This item is an imperf PLATE PROOF of one of the values fromTonga
1991 Christmas set.
All Tonga stamps issued after 1980 were perforated. Unlike other
countries, Tonga did not issue both perf and imperf stamps, they
were all perforated, none were issued imperf. However, at the
beginning of each printing run, the printers Walsall Security
Printers of London, used the printing plates to print off one
imperf plate proof sheet for checking purposes before the main
printing run. This plate proof sheet was not perforated, and was
checked by the printers for any mistakes and for clarity of colour.
After checking, this first sheet was not perforated, but was left
imperf., and was then placed in the printers archives. The item
here for sale has been taken from the printers imperf plate proof
sheet, and is a very scarce item from the printers archival
material.
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