Penny Reds Or Browns

Hi to all

I always thought that the penny reds all had plate numbers, but the ones with the asterisks in the top corners do not seem to have any plate numbers. I have looked at them with a 10X Lens, but cannot locate any plate numbers.
Also the 1/2 penny reds are supposed to have plate numbers also, but I cannot find them either.
Regards,
Horamakhet

The early Penny Reds did not have plate numbers on them. You need to use alternative methods to plate these.

I have a couple of penny red covers for sale - mail me if interested.

The plate numbers on the half-penny reds are sideways along both sides next to the "1" or the "-" of "1/2". In the pic below for plate 20, I have circled them in bright red.

Thanks KHJ
Now I know where to look

Regards
Horamakhet

You are welcome!

Sometimes the plate numbers are not as obvious, especially as the plate wears. So don't get frustrated if you run into a few that are almost impossible to identify. Those who collect the plate numbers prize clarity of the number over the condition of the stamp.

I, for one, am glad they put the plate number on both left and right sides. Sometimes on used stamps, the cancel obscures one of the numbers, but you can check out the other side. Then sometimes, especially on the small half-penny reds, the cancel obscures both sides...

Enjoy IDing your plate numbers! You may find high-resolution scanning and software magnification/modification more useful than a hand-held magnifier on some of the really hard to see plate numbers.

Of course, some of us have a problem with losing our scanner power cord...

Happy new year!!

Whaaaaa?

They are more common than neighbors wanting
to borrow your mower!

Can surely be only either a 3 pin, fig8, or usb
if you lived next door to me, I could give you thousands.
from my "computer junk box"

The adapter I need is not shown in your pics. I wish it were that easy. Multiply your pics by about 100, and that's how many different varieties of power adapters in use in the US. A good electronics catalog will usually have 30-50 pages devoted to plugs and adapters.

I prefer the typical 3 pin grounded power connectors; they are the most common and there are usually only 3-5 slightly different varieties that you can usually fudge or I have intermediate adapters. Unfortunately, a lot of times, you don't get to see examine the power port of the equipment you purchase ahead of time. All you know is that "power adapter included".

I'm formerly an electrical engineer by training. I could make my own adapter or order a several new ones, but that would take away from my stamp time and stamp money.

I'm convinced that some day I will be organized and things won't keep disappearing!

That is my new year's resolution for NEXT year (2012).

This is a moment when I add to that flattened spot on my forehead as I slap myself upside the head. Thank you, thank you for the suggestion to use a scanner when looking for plate numbers. Much more effective than going blind with a jeweller's loupe.