Malta
Chapter overview
- Airport Charge (catalogue numbers prefixed A)
- Applications (catalogue numbers prefixed B)
- Contracts (catalogue numbers prefixed C)
- Entertainment Tax (catalogue numbers prefixed E)
- Impressed revenue stamps (catalogue numbers prefixed Z)
- Labels (catalogue numbers prefixed L)
- National Insurance (catalogue numbers prefixed N)
- Passport (catalogue numbers prefixed P)
- Postal Order poundage (catalogue numbers prefixed O)
- Ration Coupons (catalogue numbers prefixed K)
- Registers (catalogue numbers prefixed Q)
- Revenue (catalogue numbers prefixed R)
- Revenue usage of dual-purpose Postage and Revenue stamps (catalogue numbers prefixed F)
- Stocks and Shares (catalogue numbers prefixed S)
- Tobacco and Alcohol Excise (catalogue numbers prefixed X)
- Vehicle Licensing (catalogue numbers prefixed V)
- Workmen's Compensation (catalogue numbers prefixed W)
Issues for the Anglo-Maltese League, Malta Relief Fund, MMDNA (Malta Memorial District Nursing Association) and Singer Sewing Machine Co are listed under Labels.
Acknowledgments for the Malta section can be found at the foot of this page.
Currency
- (Until 1972) 20 shillings = 1 pound sterling (12 pence = 1 shilling)
- (1972) 1000 mils = 100 cents = 1 Maltese pound or lira Maltija (£M or LM)
- (2008) 100 cents = 1 euro
Airport Charge
A1/2
1975-88. Aeroplane tail and Maltese cross. 23½ x 20½ mm. Perf 13½. Wmk Multiple Maltese crosses. Value shown as '£M1' on A1, or as 'LM2' on A2. Designed by Anthony Agius and printed by Printex Ltd in sheets of 200 (4 panes of 50).
A1. £1 bright blue and carmine (1 July 1975)
A2. £2 bright blue and carmine (24 March 1988)
Notes:
1. The design information, printing details and issue date for A1 are given by Smeed. The issue date for A2 is as reported in 1989 in Melita (the Newsletter of the Malta Study Circle). Another report in Melita (1982) notes that the £1 stamps were withdrawn from sale at the Post Office on 1 October 1980, though it is not clear whether they remained in use at the airport after this date.
A1. £1 bright blue and carmine (1 July 1975)
A2. £2 bright blue and carmine (24 March 1988)
Notes:
1. The design information, printing details and issue date for A1 are given by Smeed. The issue date for A2 is as reported in 1989 in Melita (the Newsletter of the Malta Study Circle). Another report in Melita (1982) notes that the £1 stamps were withdrawn from sale at the Post Office on 1 October 1980, though it is not clear whether they remained in use at the airport after this date.
2. The above stamps replaced larger (90 x 73 mm) paper labels inscribed either Department of Civil Aviation Malta Passenger Service Charge (5s and 6s values) or Government of Malta Civil Airport Passenger Service Charge (6s, 10s and decimal 50c). An example of the latter type is illustrated at right. Further details of these labels will be found in David Springbett's book on airport departure tax, due to be published shortly.
Applications
1925. Unappropriated key type as Revenue R43, but overprinted APPLICATIONS at foot. Perf 14. Wmk Multiple Script CA. Printed (typo) by De La Rue in sheets of 240.
B1
B1. 3d red and black
Printings:
Printings:
- Req 5315 (sent to Malta 27th August 1925): 3d
- Req 5649 (sent to Malta 26th August 1926): 3d
Contracts
C1/13
1925-26. Unappropriated key types as Revenue R41ff, but overprinted CONTRACTS at foot. Perf 14. Wmk Multiple Script CA. Printed (typo) by De La Rue in sheets of 240 (penny values), 168 (shilling values) or 120 (pound values).
C1. ½d violet and black (1926)
C2. 1d green and black (1926)
C3. 3d red and black (1926)
C4. 6d blue and black
C5. 1s purple and black
C6. 2s purple and black
C8. 5s purple and black
C9. 7s6d purple and black on yellow (1926)
C10. 10s purple and black
C11. £1 purple and black
C12. £1 purple and black on green (1926)
C13. £5 purple and black
Note: the existence of a 2s on yellow paper is known from the Crown Agents Requisition books and archival proof material but this has not been recorded as an issued stamp, and Wood (2009) suggests that it was perhaps never issued.
Printings:
C1. ½d violet and black (1926)
C2. 1d green and black (1926)
C3. 3d red and black (1926)
C4. 6d blue and black
C5. 1s purple and black
C6. 2s purple and black
C8. 5s purple and black
C9. 7s6d purple and black on yellow (1926)
C10. 10s purple and black
C11. £1 purple and black
C12. £1 purple and black on green (1926)
C13. £5 purple and black
Note: the existence of a 2s on yellow paper is known from the Crown Agents Requisition books and archival proof material but this has not been recorded as an issued stamp, and Wood (2009) suggests that it was perhaps never issued.
Printings:
- Req 5315 (sent to Malta 27th August 1925): 6d, 1s, 2s, 5s, 10s, £1, £5
- Req 5649 (sent to Malta 26th August 1926): ½d, 1d, 3d, 6d, 1s, 2s on yellow, £1 on green, £5
- Req 5610 (sent to Malta 30th October 1926): 7s6d
Entertainment Tax
Note: this section was formerly headed Excise but was renamed in August 2016 when the section on Tobacco and Alcohol Excise stamps was added to the Malta chapter.
1953-70 (recorded usage). Entertainment excise duty printed directly onto tickets for the theatre, cinema or sporting events. Crown and scrolls design in rectangle (similar to Excise adhesive revenues of Great Britain), 23 x 15 mm. Inscribed EXCISE REVENUE in upper scroll, value in words in lower scroll with value in figures either side, MALTA in upper left and lower right corners of rectangle. The price of admission and the amount of tax are printed on the ticket, reading upwards at either side of the rectangle. Used tickets are left- or right-hand halves only, the other half being retained by the cinema.
1953-70 (recorded usage). Entertainment excise duty printed directly onto tickets for the theatre, cinema or sporting events. Crown and scrolls design in rectangle (similar to Excise adhesive revenues of Great Britain), 23 x 15 mm. Inscribed EXCISE REVENUE in upper scroll, value in words in lower scroll with value in figures either side, MALTA in upper left and lower right corners of rectangle. The price of admission and the amount of tax are printed on the ticket, reading upwards at either side of the rectangle. Used tickets are left- or right-hand halves only, the other half being retained by the cinema.
E13 and E16 (right halves only) with E14 (left and right halves of ticket joined together)
a) Ticket 30½mm wide (recorded usage 1953-68)
(E14 is as E12 but surcharged with purple handstamp)
[E12. 2d tax (1s2d admission) black on lilac]
E13. 3d tax (9d admission) black on purple
E14. 6d tax (1s admission) on 2d tax (1s2d admission) black on lilac
E16. 1s tax (4s admission) black on green
Note: E12 has not yet been recorded without the handstamped surcharge.
(E14 is as E12 but surcharged with purple handstamp)
[E12. 2d tax (1s2d admission) black on lilac]
E13. 3d tax (9d admission) black on purple
E14. 6d tax (1s admission) on 2d tax (1s2d admission) black on lilac
E16. 1s tax (4s admission) black on green
Note: E12 has not yet been recorded without the handstamped surcharge.
E21/28 including rejoined left and right halves of E22/23, E25 and E28
E30
b) Ticket 57mm wide (recorded usage 1953-66)
(E25 is as E29 but surcharged with black handstamp)
E21. 2d tax (10d admission) black on grey
E22. 3d tax (9d admission) black on purple
E23. 6d tax (1s admission) black on green
E24. 6d tax (2s admission) black on white
E25. 8d tax (1s6d admission) on 1s3d tax (4s1d admission) black on lilac
E26. 9d tax (2s9d admission) black on grey-green
E27. 10d tax (1s8d admission) black on grey-brown
E28. 10d tax (1s10d admission) black on grey
[E29. 1s3d tax (4s1d admission) black on lilac]
E30. 2s tax (4s admission) black on rose
Note: E29 has not yet been recorded without the handstamped surcharge.
(E25 is as E29 but surcharged with black handstamp)
E21. 2d tax (10d admission) black on grey
E22. 3d tax (9d admission) black on purple
E23. 6d tax (1s admission) black on green
E24. 6d tax (2s admission) black on white
E25. 8d tax (1s6d admission) on 1s3d tax (4s1d admission) black on lilac
E26. 9d tax (2s9d admission) black on grey-green
E27. 10d tax (1s8d admission) black on grey-brown
E28. 10d tax (1s10d admission) black on grey
[E29. 1s3d tax (4s1d admission) black on lilac]
E30. 2s tax (4s admission) black on rose
Note: E29 has not yet been recorded without the handstamped surcharge.
E31/37 including rejoined pairs of E31/2, E34 and E37
Tudor crown (left) and St Edward's crown (right) - see note below E37
c) Ticket 51mm wide (recorded usage 1956-70)
E31. 3d tax (9d admission) black on magenta
E32. 3d tax (11d admission) black on pink
E33. 6d tax (1s admission) black on pale green
E34. 6d tax (1s2d admission) black on pale blue
E35. 10d tax (1s10d admission) black on grey
E36. 1s8d tax (3s4d admission) black on buff
E37. 3s4d tax (6s8d admission) black on blue
Note: two different types of crown were used for the centre of the design - the Tudor crown and the St Edward's Crown, as illustrated above right. So far the following are recorded:
Known dates of use (stamped on tickets):
E31. 3d tax (9d admission) black on magenta
E32. 3d tax (11d admission) black on pink
E33. 6d tax (1s admission) black on pale green
E34. 6d tax (1s2d admission) black on pale blue
E35. 10d tax (1s10d admission) black on grey
E36. 1s8d tax (3s4d admission) black on buff
E37. 3s4d tax (6s8d admission) black on blue
Note: two different types of crown were used for the centre of the design - the Tudor crown and the St Edward's Crown, as illustrated above right. So far the following are recorded:
- Tudor Crown: E13/4, E21/7, E30, E33, E35
- St Edward's Crown: E28, E31/2, E34, E36/7
Known dates of use (stamped on tickets):
- E14 - Jan to Feb 1953
- E16 - Sep 1968
- E22 - Jun to Aug 1953
- E23 - Mar 1953 to Dec 1954
- E24 - Sep 1966
- E30 - Feb 1963
- E31 - Feb 1959
- E32 - Jan to Mar 1959
- E33 - Jan 1960
- E34 - Feb to Jul 1960
- E35 - Feb 1959 to Nov 1960
- E36 - Nov 1970
- E37 - Sep 1969
E11
1971 (recorded usage). Similar type (51mm wide) but inscribed INLAND REVENUE in upper scroll, MALTA in lower scroll. The admission price and the tax are left blank, to be inserted by handstamp at the time of sale.
