Monday, 21 July 2008

High Value Definitives 1986 - Fruits: Papaya

The highest value of definitive stamp currently used is the papaya stamp (RM20). The stamp was issued in 1986 together with 7 other denominations (40c, 50c, 80c, $1, $2, $5 and $10; images of different fruits). All these fruit stamps have gradually been replaced by the new bird definitive stamps since 2005, except the denominations 40c, $10 and $20. The initial fruit stamps used currency units of c and $, but latter these were replaced by sen and RM respectively. Up to date, 6 denominations have the currency designation change i.e. 40sen, 50sen, RM1, RM2, RM10 and RM20. Apart from this change in the reprints, change in watermark was also recorded. Denominations RM2, RM5, RM10 and RM20 initially were printed in Harrison & Son watermarked paper using photogravure approach. On the other hand, the reprints of the denominations have SPM watermarked and were printed using lithography approach. Change in perforation has also been recorded in reprints of all the denominations.

Original prints of $20 papaya stamps with plate number 1A-1D. Harrison & Son watermarked paper

reprints of the RM20 papaya stamps with series number 2002/01. SPM watermarked paper