1840, 1d. black, plate 1, TD, two singles cut from the First and Second Imprimatur sheets („Before Hardening“ and „After Hardening“) with large to very large margins all round, the Imprimatur from the First imprimatur sheet dated 15 April showing the sharp impression of the earliest state of the (unhardened) printing plate 1, the latter from the Second Imprimatur sheet dated 27 April showing the contrasting worn impression. A magnificent Matched Pair from the first printing of the world’s first postage stamp! For the other imprimatur (first printing of the world's first “never issued” postage stamp) registered on 15 April 1840, see lot 320). BPA certificates for each (2009) (S.G.Cat.: GBP 30‘000)
