Great Britain 1876 8d purple brown Plate 1, SG156aGreat Britain 1876 8d purple brown Plate 1, SG156a. Exceptionally fine and fresh example unused, with original gum, lettered 'EC' of this rare stamp that was prepared for use but not issued due to changes in postal rates. The finest quality example of this major rarity we have ever handled. This value was issued to prepay the rate at that time to India via Marseilles and to Australia via Brindisi. Two printing plates (1 and 2) were prepared and