E41. 1s2d tax (2s4d admission) black on rose
Note: this blank type of ticket allowed for variations in both the admission price and the rate of tax. The example shown here (dated August 1971) is the only one I have seen to date, but I suspect that other tickets exist handstamped with different prices.
E41. 1s2d tax (2s4d admission) black on rose
Note: this blank type of ticket allowed for variations in both the admission price and the rate of tax. The example shown here (dated August 1971) is the only one I have seen to date, but I suspect that other tickets exist handstamped with different prices.
E51
1971 (recorded usage). New type, vertical format 51 mm wide showing Arms of Malta.
E51. 1s tax (4s admission) black on cream
E55 top half and rejoined pair of E56
1977 (recorded usage). Similar to E51 but in decimal currency and showing the percentage tax paid rather than the admission price.
E55. 25c (tax at 20%) blue on pale green
E56. 50c (tax at 20%) black on red
E55. 25c (tax at 20%) blue on pale green
E56. 50c (tax at 20%) black on red
1976-85 (recorded usage). Decimal currency issue, arms of Maltese Republic in centre. Inscribed INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT / CHARGE, plus the percentage tax paid, all in both English and Maltese. Used tickets are upper or lower halves only, the other half being retained by the cinema.
E60 (complete unused ticket) plus E61/63 used halves
a) Ticket 52-54 mm wide, no internal frame line, English inscription at top
E60. 8c (tax at 25%) black on pale pink (red band in centre)
E61. 18c (tax at 30%) black on pale pink (red band in centre)
E62. 25c (tax at 35%) black on pale orange
E63. 30c (tax at 35%) black on buff
E60. 8c (tax at 25%) black on pale pink (red band in centre)
E61. 18c (tax at 30%) black on pale pink (red band in centre)
E62. 25c (tax at 35%) black on pale orange
E63. 30c (tax at 35%) black on buff
E73/77 showing upper and lower halves of each
E71 upper half
b) Ticket 62-64 mm wide, frame lines around central taxation portion, Maltese inscription at top, CHARGE / ĦLAS in letters 4 mm high
E71. 15c (tax at 30%) black on rose
E73. 40c (tax at 35%) black on green
E74. 45c (tax at 35%) black on cream
E77. £M1 (tax at 20%) black on red
E71. 15c (tax at 30%) black on rose
E73. 40c (tax at 35%) black on green
E74. 45c (tax at 35%) black on cream
E77. £M1 (tax at 20%) black on red
E84/87 showing upper and lower halves of each
E84a lower half
c) As type b) but CHARGE / ĦLAS in letters 2½ mm high
E84. 45c (tax at 35%) black on cream
a. Redrawn type (Tax at 35% in bolder font)
E85. 50c (tax at 35%) black on pink
E87. £M1 (tax at 5%) green on cream
Known dates of use (stamped on tickets):
E84. 45c (tax at 35%) black on cream
a. Redrawn type (Tax at 35% in bolder font)
E85. 50c (tax at 35%) black on pink
E87. £M1 (tax at 5%) green on cream
Known dates of use (stamped on tickets):
- E61 - Nov 1978
- E63 - Sep 1976
- E73 - Mar to Dec 1979
- E74 - Jun 1981
- E84 - Jan to Feb 1982
- E84a - Mar 1985
Impressed revenue stamps
Note: this essay for a one shilling impressed stamp, dated 19th October 1923, was sold by Spink in January 2014 along with a similar essay for a ¼d value.
Both essays were marked 'Approved', though no examples of the issued stamps have been recorded to date, and it is possible that the essays were not in fact adopted.
Z1/2
1922-64 (recorded usage). Imperial crown and Maltese cross. 17 x 28 mm (1d) or 30 x 30 mm (2d). Date plugs with year at foot. The range of recorded use of each value is shown in brackets.
Z1. 1d vermilion (1922-35)
Z2. 2d vermilion (1936-64)
Note: essays are known for both values, dated 20th March 1918 (Z1) and 11th April 1932 (Z2). Both were approved immediately, and the stamps were probably issued soon afterwards.
Z1. 1d vermilion (1922-35)
Z2. 2d vermilion (1936-64)
Note: essays are known for both values, dated 20th March 1918 (Z1) and 11th April 1932 (Z2). Both were approved immediately, and the stamps were probably issued soon afterwards.
Z11/12
Z11 albino (see note 2)
1966-71 (recorded usage). As previous issue but with castle turret in place of crown at top. 30 x 30 mm (2d) or 18 x 29 mm (4d).
Z11. 2d vermilion (1966-71)
a. Two impressions on one cheque (for 4d rate) (1971)
Z12. 4d vermilion (1970-71)
Notes:
1. Barber lists a 1d vermilion in the same design but I have not seen this.
2. Carmel Axiaq has found an albino example of Z11 (illustrated at right) but this seems to be an error rather than a regular production.
Z11. 2d vermilion (1966-71)
a. Two impressions on one cheque (for 4d rate) (1971)
Z12. 4d vermilion (1970-71)
Notes:
1. Barber lists a 1d vermilion in the same design but I have not seen this.
2. Carmel Axiaq has found an albino example of Z11 (illustrated at right) but this seems to be an error rather than a regular production.
Z21
1973 (recorded usage). As Z12 but change to decimal currency.
18 x 29 mm.
Z21. 1c7 vermilion (1973)
Impressed stamps were discontinued in the late 1970s or soon after. Duty was subsequently collected using non-embossed stamps printed on each cheque, normally in the same colour as the rest of the design (eg black for Bank for Valletta cheques, green for Lombard Bank, black or red for Mid-Med Bank). Two different values are known, with the 1c7 occurring in either 15mm or 12mm diameter. Earliest recorded usage is as follows: 1c7 (15mm) (1976), 1c7 (12mm) (1983), 2c (1985).
Labels
L11
1919 (earliest recorded usage). The Singer Sewing Machine Company (Italy) Ltd. Inscribed 'For Hire of a Sewing Machine'. 49 x 17 mm. Roulette 12½ x 5½, imperf at sheet edges. No watermark. Serial number machine-stamped in black.
L11. 2s green and red-orange
Note: although this design does not feature the country name, these adhesives can be identified as Maltese by the use of sterling currency and the serial number prefix M. Similar labels denominated in other currencies were used in other countries.
L11. 2s green and red-orange
Note: although this design does not feature the country name, these adhesives can be identified as Maltese by the use of sterling currency and the serial number prefix M. Similar labels denominated in other currencies were used in other countries.
L21/28
1937-44. The Anglo-Maltese League. Original design (1937-42) showing Union flag in circle with Maltese shield in front, and year of validity printed in black at lower left. Simple typeset designs for 1943 and 1944 issues. No watermark.
L21. 6d rose (1937)
L22. 6d brown (1938)
L23. 6d blue (1939)
L24. 6d violet (1940)
L25. 6d orange-brown (1941)
L26. 6d green (1942)
L27. 6d deep blue (1943)
L28. 6d black (1944)
L21. 6d rose (1937)
L22. 6d brown (1938)
L23. 6d blue (1939)
L24. 6d violet (1940)
L25. 6d orange-brown (1941)
L26. 6d green (1942)
L27. 6d deep blue (1943)
L28. 6d black (1944)
L31
1941. Design featuring V (=Victory), inscribed 'Help the Malta Relief Fund'. Perf 11. No watermark.
L31. ½d black, blue and red
Note: the issue of this label was advised in the Malta Government Gazette (no 8895) on 31st October 1941. It was withdrawn from sale as of 13th October 1945 (advised in Gazette no 9364, 10th October 1945).
L31. ½d black, blue and red
Note: the issue of this label was advised in the Malta Government Gazette (no 8895) on 31st October 1941. It was withdrawn from sale as of 13th October 1945 (advised in Gazette no 9364, 10th October 1945).
L41/42
1948. Nurse and Maltese cross, inscribed M.M.D.N.A. (=Malta Memorial District Nursing Association). 26½ x 35½ mm. Perf 12½. No watermark. Printed (recess) by Waterlow, printer's imprint at foot of stamp.
L42 printer's sample in blue
L41. 1s3d orange
L42. 5s deep green
Notes:
1. The MMDNA was founded shortly after the War, and began offering home nursing services in 1947. The stamps listed above were presumably issued to collect the annual membership fee.
2. The earliest recorded example of L42 is on an Associate Card dated 25 March 1948.
3. A printer's sample of the 5s is known in blue (see illustration at right), handstamped WATERLOW & SONS SPECIMEN.
L42. 5s deep green
Notes:
1. The MMDNA was founded shortly after the War, and began offering home nursing services in 1947. The stamps listed above were presumably issued to collect the annual membership fee.
2. The earliest recorded example of L42 is on an Associate Card dated 25 March 1948.
3. A printer's sample of the 5s is known in blue (see illustration at right), handstamped WATERLOW & SONS SPECIMEN.
National Insurance
N1/4 (N2/4 images from Grasham and Wood)
c1956. Workmen's Compensation stamp surcharged N.I. and new value in black or red.
N1. 4d on 1d green (red surcharge)
N2. 1s6d on 1d green (red surcharge)
N3. 1s6d on 2d pale brown
N4. 2s4d on 1d green
Note: examples of N1, N2 and N4 plus an unrecorded 6d on 1d green (surcharged in black) were in the collection of cinderella philatelist Conrad Graham, which was sold by Grosvenor in April 2015. These values were not illustrated in the auction catalogue, and I am unaware who bought the very large lot which included them. If the new owner could send me a scan, I would be very grateful!
