Lot
6010 P
New Zealand, 1859, Queen Victoria "Chalon Head", 6d black, plate proof on wove paper, unwatermarked, right margin block of 12 (R. 5-7/9-12), full to large margins except clear at bottom, Very Fine and rare plate proof multiple, Yeroc, J.M.A. Gregson, January 2000, lot 8. Scott No. 9eP. Campbell Paterson No. A5. SG No. 12P Estimate $1,000 - 1,500.
The 6d plate was ordered in 1858 to provide a stamp to prepay postage on letters to the United Kingdom from March 27th 1857. For almost 2 years, the 6d rate was paid by strips of three of the 2d stamp. The premium route "Via Marseilles" required an additional 1d and 2d stamps (9d for ¼ oz. letter).