The Admiral Stamps of Canada

Five Cents Blue

Date of Issue: 29 December 1911
Quantity: 198,000,000
Method of Printing: Wet process

Introduction

The five-cents value was issued in sheet format only, from a total of 14 plates. See Summary for details on the plates.

The seemingly large quantity printed, considering its intended purpose as payment for the first ounce on foreign letters, is explained by the use of this issue for fiscal purposes, that is, to pay taxes and such. When used for fiscal purposes, it was overprinted WAR TAX or INLAND REVENUE WAR TAX.

Variations

Only one master die was used in the making of the plates for the five-cents value, but it was worked on a number of times, which resulted in there being three readily disinguishable variations, or types, which are identified by differences in the vertical lines of the left numeral box.

Type 1 - due to the engraving line not having been of uniform depth, the vertical line of the left numeral box shows varying degrees of colour, including parts where there is no colour, resulting in actual breaks in the line (Plates 1 to 4)

Type 2 - this type shows that the engraving line has been made uniform, but the vertical line in the left numeral box is bent slightly near the top (Plates 5 to 10)

Type 3 - the line has been straightened and has no breaks, but is noticeably wider at the bottom. In addition, there is a much stronger vertical line added to the lower right spandrel. (Plates 11 to 14)

Shades

The earliest printings of the five-cents value were of a very deep shade of blue that is commonly referred to as indigo. Printings from the same plate are also found in a much paler shade, although not as light as, for example, the eight-cents blue. This paler shade of blue is usually called grey blue. The later printings from Plates 11 to 14 are of a darker shade, but not as dark as the earlier indigo printings. This shade is referred to simply as dark blue.

FIVE CENTS INDIGO
Indigo		 FIVE CENTS GREY BLUE
Grey Blue		 FIVE CENTS DARK BLUE
Dark Blue

Retouches and Re-entries

This issue is considered to have only one major re-entry. It is from Plate No. 8, and is evidenced by a doubling of the left vertical frame line as well as in the lettering of CANADA POSTAGE.

There are numerous retouches, including the common strengthening of the vertical line in the upper right spandrel. Those desiring a more detailed explanation of the retouches are advised to consult George Marler's book Canada: The Admiral Issue (see References).

Lathework

Type D. (See Lathework.)

Updated: 13 Oct 97