N1. 4d on 1d green (red surcharge)
N2. 1s6d on 1d green (red surcharge)
N3. 1s6d on 2d pale brown
N4. 2s4d on 1d green
Note: examples of N1, N2 and N4 plus an unrecorded 6d on 1d green (surcharged in black) were in the collection of cinderella philatelist Conrad Graham, which was sold by Grosvenor in April 2015. These values were not illustrated in the auction catalogue, and I am unaware who bought the very large lot which included them. If the new owner could send me a scan, I would be very grateful!
N11/19
1956-66. Small numeral type similar to Workmen's Compensation stamps, but with George Cross in top right-hand corner and inscribed NATIONAL INSURANCE in circle surmounted by crown. 13 x 17½ mm. Perf 14 x 13½. Wmk Multiple Script CA. Printed (recess) by Perkins Bacon / Harrison in sheets of 120.
N11. 4d purple
N12. 5d purple (1958)
N13. 6d blue-green
N14. 8d green (1958)
[N15. 10d dull red (1966)]
N16. 1s6d carmine
[N17. 2s yellow (1964)]
N18. 2s4d grey
N19. 3s pale brownish grey (1958)
[N20. 3s4d red-orange (1964)]
[N21. 3s8d red-orange (1965)]
Note: the values shown in brackets are known from the Crown Agents Requisition books but I have not seen them as issued stamps, other than the 3s4d with provisional surcharge (see N57 and N61 below).
Printings:
N11. 4d purple
N12. 5d purple (1958)
N13. 6d blue-green
N14. 8d green (1958)
[N15. 10d dull red (1966)]
N16. 1s6d carmine
[N17. 2s yellow (1964)]
N18. 2s4d grey
N19. 3s pale brownish grey (1958)
[N20. 3s4d red-orange (1964)]
[N21. 3s8d red-orange (1965)]
Note: the values shown in brackets are known from the Crown Agents Requisition books but I have not seen them as issued stamps, other than the 3s4d with provisional surcharge (see N57 and N61 below).
Printings:
- Req 7583/1 (sent to Malta 22nd August 1956): 4d, 6d, 1s6d, 2s4d
- Req 9170/1 (sent to Malta 30th May 1957): 1s6d
- Req 9986/1 (sent to Malta 10th February 1958): 5d, 8d, 3s
- Req 1434/1 (sent to Malta 15th January 1959): 5d, 8d, 3s
- Req 8870/1 (sent to Malta 16th June 1964): 2s, 3s4d
- Req 5/03314/1 (sent to Malta 6th April 1965): 3s8d
- Req 5/35248/1 (sent to Malta 20th October 1965): 2s4d
- Req 5/60946/1 (sent to Malta 15th February 1966): 10d
N31/36
c1958. As previous issue (crown at top) but locally surcharged N.I. and new value in black or blue, the letters 'N.I.' in narrow font with heavy serifs as found on N1/4. (For similar surcharges but with 'N.I.' in a different font, see N56ff below.)
N31. 5d on 4d purple
N32. 8d on 6d green
N34. 1s10d on 1s6d carmine (blue surch)
N35. 1s10d on 1s6d carmine (black surch)
N36. 3s on 2s4d grey
Notes:
1. Barefoot lists the following values which I have not seen: 5d on 6d, 1s10d on 6d, 3s2d on 2s, 9s on 2s; plus 9s on 3s with SE overprint similar to N81. He does not indicate whether these values belong to this set or to the later series (N56/61 or N71/72).
2. Recorded usage: 1961 (N35).
N31. 5d on 4d purple
N32. 8d on 6d green
N34. 1s10d on 1s6d carmine (blue surch)
N35. 1s10d on 1s6d carmine (black surch)
N36. 3s on 2s4d grey
Notes:
1. Barefoot lists the following values which I have not seen: 5d on 6d, 1s10d on 6d, 3s2d on 2s, 9s on 2s; plus 9s on 3s with SE overprint similar to N81. He does not indicate whether these values belong to this set or to the later series (N56/61 or N71/72).
2. Recorded usage: 1961 (N35).
N41/50
1966-70s. Similar type but without crown at top, and wmk changed to Multiple Maltese Crosses. Perf 14 x 13½.
N41. 6d green
N42. 8d blue-green (c1971)
N43. 10d brown
[N44. 1s6d red]
N45. 1s8d pale red (c1971)
[N46. 2s yellow]
N47. 2s3d black
N48. 2s4d pale grey
N49. 3s2d ultramarine
N50. 3s8d red-orange
Notes:
1. The 1s6d and 2s are known from the Crown Agents Requisition books but I have not seen them as issued stamps, though the 1s6d is known surcharged (see N71 and N76 below).
2. The 8d and 1s8d values are not listed in the Requisition books, and were presumably issued after 1970, when the books end. It is possible that other new values may have been issued after 1970.
3. Barefoot lists a 4s10d orange though this may be an error for the surcharged stamp (N73).
Printings:
N41. 6d green
N42. 8d blue-green (c1971)
N43. 10d brown
[N44. 1s6d red]
N45. 1s8d pale red (c1971)
[N46. 2s yellow]
N47. 2s3d black
N48. 2s4d pale grey
N49. 3s2d ultramarine
N50. 3s8d red-orange
Notes:
1. The 1s6d and 2s are known from the Crown Agents Requisition books but I have not seen them as issued stamps, though the 1s6d is known surcharged (see N71 and N76 below).
2. The 8d and 1s8d values are not listed in the Requisition books, and were presumably issued after 1970, when the books end. It is possible that other new values may have been issued after 1970.
3. Barefoot lists a 4s10d orange though this may be an error for the surcharged stamp (N73).
Printings:
- Req 6/21120/1 (sent to Malta 22nd November 1966): 6d, 10d, 1s6d, 2s, 2s3d, 2s4d, 3s2d, 3s8d
- Req 7/25538/1 (sent to Malta 5th September 1967): 1s6d, 3s8d
- Req 8/08635/1 (sent to Malta 30th April 1968): 3s8d
- Req 8/30315/1 (sent to Malta 23rd September 1968): 2s4d, 3s2d
- Req 8/52450/1 (sent to Malta 21st January 1969): 3s8d
- Req 9/27740/1 (sent to Malta 7th October 1969): 3s8d
- Req 9/39879/1 (sent to Malta 2nd December 1969 [Req books read 1967, apparently in error]): 10d
- Req 0/06295/1 (sent to Malta 21st April 1970): 6d
N56/76
N73 (no better image currently available)
1964 (earliest recorded usage) - 1970s. Previous issues surcharged locally, the letters N.I. being in a wider font than on N31/5 above and with less pronounced serifs.
a) Surcharged N.I. and new value on 1956-66 issue (crown at top)
N56. 9d on 1s6d red
N57. 9d on 2s4d grey
N58. 10d on 3s4d red-orange
N60. 3s4d on 2s4d grey
N61. 3s8d on 3s4d red-orange
b) As a) but surcharged on 1966-70s issue (no crown at top)
N71. 1s8d on 1s6d red
N72. 2s8d on 2s4d pale grey
N73. 4s10d on 3s8d red-orange
c) As b) but without N.I.
N76. 5s7d on 1s6d red
Recorded usage: 1964 (N56), 1965 (N57), 1968 (N58).
a) Surcharged N.I. and new value on 1956-66 issue (crown at top)
N56. 9d on 1s6d red
N57. 9d on 2s4d grey
N58. 10d on 3s4d red-orange
N60. 3s4d on 2s4d grey
N61. 3s8d on 3s4d red-orange
b) As a) but surcharged on 1966-70s issue (no crown at top)
N71. 1s8d on 1s6d red
N72. 2s8d on 2s4d pale grey
N73. 4s10d on 3s8d red-orange
c) As b) but without N.I.
N76. 5s7d on 1s6d red
Recorded usage: 1964 (N56), 1965 (N57), 1968 (N58).
N81/91 (N81 and N91 images from Grasham and Wood)
1973-74 (earliest recorded usage). As 1966-70s issue but denominated in decimal currency and additionally surcharged.
a) With overprint SE (=Self-Employed) at top
N81. 82c on 45c yellow
b) Without SE overprint
N88. 27c on 20c blue-green
N91. £1.08c5 on 82c orange
Notes:
1. It is presumed that these values were originally issued without surcharge but they have not yet been recorded as such.
2. N81 and N91 are known used together on a National Insurance card (illustrated in Grasham and Wood), N81 being used in August-September 1973 and N91 in June 1974.
a) With overprint SE (=Self-Employed) at top
N81. 82c on 45c yellow
b) Without SE overprint
N88. 27c on 20c blue-green
N91. £1.08c5 on 82c orange
Notes:
1. It is presumed that these values were originally issued without surcharge but they have not yet been recorded as such.
2. N81 and N91 are known used together on a National Insurance card (illustrated in Grasham and Wood), N81 being used in August-September 1973 and N91 in June 1974.
N102
1976 (recorded usage). New slightly smaller type (13 x 16½ mm) inscribed Sigurtà Nazzjonali in Maltese. Perf 14. Watermark Multiple Maltese Crosses.
N102. £1.79 blue-green
Note: A National Insurance card is known bearing five examples of N102 used between 3rd May and 21st June 1976. The same card refers to a 91c5 stamp, though no examples of this value have otherwise been recorded.
N102. £1.79 blue-green
Note: A National Insurance card is known bearing five examples of N102 used between 3rd May and 21st June 1976. The same card refers to a 91c5 stamp, though no examples of this value have otherwise been recorded.
Passport
P1/9
1933-62. Numeral type inscribed FEE PAID (above value tablet) and PASSPORT at foot. 18 x 22½ mm. Perf 14. Wmk Multiple Script CA. Printed (typo) by De La Rue in sheets of 60.
