PLATE NUMBERS AND CCMS
The problem is complicated by the printing of the vertical text printed down either the left or right margin of the sheets. The printing consists of three lines of small text reading "Format International Security Printers, Ltd", continuously running down most of the left or right margin of the sheets. In some instances it is on the side where the plate numbers are located, and in others on the side where the CCMs are located. It is found either closer to the top of the sheet, or to the bottom. Possibly larger sheets were printed and they contained four complete sheets of the stamp and the sheets were then cut into individual sheets. If that was the case the three lines could have been towards the middle of each sheet, and when cut, would be towards the bottom, or top of the individual sheets. These four positions exist for all the denominations.
It would seem logical that all the stamps were printed with a plate numbered 1A and a subsequent printing of the same stamp with plate 1B. See December 20th for a discussion of the First Day Covers for this issue and the 20 December overprints.
- On this sheet the three lines of text are on the right and go to the bottom of the sheet.
- Note that the three lines of text are on the right side of the sheet near the CCMs, but at the top.
- On this sheet the lines of text are on the left side of the sheet near the plate number and on the bottom.
- In this instance the lines of text are on the left side at the top.