The Admiral Stamps of Canada

Two Cents Carmine - Sheets

Date of Issue: 22 December 1911
Quantity: 3,043,450,000
Method of Printing: Wet process

Introduction

The two-cent carmine issue was printed from plates numbered from 1 to 160, beginning with Type B plate arrangements up until Plate No. 60, with all remaining plates being Type D (400 subjects, 20 x 20). (See Formats.) For further details pertaining to the plates, see Summary.

Types

Although some have claimed that two dies were used in the production of the two-cents carmine, there does not appear to be much evidence to support it. The original die was certainly retouched as illustrated by the following figures, which show the familiar strengthening of the vertical spandrel line.

TWO CENTS CARMINE ORIGINAL DIE
Original Die		 TWO CENTS CARMINE RETOUCHED DIE
Retouched Die

Shades

The two-cents carmine stamp offers the greatest variety of shades in the entire Admiral issue. The chronology of the shade variations begins with a deep rose red, followed by a light rose red. The shades then turns to a more distinct red, leading to a striking rose carmine shade. Other shades include orange red and pink.

TWO CENT CARMINE
Carmine		 TWO CENT ROSE CARMINE
Rose Carmine		 TWO CENT DEEP RED
Deep Red		 TWO CENT PINK
Pink

Retouches and Re-entries

Retouches and re-entries are numerous. Those who wish to study this area in greater depth are advised to consult George Marler's book Canada: The Admiral Issue (see References).

Lathework

Type B on Plates 143, 144, 157 and 158, and Type C on Plates 145, 146, 159 and 160. (See Lathework for an explanation of types.)

Updated: 14 Oct 97