THE TWO PENNY BLUE

1840 2d blue

The Two penny blue, also known as the ‘Tupenny Blue’ was planned to be issued on the 6 May 1840, same as the Penny Black.

 The 2d was required to cover the cost of delivery for heavier items, between half ounce to an ounce weight.   The Penny Black was intended for weights up to half an ounce.

In the end, the 1840 2d blue, was not available until the 8th of May, and pairs of 1d Blacks, turn up, dated on the 7th of May, with the 2d not available. 

There were only a fraction of the printing of the 1d Black, and as such are much rarer to locate, particularly mint.
The 1840 2d Blue, were printed from two plates 1 and 2.   Plate 1 was generally available May to July 1840, plate 2, July 1840 to February 1841.  There are a number of shades of colour, but generally rich deep colours are the standard quality expected.