Malta Seebeck Essay
Malta · 1898 · 1/2 Penny
This is an unadopted essay for a definitive stamp of Malta, featuring the Maltese coat of arms at its center. The design, engraved in a deep carmine-rose, includes ornate scrollwork and the denomination 'HALF PENNY' at the bottom. These essays were produced by the Hamilton Bank Note Company as part of Nicholas Seebeck's controversial stamp printing contracts.
Nicholas Seebeck's contracts with several Latin American countries in the late 19th century allowed him to print their stamps for free, in exchange for the rights to reprint and sell them to collectors. While Malta was a British colony and not part of this scheme, the Hamilton Bank Note Co. produced these essays in an attempt to secure a similar contract, which was ultimately unsuccessful.
Printing Method
Engraved
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View on Wikimedia CommonsEstimated Values by Condition
Perfectly centered, fresh, no faults
Well centered, fresh colors
Nicely centered, minor flaws
Average centering, acceptable
Off-center or visible wear
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