Edward VII 2d Tyrian Plum
A mass-produced British stamp numbering 24 million copies that was wholly destroyed when King Edward VII died just days before its scheduled release.
Great Britain · 1910
Edward VII 2d Tyrian Plum
Overview
The Edward VII 2d 'Tyrian Plum' is one of Britain's most spectacular rarities involving a monarch's sudden death. In 1910, the British Post Office prepared a new two-pence (2d) stamp in a striking purple shade officially known as 'Tyrian Plum'. A massive run of 100,000 sheets—totaling 24 million stamps—was printed and distributed to post offices across the UK, securely held in safes awaiting their official issue date. However, just days before the stamps were to go on sale, King Edward VII suddenly died on May 6, 1910. The postal authorities immediately deemed it inappropriate to issue a brand new stamp featuring a deceased monarch. The entire stock of 24 million stamps was ordered to be incinerated. Through inexplicable circumstances, exactly one copy was legitimately used on a letter sent by the Prince of Wales (the future King George V) to himself just one day before his father's death. In total, only 12 examples (eleven mint, one genuinely used) escaped destruction.
Design & Technical Details
A profile of King Edward VII facing right, framed within an elegant oval border. The entire stamp is printed in a distinct, rich purple shade known as Tyrian Plum.
Historical Facts
- 24 million copies were printed but purposefully incinerated before the public release.
- The only known used copy is on an envelope to 'The Prince of Wales, Marlborough House', sent on May 5, 1910.
- King George V, an avid philatelist, successfully acquired the used copy for the famous Royal Philatelic Collection.
- Only 11 mint examples survive today, originating from archival reference copies.
How to Identify This Stamp
If you believe you may have found a Edward VII 2d Tyrian Plum, here are key identification characteristics to check:
- The stamp is fundamentally identical to standard Edward VII 2d stamps, except for its unique, deeper Tyrian Plum color.
- Standard purple/magenta 2d stamps from the era are common and valueless; expert color authentication under magnification is mandatory.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were the Tyrian Plums destroyed?
Because King Edward VII passed away unexpectedly, the UK Post Office considered it a breach of protocol to launch a brand new stamp series bearing his likeness after his death.
How much is a Tyrian Plum stamp worth?
A mint copy at auction easily surpasses $100,000 (roughly £100,000) due to intense demand from British collectors.