valuable and traditionally sought after by collectors, especially the one with the “cracked plate” in the margin. The importance of the regular variety in these two variants helps to support the high significance and value of this unique item revealed in this sale.