Cyprus 1880 1d red, plate 181, lettered 'PA', SG2.
A fine quality mint example with part original gum. Typical centring, with minor wrinkling and traces of gum toning, but good colour and a clear CYPRUS overprint. A well above average quality example for this issue.
A very scarce printing plate and rarely seen in such fine condition.
Plate 181 was among the later Penny Red plates and saw comparatively limited use for colonial overprints. These stamps are of the earlies issues in Cyprus following the commencement of British administration, prior to the introduction of dedicated Cyprus designs.
The CYPRUS overprint was applied in London by De La Rue printers and is renowned for showing slight variation in letter spacing and ink density. This example benefits from a strong clear overprint.
Most surviving examples were used locally, often roughly cancelled. Mint examples are rarely seen and most are severely damaged.
The Stanley Gibbons catalogue value is £600.
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