P9a
P1. 6d black and deep green
P2. 2s black and deep green
P3. 2s6d black and green (1953)
P4. 3s black and deep green
P5. 5s black and deep green
P6. 7s6d black and green (1953)
P7. 15s black and deep green
P8. £1 black and green (1953)
P9. 30s black and green (1962)
a. Perf 12½ x 14 (1967)
Note: P9a is thought to emanate from the final (October 1967) printing of Passport stamps; the £1 may also exist perf 12½ x 14 from the same printing. A note in the Requisition books suggests that the October 1967 printing may have been on block CA paper, though this cannot be confirmed at present since the only recorded example of P9a has an indistinct watermark.
Printings:
P2. 2s black and deep green
P3. 2s6d black and green (1953)
P4. 3s black and deep green
P5. 5s black and deep green
P6. 7s6d black and green (1953)
P7. 15s black and deep green
P8. £1 black and green (1953)
P9. 30s black and green (1962)
a. Perf 12½ x 14 (1967)
Note: P9a is thought to emanate from the final (October 1967) printing of Passport stamps; the £1 may also exist perf 12½ x 14 from the same printing. A note in the Requisition books suggests that the October 1967 printing may have been on block CA paper, though this cannot be confirmed at present since the only recorded example of P9a has an indistinct watermark.
Printings:
- Req 7955 (sent to Malta 3rd May 1933): 6d, 2s, 3s, 5s, 15s
- Req 1333/1 (sent to Malta 4th August 1939): 2s, 5s, 15s
- Req 2002/1 (sent to Malta 20th December 1948): 5s, 15s
- Req 4216/1 (sent to Malta 19th June 1952): 2s, 3s, 5s, 15s
- Req 4537/1 (sent to Malta 2nd March 1953): 2s6d, 7s6d, £1
- Req 6660/1 (sent to Malta 10th October 1962): 30s
- Req 7/35249/1 (sent to Malta 5th October 1967): £1, 30s
P15/21
1969. Similar type but inscribed FEE PAID at foot, without PASSPORT. Perf 12½. Watermark Multiple Maltese Crosses.
P15. 5s black and purple
P18. 15s black and brown
P19. 20s black and red-orange
P21. 30s black and brownish red
Note: to date these are the only values known to have survived from a set of consular stamps sent to Malta on 13th November 1968 (Crown Agents Req 8/01295/1). This requisition also included the following seven values, none of which I have seen as issued stamps: 1s6d, 2s, 2s6d, 3s, 7s6d, 10s, 22s6d.
According to Wood (2011), passport stamps were withdrawn from use on 15 May 1972 and became invalid the following day with the introduction of decimal currency.
P15. 5s black and purple
P18. 15s black and brown
P19. 20s black and red-orange
P21. 30s black and brownish red
Note: to date these are the only values known to have survived from a set of consular stamps sent to Malta on 13th November 1968 (Crown Agents Req 8/01295/1). This requisition also included the following seven values, none of which I have seen as issued stamps: 1s6d, 2s, 2s6d, 3s, 7s6d, 10s, 22s6d.
According to Wood (2011), passport stamps were withdrawn from use on 15 May 1972 and became invalid the following day with the introduction of decimal currency.
Postal Order poundage
Illustrated above are two British postal orders overprinted for use in Malta. The first order (KGVI portrait) has a face value of one shilling uprated with a pair of 2d postage and revenue adhesives, and poundage of 2d has been collected. The QEII order shows a face value in sterling (5 pence) with a poundage in Maltese currency (2c 5m). British postal orders were issued in a wide range of values and it is likely that many of these were overprinted for Malta. Such items are not listed on this website but further information can be obtained from the Postal Order Society.
Ration Coupons
1944. Coupons for clothing ration. Crown over numeral, 11 x 14 mm (½ coupon) or crown over George Cross, 24 x 14 mm (1 coupon). Imperf. Watermark Multiple Crown and letters SO (=Stationery Office, as on United Kingdom Excise issues). Issued in sheets of 21 (½ coupon x 6 se-tenant with 1 coupon x 15), all the coupons in one sheet being printed the same colour. A complete booklet contained four normal sheets (K21/8) plus four spare sheets (K31/8). Security background of geometric patterns printed in pale grey. This listing follows the sequence of ration book page numbers, ie the first page of coupons (page 3) contains K21 and K25, page 4 contains K22 and K26 etc.
K21/28
a) Without index letters at sides
K21. ½ coupon deep brown
K22. ½ coupon pale slate
K23. ½ coupon violet
K24. ½ coupon deep green
K25. 1 coupon deep brown
K26. 1 coupon pale slate
K27. 1 coupon violet
K28. 1 coupon deep green
K21. ½ coupon deep brown
K22. ½ coupon pale slate
K23. ½ coupon violet
K24. ½ coupon deep green
K25. 1 coupon deep brown
K26. 1 coupon pale slate
K27. 1 coupon violet
K28. 1 coupon deep green
K31/38
b) With index letters at sides (A to F on ½ coupon, G to V on 1 coupon, same letter printed twice on each coupon)
K31. ½ coupon black
K32. ½ coupon brown-orange
K33. ½ coupon lilac
K34. ½ coupon bright green
K35. 1 coupon black
K36. 1 coupon brown-orange
K37. 1 coupon lilac
K38. 1 coupon bright green
K31. ½ coupon black
K32. ½ coupon brown-orange
K33. ½ coupon lilac
K34. ½ coupon bright green
K35. 1 coupon black
K36. 1 coupon brown-orange
K37. 1 coupon lilac
K38. 1 coupon bright green
K39 and K40
?1940s. Similar types with crown and cross, but now perforated (perf 12) and inscribed Services in central banner. Watermark Multiple Crown and SO. Security background of geometric patterns printed in orange.
K39. 1 coupon red (George Cross at lower right)
K40. 1 coupon red (Maltese Cross at lower right) (c1946)
Note: K39 was issued to control the rationing of textiles to members of the armed forces in Malta. A similar coupon in blue and inscribed simply Coupon was issued for the rationing of textiles to civilians, though I am unable to illustrate this at present. Both types were issued in sheets of 100. For further information see page 96 of Jean Forien de Rochesnard and Raymond Granier, Le Rationnement en Grande-Bretagne et en Irelande (Colombes, 1982). (Thanks to Michael Florer for this information.)
K39. 1 coupon red (George Cross at lower right)
K40. 1 coupon red (Maltese Cross at lower right) (c1946)
Note: K39 was issued to control the rationing of textiles to members of the armed forces in Malta. A similar coupon in blue and inscribed simply Coupon was issued for the rationing of textiles to civilians, though I am unable to illustrate this at present. Both types were issued in sheets of 100. For further information see page 96 of Jean Forien de Rochesnard and Raymond Granier, Le Rationnement en Grande-Bretagne et en Irelande (Colombes, 1982). (Thanks to Michael Florer for this information.)
1946. As K21 etc but new design of Maltese cross in circle surmounted by crown. All coupons now in vertical format, 1 coupon measures 14 x 25 mm. Imperf. Watermark Multiple Crown and SO. Sheet and booklet format as before. Security background of geometric patterns printed in second colour listed.
K41/48
a) Without index letters below Maltese cross
K41. ½ coupon brown and orange
K42. ½ coupon dull blue and pale grey
K43. ½ coupon violet and pale grey
K44. ½ coupon deep green and pale green
K45. 1 coupon brown and orange
K46. 1 coupon dull blue and pale grey
K47. 1 coupon violet and pale grey
K48. 1 coupon deep green and pale green
K41. ½ coupon brown and orange
K42. ½ coupon dull blue and pale grey
K43. ½ coupon violet and pale grey
K44. ½ coupon deep green and pale green
K45. 1 coupon brown and orange
K46. 1 coupon dull blue and pale grey
K47. 1 coupon violet and pale grey
K48. 1 coupon deep green and pale green
K51/58
b) With index letters below Maltese cross (A to F on ½ coupon, G to V on 1 coupon, same letter printed twice on each coupon)
K51. ½ coupon grey-black and grey-violet
K52. ½ coupon red-orange and yellow-olive
K53. ½ coupon magenta and grey-violet
K54. ½ coupon bright green and pale grey
K55. 1 coupon grey-black and grey-violet
K56. 1 coupon red-orange and yellow-olive
K57. 1 coupon magenta and grey-violet
K58. 1 coupon bright green and pale grey
K51. ½ coupon grey-black and grey-violet
K52. ½ coupon red-orange and yellow-olive
K53. ½ coupon magenta and grey-violet
K54. ½ coupon bright green and pale grey
K55. 1 coupon grey-black and grey-violet
K56. 1 coupon red-orange and yellow-olive
K57. 1 coupon magenta and grey-violet
K58. 1 coupon bright green and pale grey
Registers
Q1
1925. Unappropriated key type as Revenue R41, but overprinted REGISTERS at foot. Perf 14. Wmk Multiple Script CA. Printed (typo) by De La Rue in sheets of 240.
Q1. ½d violet and black
Only one printing: Req 5315, sent to Malta 27th August 1925.
Q1. ½d violet and black
Only one printing: Req 5315, sent to Malta 27th August 1925.
Revenue
R1/5
Overprint varieties R1a, R2a, R4a, R2b (top row); R1/4c (below)
R2w (front and back)
1899 (9th August). Postage and revenue definitives (Queen Victoria portrait), overprinted Revenue in mixed case, 17 mm long, by the Government Printing Office, Valetta. Perf 14. Wmk Crown CC (5s) or Crown CA (others).
R1. ½d green
a. Doubled overprint
c. Straight tail to R
R2. 1d carmine
a. Doubled overprint
b. Inverted overprint
c. Straight tail to R
w. Watermark inverted
R3. 4d brown
c. Straight tail to R
R4. 1s pale violet
a. Doubled overprint
c. Straight tail to R
R5. 5s rose
Notes:
1. The date of issue is as announced in Malta Government Notice #218 (quoted by Smeed).
2. The 'straight tail to R' variety can be found se-tenant with normal.
R1. ½d green
a. Doubled overprint
c. Straight tail to R
R2. 1d carmine
a. Doubled overprint
b. Inverted overprint
c. Straight tail to R
w. Watermark inverted
R3. 4d brown
c. Straight tail to R
R4. 1s pale violet
a. Doubled overprint
c. Straight tail to R
R5. 5s rose
Notes:
1. The date of issue is as announced in Malta Government Notice #218 (quoted by Smeed).
2. The 'straight tail to R' variety can be found se-tenant with normal.
R11/22
1899 (November) - 1902. As previous issue but now overprinted REVENUE in capitals by De La Rue in London. ½d to 1s with portrait of Queen Victoria, overprint 15½ mm long, wmk Crown CA. Higher values larger (2s6d emblematic figure of Malta, 5s Queen Victoria, 10s Shipwreck of St Paul) with overprint 20 mm long, wmk Crown CC. The basic set supplemented by four additional values produced by surcharging special printings in previously unissued colours of the 2s6d (2s) or the 1s (others), with Revenue overprints in slightly different fonts and bars through original value.
