King George V 1d Red 'L'Espagnol' Error
Australia · 1914 · 1d
This stamp is a variety of the standard 1 penny red King George V issue. It features a prominent flaw, a white patch on the King's neck, which was caused by a foreign object adhering to the printing plate. The nickname 'L'Espagnol' was given by a collector who thought the flaw resembled a Spanish-style goatee.
Issued during the early reign of King George V, this printing error occurred on Plate 3 of the 1d red stamps printed by T.S. Harrison. The flaw's distinctiveness and the story behind its nickname have made it a classic and sought-after item in Australian philately.
Printing Method
Typography
Catalog Numbers
Estimated Values by Condition
Perfectly centered, fresh, no faults
Well centered, fresh colors
Nicely centered, minor flaws
Average centering, acceptable
Off-center or visible wear
Prices are approximate market estimates for educational purposes. Actual values depend on specific factors including cancel type, margins, and provenance.
