Lot 10250 – 1910 (May) Prepared for use though not issued 2d.

1910 (May) Prepared for use though not issued 2d. Tyrian plum, large part OG, beautifully fresh and vibrant colour, a major exhibition rarity on this and the whole of Great Britain Philately, and one the finest of the 15 examples recorded outside of the Royal Collection by Healey (GB Journal Nov/Dec 2019 pp.126-137). Nonsensically under catalogued at £80,000. Cert R.P.S. (1988). Ex Lilly (Siegel 1967).

The reason for withdrawing the 2d. Tyrian Plum has occasioned speculation ranging from a colour clash with the 6d. to faulty die or plate. However, in a letter of the 18th May 1910, the Inland Revenue informed De La Rue that, owing to the the death of King Edward VII, the issue was to be cancelled and that the 2d. stamps should be destroyed.