1840 1d. black Plate 2 Lettered TJ, S.G.2,

marginal from the foot of the sheet with part of the marginal inscription '(whettin)g the Back be c(areful)', large margins, exceptional colour and impression, full original gum. A PERFECT MINT EXAMPLE OF THE WORLD'S FIRST POSTAGE STAMP. Photocopy of a B.P.A. Certificate 1995 (43,191) for a pair, TJ-TK from which this stamp originated.

This plate was registered and put to press on 22 April 1840 and together with Plate 1A was the only source of stamps available on the first official day of use – 6 May 1840. However, it is known used as early as 2 May.