3d, 6d and 9d surcharge proofs
R11. ½d green
R12. 1d carmine
R13. 2d grey (1902)
R14. 3d on 1s deep purple (1902)
R15. 4d brown
R16. 6d on 1s olive-green (1902)
R17. 9d on 1s orange-brown (1902)
R18. 1s pale violet
R19. 2s on 2s6d orange (1902)
R20. 2s6d olive-grey (1902)
R21. 5s carmine (1902)
R22. 10s blue-black (1902)
Notes:
1. Smeed quotes an unattributed suggestion that the ½d, 1d, 4d and 1s were put on sale in Malta on 17th November 1899.
2. The 2d, 3d, 6d, 9d and 2s to 10s were printed at the end of 1901 and probably put on sale in Malta in early 1902 (so Smeed). These eight values are known with Specimen handstamp. A top value of £1 was originally commissioned by the Crown Agents, but cancelled following advice from De La Rue that the production of a £1 stamp by surcharging a lower value might invite forgery.
3. A set of three surcharge proofs for the 3d, 6d and 9d (see illustration above right) was sold by Spink in January 2014.
Printings (from De La Rue Day Books, quoted by Smeed):
R12. 1d carmine
R13. 2d grey (1902)
R14. 3d on 1s deep purple (1902)
R15. 4d brown
R16. 6d on 1s olive-green (1902)
R17. 9d on 1s orange-brown (1902)
R18. 1s pale violet
R19. 2s on 2s6d orange (1902)
R20. 2s6d olive-grey (1902)
R21. 5s carmine (1902)
R22. 10s blue-black (1902)
Notes:
1. Smeed quotes an unattributed suggestion that the ½d, 1d, 4d and 1s were put on sale in Malta on 17th November 1899.
2. The 2d, 3d, 6d, 9d and 2s to 10s were printed at the end of 1901 and probably put on sale in Malta in early 1902 (so Smeed). These eight values are known with Specimen handstamp. A top value of £1 was originally commissioned by the Crown Agents, but cancelled following advice from De La Rue that the production of a £1 stamp by surcharging a lower value might invite forgery.
3. A set of three surcharge proofs for the 3d, 6d and 9d (see illustration above right) was sold by Spink in January 2014.
Printings (from De La Rue Day Books, quoted by Smeed):
- 3rd October 1899 (Req 66/99): ½d, 1d, 4d, 1s
- 23rd December 1901: 2d, 3d/1s, 6d/1s, 9d/1s, 2s/2s6d, 2s6d, 5s, 10s
- 3rd March 1904: 2s/2s6d, 2s6d
- 29th May 1906: 2s6d
R26
c1904. Postage and revenue definitives (King Edward VII portrait), locally overprinted Revenue in mixed case. Perf 14. Wmk Crown CA.
R26. 3d grey and purple
R31/39
1904-12. As previous issue but now overprinted REVENUE in capitals by De La Rue in London. 2s and 2s6d similar to R19/20 but with change of watermark. New value (5s) added by surcharging special printing of 10s value in previously unissued colour, with bar through original value. Perf 14. Wmk Multiple Crown CA.
R31. 1d brown and red
R32. 1d red (1906)
R33. 2d purple and grey (1908)
R34. 3d grey and purple (1906)
R35. 6d on 1s grey and violet (1906)
R36. 1s black on green (red opt) (1912)
R37. 2s on 2s6d orange (1908)
R38. 2s6d olive-green (1908)
R39. 5s on 10s carmine (1908)
Notes:
1. The 2d, 3d, 6d and 1s are known with Specimen handstamp.
2. The 3d value was not issued in this watermark without Revenue overprint.
Printings (from De La Rue Day Books, quoted by Smeed, Req numbers unknown):
R31. 1d brown and red
R32. 1d red (1906)
R33. 2d purple and grey (1908)
R34. 3d grey and purple (1906)
R35. 6d on 1s grey and violet (1906)
R36. 1s black on green (red opt) (1912)
R37. 2s on 2s6d orange (1908)
R38. 2s6d olive-green (1908)
R39. 5s on 10s carmine (1908)
Notes:
1. The 2d, 3d, 6d and 1s are known with Specimen handstamp.
2. The 3d value was not issued in this watermark without Revenue overprint.
Printings (from De La Rue Day Books, quoted by Smeed, Req numbers unknown):
- 3rd March 1904: 1d brown and red
- 29th May 1906: 1d red, 3d, 6d/1s
- 25th May 1908: 2d, 6d/1s, 2s/2s6d, 2s6d, 5s/10s
- 27th May 1909: 1d red
- 21st May 1910: 2d, 6d/1s
- 10th July & 22nd August 1911: 1d red
- 3rd June 1912: 1s
R41/55
1925-30. Unappropriated key types, portrait of King George V. 18½ x 22 mm (pence values), 18 x 31 mm (shilling values), 22½ x 38 mm (£1 and £5). Blank tablet at foot. Perf 14. Wmk Multiple Script CA. Printed (typo) by De La Rue in sheets of 240 (penny values), 168 (shilling values) or 120 (pound values).
R41. ½d violet
R42. 1d green
R43. 3d red
R44. 6d blue
R45. 1s green
R46. 2s green
R48. 5s green
R49. 7s6d purple on yellow (1926)
R50. 10s green
R51. 10s black on yellow (1926)
R52. £1 green
R53. £1 purple on yellow (1926)
R55. £5 purple (1930)
Notes:
1. The existence of a 2s on green paper is known from the Crown Agents Requisition books and archival proof material but this has not been recorded as an issued stamp, and Wood (2009) suggests that it was perhaps never issued.
2. The Requisition book includes the note "change of colour" against the £1 from the 1929 printing, though does not specify what the new colour was. The colour had already been changed to purple on yellow in August 1926, and my guess is that the 1929 printing was actually a change back to green, perhaps occasioned by the need to avoid confusion with the new £5 purple from the same printing. Green was presumably used again for the 1936 reprint of the £1, and then would have been the obvious choice when the King George VI stamp was subsequently introduced (see R61/2 below).
Printings:
R41. ½d violet
R42. 1d green
R43. 3d red
R44. 6d blue
R45. 1s green
R46. 2s green
R48. 5s green
R49. 7s6d purple on yellow (1926)
R50. 10s green
R51. 10s black on yellow (1926)
R52. £1 green
R53. £1 purple on yellow (1926)
R55. £5 purple (1930)
Notes:
1. The existence of a 2s on green paper is known from the Crown Agents Requisition books and archival proof material but this has not been recorded as an issued stamp, and Wood (2009) suggests that it was perhaps never issued.
2. The Requisition book includes the note "change of colour" against the £1 from the 1929 printing, though does not specify what the new colour was. The colour had already been changed to purple on yellow in August 1926, and my guess is that the 1929 printing was actually a change back to green, perhaps occasioned by the need to avoid confusion with the new £5 purple from the same printing. Green was presumably used again for the 1936 reprint of the £1, and then would have been the obvious choice when the King George VI stamp was subsequently introduced (see R61/2 below).
Printings:
- Req 5315 (sent to Malta 27th August 1925): ½d, 1d, 3d, 6d, 1s, 2s, 5s, 10s, £1 green
- Req 5609 (sent to Malta 19th June 1926): 3d
- Req 5649 (sent to Malta 26th August 1926): 1d, 10s black on yellow, £1 purple on yellow
- Req 5610 (sent to Malta 30th October 1926): 7s6d
- Req 5716 (sent to Malta 26th August 1926): 5s
- Req 5894 (sent to Malta 29th April 1927): 6d
- Req 5900 (sent to Malta 15th April 1927): ½d, 1d, 3d, 1s, 2s "change of colour" (unspecified)
- Req 6710 (sent to Malta 12th November 1929): £1 "change of colour" (unspecified, presumed green), £5
- Req 9781/1 (sent to Malta 13th November 1936): £1 (presumed green)
R61/62
1941-48. As previous issue but portrait changed to King George VI. 22½ x 38 mm. Blank tablet at foot. Wmk Multiple Script CA. Printed (typo) by De La Rue. Ordinary paper (R61) or chalk-surfaced paper (R62).
R61. £1 blue-green (perf 14)
R62. £1 yellow-green (perf 12½) (1948)
Printings:
- Req 2061/1 (sent to Malta 27th August 1941): £1 perf 14
- Req 2061/2 (sent to Malta 9th September 1941): £1 perf 14
- Req 1927/1 (sent to Malta 28th September 1948): £1 perf 12½
R71
1954. Portrait again changed to Queen Elizabeth II. 22½ x 38 mm. Blank tablet at foot. Perf 14. Wmk Multiple Script CA.
R71. £1 green
Only one printing: Req 5706/1, sent to Malta 25th June 1954.
Revenue usage of dual-purpose Postage and Revenue stamps
Note: for ease of reference, numbering follows the Stanley Gibbons Part 1 (Commonwealth / British Empire) catalogue throughout this section. Values listed here are those recorded as having been used for revenue purposes. For perforation, watermark and printing details of commemorative issues listed in this section, please refer to the Gibbons catalogue.
F19/30
1882-84 and 1885-90. Portrait of Queen Victoria. 18½ x 22½ mm and wmk Crown CA (½d to 1s), 25 x 30 mm and wmk Crown CC (5s). Perf 14. Printed (typo) by De La Rue.
F19. ½d red-orange
F23. 2d grey
F27. 4d brown
F29. 1s pale violet
F30. 5s rose
F19. ½d red-orange
F23. 2d grey
F27. 4d brown
F29. 1s pale violet
F30. 5s rose
F35
1899-1901. Shipwreck of St Paul. Inscribed MALTA POSTAGE in upper banners. 25 x 30 mm. Perf 14. Wmk Crown CC. Printed (recess) by De La Rue.
