St Lucia 1876(?) 'Half penny' on (6d) emerald-green, type 2 surcharge, block of 30 (6x5), SG9.
A rare and impressive large multiple of this stamp, which was prepared for use but not issued.
Stamps are in mint condition and mostly unmounted (hinge remains on top row). Crease affecting second row, and odd trivial blemishes (couple of tones, natural paper flaws), still very fine appearance.
This famous provisional surcharge was prepared for use but never officially issued. The reasons remain uncertain, although it is generally believed the stamps formed part of an abandoned proposal to identify denominations by surcharge rather than by colour alone. No halfpenny postal rate requiring the issue existed at the time, and the stamps remained in post office stocks before eventually passing into collectors' hands. A companion provisional, "Sixpence" on 4d blue, was also prepared but likewise never issued.
Large multiples of this unissued stamp are of the utmost rarity. With only six panes of five by ten comprising a complete sheet, surviving blocks of this size are exceptional and are highly prized by specialists in St. Lucia and classic British Commonwealth philately.
The Stanley Gibbons catalogue value is £2,100+.
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