GB QUEEN VICTORIA 1840, 1d BLACK PENNY Sg.1, Pl.1a, L-K, 4 MARGINS, Red Maltese Cross, FU

1 Black Penny, SG 1, Pl. 1a: In Plate 1a for the L-K position, the letter "L" is cantered perfectly or sits very slightly low in its box, while the letter "K" sits slightly high and close to the left frame wall of the right box. Row 12 (L) and Column 11 (K) on the master sheet.

Plate 1a printings typically show a faint flaw in the bottom inscription where the top of the "O" in "ONE" looks slightly open or weak, a result of early plate wear before it was overhauled into Plate 1b.

Stamp is coming with as very nice "four-margin" copy. The white borders are clear on all four sides. The right-hand margin is cut tightly against the black lattice frame line but doesn't clip the outer design, while the top and bottom margins are wide and well-framed.

Red Maltese Cross postmark. While a slightly lighter mark is preferred to keep the Queen’s face completely visible, this strike is crisp, well-cantered, and vibrant in colour.

SG 3 is the specific designation reserved exclusively for the Grey-Black shade variance caused by early plate wear.