F35. 10s blue-black
Note: this stamp is inscribed POSTAGE, and was originally valid for fiscal use only with REVENUE overprint (see R22). Around 1912-13 the issue of dedicated revenue stamps was suspended and all postage stamps became valid for both postage and revenue purposes. F35 remained in use until it was replaced in 1919 with a new 10-shilling stamp inscribed Postage (and) Revenue.
F35. 10s blue-black
Note: this stamp is inscribed POSTAGE, and was originally valid for fiscal use only with REVENUE overprint (see R22). Around 1912-13 the issue of dedicated revenue stamps was suspended and all postage stamps became valid for both postage and revenue purposes. F35 remained in use until it was replaced in 1919 with a new 10-shilling stamp inscribed Postage (and) Revenue.
F42 and F47a/58
1903-14. Fishing boat (4½d) or King Edward VII portrait (others). Perf 14. Printed (4½d recess, others typo) by De La Rue.
a) Watermark Crown CA (1903-04)
F42. 3d grey and purple
b) Watermark Multiple Crown CA (1904-14)
F47a. ½d deep green (1909)
F49. 1d red (1907)
F51. 2d grey (1911)
F58. 4½d orange (1912)
a) Watermark Crown CA (1903-04)
F42. 3d grey and purple
b) Watermark Multiple Crown CA (1904-14)
F47a. ½d deep green (1909)
F49. 1d red (1907)
F51. 2d grey (1911)
F58. 4½d orange (1912)
F69/88
1914-21. King George V portrait or emblematic figure of Malta (2s6d). Perf 14. Watermark Multiple Crown CA. Chalk-surfaced paper (3d to 1s and 5s). Printed (2s6d recess, others typo) by De La Rue.
F69. ¼d brown
a. Deep brown
F71. ½d green
a. Deep green
F73. 1d carmine-red
a. Scarlet
F75b. 2d deep slate
F77. 2½d bright blue
F78. 3d purple on yellow
F80. 6d dull and bright purple
a. Dull purple and magenta
F81b. 1s black on blue-green (olive back)
d. On green (emerald back)
F86. 2s purple and bright blue on blue
F87. 2s6d olive-green
F88. 5s green and red on yellow
F69. ¼d brown
a. Deep brown
F71. ½d green
a. Deep green
F73. 1d carmine-red
a. Scarlet
F75b. 2d deep slate
F77. 2½d bright blue
F78. 3d purple on yellow
F80. 6d dull and bright purple
a. Dull purple and magenta
F81b. 1s black on blue-green (olive back)
d. On green (emerald back)
F86. 2s purple and bright blue on blue
F87. 2s6d olive-green
F88. 5s green and red on yellow
F92
1917-18. King George V portrait stamp overprinted War Tax in sans-serif capitals by De La Rue. Wmk Multiple Crown CA. Perf 14.
F92. ½d deep green
F96 (front and back to show watermark) partially cleaned but with traces of revenue cancel
1919. 10s similar to F35 but in new frame inscribed Postage Revenue. Watermark Multiple Crown CA (for Script, see F104 below). Printed (recess) by De La Rue.
F96. 10s black
F96. 10s black
F99/104
1921-22. Low values as 1914-21 issue and 10s as F96 but change to watermark Multiple Script CA. Printed (10s recess, others typo) by De La Rue.
F99. 1d scarlet
F102. 6d dull and bright purple (1922)
F104. 10s black (1922)
F99. 1d scarlet
F102. 6d dull and bright purple (1922)
F104. 10s black (1922)
F105/121
1922. Earlier issues overprinted SELF-GOVERNMENT diagonally at the Government Printing Office, Valetta. Perf 14.
a) Watermark Crown CC
F105. 10s blue-black (red opt)
b) Watermark Multiple Crown CA
F112. 2s6d olive-grey
F113. 5s green and red on yellow
c) Watermark Multiple Script CA
F115. ½d green
F116. 1d scarlet
F117. 2d grey
F121. 10s black (red opt)
Note: F105 is inscribed Malta Postage (as F35) and F121 is inscribed Malta Postage Revenue (as F104).
a) Watermark Crown CC
F105. 10s blue-black (red opt)
b) Watermark Multiple Crown CA
F112. 2s6d olive-grey
F113. 5s green and red on yellow
c) Watermark Multiple Script CA
F115. ½d green
F116. 1d scarlet
F117. 2d grey
F121. 10s black (red opt)
Note: F105 is inscribed Malta Postage (as F35) and F121 is inscribed Malta Postage Revenue (as F104).
F122
1922. King George V portrait stamp surcharged in words at the Government Printing Office, Valetta.
F122. ¼d on 2d grey
F122. ¼d on 2d grey
F123/140
1922-26. New pictorial issue featuring allegorical designs of Anglo-Maltese Union (shilling values) or Our Lady of Malta (others). Perf 14. Watermark Multiple Script CA (sideways on pence values, with crown to the left of 'CA' when seen from the back of the stamp). Printed (£1 recess, others typo) by De La Rue.
F125w (front and back) showing wmk variety
F123. ¼d brown
a. Chocolate-brown
F124. ½d green
F125. 1d orange and purple
w. Wmk Crown to right of CA
F126. 1d bright violet (1924)
F127. 1½d brown-red (1923)
F130. 3d cobalt
F131. 3d black on yellow (1926)
F132. 4d yellow and bright blue
F133. 6d olive-green and reddish violet
F134. 1s indigo and sepia
F135. 2s brown and blue
F136. 2s6d bright magenta and black
F137. 5s orange-yellow and bright ultramarine
F138. 10s slate-grey and brown
F140. £1 black and bright carmine (1925)
a. Chocolate-brown
F124. ½d green
F125. 1d orange and purple
w. Wmk Crown to right of CA
F126. 1d bright violet (1924)
F127. 1½d brown-red (1923)
F130. 3d cobalt
F131. 3d black on yellow (1926)
F132. 4d yellow and bright blue
F133. 6d olive-green and reddish violet
F134. 1s indigo and sepia
F135. 2s brown and blue
F136. 2s6d bright magenta and black
F137. 5s orange-yellow and bright ultramarine
F138. 10s slate-grey and brown
F140. £1 black and bright carmine (1925)
F141
1925. Previous issue surcharged at the
Government Printing Office, Valetta.
F141. 2½d on 3d cobalt
F174/192
1928. King George V and pictorial types of 1926-27 (inscribed POSTAGE) now overprinted POSTAGE AND REVENUE. Perf 15 x 14 (pence values) or perf 12½ (others). Watermark Multiple Script CA.
F174. ¼d brown
F175. ½d yellow-green
F176. 1d rose-red
F177. 1d chestnut
F179. 1½d rose-red
F180. 2d greenish grey
F182. 3d violet
F185. 6d violet and scarlet
F186. 1s black (red opt)
F188. 2s black and purple (red opt)
F189. 2s6d black and vermilion (red opt)
F190. 3s black and blue (red opt)
F191. 5s black and green (red opt)
F192. 10s black and carmine (red opt)
F174. ¼d brown
F175. ½d yellow-green
F176. 1d rose-red
F177. 1d chestnut
F179. 1½d rose-red
F180. 2d greenish grey
F182. 3d violet
F185. 6d violet and scarlet
F186. 1s black (red opt)
F188. 2s black and purple (red opt)
F189. 2s6d black and vermilion (red opt)
F190. 3s black and blue (red opt)
F191. 5s black and green (red opt)
F192. 10s black and carmine (red opt)
F193/209
1930. As 1926-27 issue but inscribed POSTAGE & REVENUE. Perf 15 x 14 (pence values) or perf 12½ (others). Watermark Multiple Script CA. Printed (pence values typo, others recess) by Waterlow.
F193. ¼d brown
F194. ½d yellow-green
F195. 1d rose-red
F196. 1½d chestnut
F197. 2d rose-red
F198. 2½d blue
F199. 3d violet
F202. 6d violet and scarlet
F203. 1s black
F204. 1s6d black and green
F205. 2s black and purple
F206. 2s6d black and vermilion
F208. 5s black and green
F209. 10s black and carmine
F193. ¼d brown
F194. ½d yellow-green
F195. 1d rose-red
F196. 1½d chestnut
F197. 2d rose-red
F198. 2½d blue
F199. 3d violet
F202. 6d violet and scarlet
F203. 1s black
F204. 1s6d black and green
F205. 2s black and purple
F206. 2s6d black and vermilion
F208. 5s black and green
F209. 10s black and carmine
F210/213
1935. Silver Jubilee.
F210. ½d black and green
F211. 2½d brown and deep blue
F212. 6d light blue and olive-green
F213. 1s slate and purple
F210. ½d black and green
F211. 2½d brown and deep blue
F212. 6d light blue and olive-green
F213. 1s slate and purple
F214
1937. Coronation.
F214. ½d green
F217/231
1938-43. King George VI pictorial issue. Perf 12½. Watermark Multiple Script CA. Printed (recess) by Waterlow.
F221bb enlarged to show variety
F217. ¼d brown
F218. ½d green
F218a. ½d red-brown
F219. 1d red-brown
F219a. 1d green
F220. 1½d scarlet
F220b. 1½d slate-black
F221. 2d slate-black
F221b. 2d scarlet
bb. Plate flaw: flag on citadel (R5/8)
F222. 2½d greyish blue
F222a. 2½d dull violet
F223. 3d dull violet
F223a. 3d blue
F224. 4½d olive-green and yellow-brown
F225. 6d olive-green and scarlet
F226. 1s black
F227. 1s6d black and olive
F228. 2s green and deep blue
F229. 2s6d black and scarlet
F230. 5s black and green
F231. 10s black and carmine
F218. ½d green
F218a. ½d red-brown
F219. 1d red-brown
F219a. 1d green
F220. 1½d scarlet
F220b. 1½d slate-black
F221. 2d slate-black
F221b. 2d scarlet
bb. Plate flaw: flag on citadel (R5/8)
F222. 2½d greyish blue
F222a. 2½d dull violet
F223. 3d dull violet
F223a. 3d blue
F224. 4½d olive-green and yellow-brown
F225. 6d olive-green and scarlet
F226. 1s black
F227. 1s6d black and olive
F228. 2s green and deep blue
F229. 2s6d black and scarlet
F230. 5s black and green
F231. 10s black and carmine
F232/233
1946. Victory commemorative issue.
F232. 1d green
F233. 3d blue
F232. 1d green
F233. 3d blue
F235/245 and F247
1948-53. As 1938-43 issue but overprinted (by Waterlow) SELF-GOVERNMENT 1947. Perf 12½. Watermark Multiple Script CA.
F246
F235. ½d red-brown
F236. 1d green
F236a. 1d grey (red opt)
F237. 1½d blue-black (red opt)
F237b. 1½d green
F238. 2d scarlet
F238b. 2d yellow-ochre
F239. 2½d dull violet (red opt)
F239a. 2½d scarlet-vermilion
F240. 3d blue (red opt)
F240a. 3d dull violet (red opt)
F242. 6d olive-green and scarlet
F243. 1s black
F244. 1s6d black and olive-green
F245. 2s green and deep blue (red opt)
F246. 2s6d black and scarlet
F247. 5s black and green (red opt)
F236. 1d green
F236a. 1d grey (red opt)
F237. 1½d blue-black (red opt)
F237b. 1½d green
F238. 2d scarlet
F238b. 2d yellow-ochre
F239. 2½d dull violet (red opt)
F239a. 2½d scarlet-vermilion
F240. 3d blue (red opt)
F240a. 3d dull violet (red opt)
F242. 6d olive-green and scarlet
F243. 1s black
F244. 1s6d black and olive-green
F245. 2s green and deep blue (red opt)
F246. 2s6d black and scarlet
F247. 5s black and green (red opt)
F249/250
1949. Royal Silver Wedding commemorative issue.
F249. 1d green
F250. £1 indigo
F251/253
1949. 75th Anniversary of Universal Postal Union.
F251. 2½d violet
F252. 3d deep blue
F253. 6d carmine-red
F251. 2½d violet
F252. 3d deep blue
F253. 6d carmine-red
F255/257
1950. Visit of Princess Elizabeth to Malta.
F255. 1d green
F256. 3d blue
F257. 1s black
F255. 1d green
F256. 3d blue
F257. 1s black
F258/260
1951. Seventh Centenary of the Scapular.
F258. 1d green
F259. 3d violet
F260. 1s black
F258. 1d green
F259. 3d violet
F260. 1s black
F261
|
F263/264
|
1953. Coronation.
F261. 1½d black and deep yellow-green
1954. Centenary of the Dogma of the Immaculate Conception.
F263. 1½d emerald
F264. 3d bright blue
F261. 1½d black and deep yellow-green
1954. Centenary of the Dogma of the Immaculate Conception.
F263. 1½d emerald
F264. 3d bright blue
F267/282
F279
1956-57. Queen Elizabeth II first pictorial issue. Perf 14 x 13½ (2s6d to £1) or 11½ (others). Watermark Multiple Script CA. Printed (recess) by Waterlow (2s6d to £1) or by Bradbury Wilkinson (others).
F267. ½d orange
F268. 1d black
F269. 1½d bluish green
F270. 2d brown
F272. 3d rose-red
F274. 6d indigo
F276. 1s deep reddish violet
F277. 1s6d deep turquoise-green
F278. 2s olive-green
F279. 2s6d chestnut
F280. 5s green
F281. 10s carmine-red
F282. £1 yellow-brown
F267. ½d orange
F268. 1d black
F269. 1½d bluish green
F270. 2d brown
F272. 3d rose-red
F274. 6d indigo
F276. 1s deep reddish violet
F277. 1s6d deep turquoise-green
F278. 2s olive-green
F279. 2s6d chestnut
F280. 5s green
F281. 10s carmine-red
F282. £1 yellow-brown
F285
1957. George Cross Commemoration. Cross in silver.
F285. 1s reddish brown
F291
1958. George Cross Commemoration. Cross in first colour, outlined in silver.
F291. 1s reddish violet and black
F294
1959. George Cross Commemoration.
F294. 1s blue-grey, black and gold
F295/297
1960. 19th Centenary of the Shipwreck of St Paul.
F295. 1½d blue, gold and yellow-brown
F296. 3d bright purple, gold and blue
F297. 6d carmine, gold and pale grey
F295. 1½d blue, gold and yellow-brown
F296. 3d bright purple, gold and blue
F297. 6d carmine, gold and pale grey
F301/303
1960. Stamp Centenary.
F301. 1½d buff, pale blue and green
F302. 3d buff, pale blue and deep carmine
F303. 6d buff, pale blue and ultramarine
F301. 1½d buff, pale blue and green
F302. 3d buff, pale blue and deep carmine
F303. 6d buff, pale blue and ultramarine
F304 and F306
1961. George Cross Commemoration.
F304. 1½d black, cream and bistre
F306. 1s olive-green, lilac and deep reddish violet
F304. 1½d black, cream and bistre
F306. 1s olive-green, lilac and deep reddish violet
F307
1962. Great Siege Commemoration.
F307. 2d bright blue
F311
|
F312
|
1963. Freedom from Hunger.
F311. 1s6d sepia
1963. Red Cross Centenary.
F312. 2d red and black
F311. 1s6d sepia
1963. Red Cross Centenary.
F312. 2d red and black
F316
1964. Anti-Brucellosis Congress.
F316. 2d light brown, black and bluish green
F318
1964. First European Catholic Doctors' Congress, Vienna.
F318. 2d red, black, gold and grey-blue
F321/323
1964. Independence.
F321. 2d olive-brown, red and gold
F322. 3d brown-purple, red and gold
F323. 6d slate, red and gold
F321. 2d olive-brown, red and gold
F322. 3d brown-purple, red and gold
F323. 6d slate, red and gold
F327
1964. Christmas.
F327. 2d bright purple and gold
F330/348
F342
1965-70. Post-Independence pictorial issue. Perf 14 x 14½ (½d to 6d) or 14½ (others). Watermark Multiple Maltese Crosses. Printed (photo) by Harrison.
F330. ½d multicoloured
F333. 2d multicoloured
F334. 2½d multicoloured
F335. 3d multicoloured
F336. 4d multicoloured
F338. 6d multicoloured
F339. 8d multicoloured
F340. 1s multi-coloured
F342. 1s6d multicoloured
F343. 2s multicoloured
F344. 2s6d multicoloured
F347. 10s multicoloured
F348. £1 multicoloured
F330. ½d multicoloured
F333. 2d multicoloured
F334. 2½d multicoloured
F335. 3d multicoloured
F336. 4d multicoloured
F338. 6d multicoloured
F339. 8d multicoloured
F340. 1s multi-coloured
F342. 1s6d multicoloured
F343. 2s multicoloured
F344. 2s6d multicoloured
F347. 10s multicoloured
F348. £1 multicoloured
F349
1965. 700th Birth Anniversary of Dante.
F349. 2d indigo
F354/357
1965. 400th Anniversary of the Great Siege.
F354. 6d multicoloured
F356. 1s red, gold and deep grey-blue
F357. 1s6d ochre, red and black
F354. 6d multicoloured
F356. 1s red, gold and deep grey-blue
F357. 1s6d ochre, red and black
F359
1965. Christmas.
F359. 1d slate-purple and red
F362, F364
1966. Churchill Commemoration.
F362. 2d black, red and gold
F364. 1s maroon, red and gold
F379
1967. 25th Anniversary of the George Cross Award to Malta.
F379. 2d multicoloured
F382
1967. 1900th Anniversary of the Martyrdom of Saints Peter and Paul.
F382. 2d chestnut, orange and black
F385
1967. 300th Death Anniversary of Melchior Gafa.
F385. 2d multicoloured
F396
1967. Royal Visit.
F396. 2d multicoloured
F399
1968. Human Rights Year.
F399. 2d multicoloured
F416
1969. 50th Anniversary of the International Labour Organisation.
F416. 2d indigo, gold and turquoise
F418
1969. Birth Centenary of Robert Samut.
F418. 2d multicoloured
F422
1969. Fifth Anniversary of Independence.
F422. 2d multicoloured
F431
1970. 13th Council of Europe Art Exhibition.
F431. 2d multicoloured
F438
1970. World Fair, Osaka.
F438. 2d multicoloured
F449, F451
1971. Europa.
F449. 2d orange, black and yellow-olive
F451. 1s6d orange, black and slate
F456
1971. National Plant and Bird of Malta.
F456. 2d multicoloured
Stocks and Shares
S1/11
1925-26. Unappropriated key types as Revenue R43ff, but overprinted STOCKS & SHARES at foot. Perf 14. Wmk Multiple Crown CA (5s black on red) or Script CA (others).
S1. 3d red and black
S2. 6d blue and black
S3. 1s green and carmine
S4. 2s green and carmine
[S5. 2s green and carmine on green (1926)]
S6. 5s green and carmine
[S7. 5s green and black on red (1926)]
[S8. 7s6d purple and carmine on yellow (1926)]
S9. 10s green and carmine
S10. £1 green and carmine
S11. £5 green and carmine
Note: the existence of the stamps in brackets is known from the Crown Agents Requisition books and archival proof material but I have not seen them as issued stamps. Wood (2009) describes the 2s as having been printed on red paper rather than green - the Requisition book is not explicit either way - but suggests that it was perhaps never issued.
Printings:
S1. 3d red and black
S2. 6d blue and black
S3. 1s green and carmine
S4. 2s green and carmine
[S5. 2s green and carmine on green (1926)]
S6. 5s green and carmine
[S7. 5s green and black on red (1926)]
[S8. 7s6d purple and carmine on yellow (1926)]
S9. 10s green and carmine
S10. £1 green and carmine
S11. £5 green and carmine
Note: the existence of the stamps in brackets is known from the Crown Agents Requisition books and archival proof material but I have not seen them as issued stamps. Wood (2009) describes the 2s as having been printed on red paper rather than green - the Requisition book is not explicit either way - but suggests that it was perhaps never issued.
Printings:
- Req 5315 (sent to Malta 27th August 1925): 3d, 6d, 1s, 2s, 5s, 10s, £1, £5
- Req 5609 (sent to Malta 19th June 1926): 3d
- Req 5649 (sent to Malta 26th August 1926): 2s on green, 5s on red
- Req 5610 (sent to Malta 30th October 1926): 7s6d
Tobacco and Alcohol Excise (X1/117 tobacco, X121/145 alcohol)
Note: all the issues in this section are believed to be imperforate and unwatermarked
Top to bottom: X1/6, X11 and X20 (X5 and X20 images from Scicluna)
1930s-40s. Tobacco Excise issues under British administration. Coat of Arms in centre.
a) Long strips (approx 210 x 7 mm) inscribed EXCISE DUTY / DAZJU in seriffed font, with value in words in English and Maltese
X1. ½d black on rose
X2. 1d black on buff
X4. 4d red on buff
X5. 7d red on yellow
X6. 7d purple on yellow (no frame lines above or below value)
b) Inscribed as a) but in sans-serif font and a more ornate frame, 170 x 11 mm
X11. 6d purple on grey
c) Rectangular type inscribed Government Revenue Imported Cigarettes
X20. [No value indicated]
Notes:
1. I have not personally seen X1/2, X5/6, X20 or X22/36 (below). Much of the information given here is derived from the ground-breaking article by Joe Scicluna (for full details see Acknowledgments at the foot of this page).
2. Scicluna also lists the 2d and 14d values similar to X1/5, with most values in this type appearing in more than one different colour combination. I would be very grateful to any reader who can supply images of these values.
a) Long strips (approx 210 x 7 mm) inscribed EXCISE DUTY / DAZJU in seriffed font, with value in words in English and Maltese
X1. ½d black on rose
X2. 1d black on buff
X4. 4d red on buff
X5. 7d red on yellow
X6. 7d purple on yellow (no frame lines above or below value)
b) Inscribed as a) but in sans-serif font and a more ornate frame, 170 x 11 mm
X11. 6d purple on grey
c) Rectangular type inscribed Government Revenue Imported Cigarettes
X20. [No value indicated]
Notes:
1. I have not personally seen X1/2, X5/6, X20 or X22/36 (below). Much of the information given here is derived from the ground-breaking article by Joe Scicluna (for full details see Acknowledgments at the foot of this page).
2. Scicluna also lists the 2d and 14d values similar to X1/5, with most values in this type appearing in more than one different colour combination. I would be very grateful to any reader who can supply images of these values.
Top to bottom: X22/39 (X22 and X36 images from Scicluna)
1950s-72. Long strips in various types, all inscribed DAZJU / EXCISE DUTY.
a) Plain text design without emblems
X22. 20d red on grey
b) Emblem in centre and Maltese crosses at sides, value in sterling currency (c1964)
X32. 20d red on blue
c) As b) but value given in decimal currency at left and in sterling at right
X36. 5c / 12d black on yellow
d) Ornate framed design similar to X11 but value in decimal currency (at both left and right), 140 x 16 mm
X39. 2c5 grey-blue on pink
Note: Scicluna additionally lists a 10d similar to X22 and a 10d similar to X32, neither of which I have seen.
a) Plain text design without emblems
X22. 20d red on grey
b) Emblem in centre and Maltese crosses at sides, value in sterling currency (c1964)
X32. 20d red on blue
c) As b) but value given in decimal currency at left and in sterling at right
X36. 5c / 12d black on yellow
d) Ornate framed design similar to X11 but value in decimal currency (at both left and right), 140 x 16 mm
X39. 2c5 grey-blue on pink
Note: Scicluna additionally lists a 10d similar to X22 and a 10d similar to X32, neither of which I have seen.
X42/5 (10c image from Scicluna, 11c image from Vasiunin)
1972-73. Rectangular type, 48 x 20 mm. Coat of Arms supported by dolphins, inscribed DAZJU / EXCISE DUTY. The 5c5 blue and the 11c have a security background of DAZJU EXCISE DUTY printed in very small letters.
X42. 5c5 red on pink
X43. 5c5 blue on buff
X44. 10c red on blue
X45. 11c red on buff
Note: Scicluna additionally lists a 10d (sterling currency) and a 5c in the same type, but I have not seen these. He states that the 11c is on green paper, and lists the 5c5 red on buff as well as on pink, though it seems to me that the paper used to print these issues is of variable shade and quality, and the reported differences may represent variations within one printing rather than distinct issues.
X42. 5c5 red on pink
X43. 5c5 blue on buff
X44. 10c red on blue
X45. 11c red on buff
Note: Scicluna additionally lists a 10d (sterling currency) and a 5c in the same type, but I have not seen these. He states that the 11c is on green paper, and lists the 5c5 red on buff as well as on pink, though it seems to me that the paper used to print these issues is of variable shade and quality, and the reported differences may represent variations within one printing rather than distinct issues.
X51/2 and X62/5 (X51 and X64/5 images from Vasiunin)
X61 (no complete image available)
1976-89. New rectangular types with Republican Coat of Arms in centre.
a) 55 x 22 mm, inscribed Government Revenue Malta Imported Cigarettes
X51. [No value indicated] red
X52. [No value indicated] blue on pink
b) 48 x 20 mm, inscribed DAZJU / EXCISE DUTY, with a security background of the same inscription in very small letters
X61. 2c5 blue on yellow
X62. 5c red on white or yellow
X63. 5c red on blue
X64. 5c5 blue on yellow
X65. 11c red on blue
a) 55 x 22 mm, inscribed Government Revenue Malta Imported Cigarettes
X51. [No value indicated] red
X52. [No value indicated] blue on pink
b) 48 x 20 mm, inscribed DAZJU / EXCISE DUTY, with a security background of the same inscription in very small letters
X61. 2c5 blue on yellow
X62. 5c red on white or yellow
X63. 5c red on blue
X64. 5c5 blue on yellow
X65. 11c red on blue
1989. New types, 48 x 20 mm, with the new Coat of Arms in centre. Security background DAZJU / EXCISE DUTY printed in very small letters on all stamps.
X71/74 (X72 image from Vasiunin)
a) Inscribed DAZJU / EXCISE DUTY
X71. 10c black on white or buff
X72. 10c black on blue
X73. 17c black on white
X74. 17c black on blue
X71. 10c black on white or buff
X72. 10c black on blue
X73. 17c black on white
X74. 17c black on blue
X81/98 (66c1 and 74c1 images from Vasiunin)
X84 (no complete image available)
b) Inscribed SISA / EXCISE
X81. 25c5 black on grey-green
X82. 28c5 black on pink
X83. 35c6 black on grey
X84. 39c1 black on blue
X85. 40c4 black on buff
X86. 42c4 black on buff
X87. 46c0 black on blue
X88. 47c3 black on buff
X89. 48c6 black on blue
X90. 49c3 black on blue
X91. 52c3 black on pink
X92. 57c0 black on pink
X93. 60c3 black on blue
X94. 66c1 black on pink
X96. 74c1 black on yellow
X97. 82c5 black on grey
X98. 90c5 black on blue
X81. 25c5 black on grey-green
X82. 28c5 black on pink
X83. 35c6 black on grey
X84. 39c1 black on blue
X85. 40c4 black on buff
X86. 42c4 black on buff
X87. 46c0 black on blue
X88. 47c3 black on buff
X89. 48c6 black on blue
X90. 49c3 black on blue
X91. 52c3 black on pink
X92. 57c0 black on pink
X93. 60c3 black on blue
X94. 66c1 black on pink
X96. 74c1 black on yellow
X97. 82c5 black on grey
X98. 90c5 black on blue
X101/104 (28c5 image from Vasiunin, 49c3 image from Scicluna)
c) Inscribed IMPORTED CIGARETTES SISA / EXCISE
X101. "SISA MĦALLSA / EXCISE PAID" red on blue
X102. 28c5 black on rose
X103. 48c6 black on grey
X104. 49c3 black on blue
Note: Scicluna additionally lists the 67c1 similar to X81/98, but I have not seen this.
X101. "SISA MĦALLSA / EXCISE PAID" red on blue
X102. 28c5 black on rose
X103. 48c6 black on grey
X104. 49c3 black on blue
Note: Scicluna additionally lists the 67c1 similar to X81/98, but I have not seen this.
X111/112 (images from Vasiunin) and X116/117
c2005-2014. Printed on silver foil incorporating a security hologram. Security number printed at foot consisting of a letter and 10 digits (see note 1). No value indicated.
a) Inscribed EXCISE DUTY PAID in two lines
X111. [Two Maltese crosses in white to left of inscription and one to right] silver (c2005)
X112. [One large Maltese cross in centre] silver (2014)
b) Inscribed MT EXCISE in one line
X116. [Serial number in bold font] silver (2017)
X117. [Serial number in lighter font] silver (2017)
Notes:
1. Security numbers have been recorded with the following prefix letters:
a) Inscribed EXCISE DUTY PAID in two lines
X111. [Two Maltese crosses in white to left of inscription and one to right] silver (c2005)
X112. [One large Maltese cross in centre] silver (2014)
b) Inscribed MT EXCISE in one line
X116. [Serial number in bold font] silver (2017)
X117. [Serial number in lighter font] silver (2017)
Notes:
1. Security numbers have been recorded with the following prefix letters:
- X111 - A, C, D, E, F, G, H
- X112 - K, M, N
- X116 - R
- X117 - R
X121/131
2008-16. Alcohol Excise Duty Stamps. Various types and formats showing the Arms of Malta. All types incorporate a security hologram printed on metallic foil and a unique security code consisting of a letter and 8 to 10 digits. The silver labels inscribed EXCISE DUTY PAID (in a single line) are of two types - type A with two Maltese crosses in white to left of inscription and one to right, type B with one large Maltese cross in centre.
a) Self-adhesive foil labels, 47 x 22 mm
X121. "EXCISE TAX STAMP" [no value indicated] gold
X122. "EXCISE DUTY PAID" Type A [no value indicated] silver
X123. "EXCISE DUTY PAID" Type B [no value indicated] silver
X124. "MT EXCISE" [no value indicated] silver
b) Paper band, 98 x 17 mm, inscribed MT EXCISE
X130. "0.375L-0.5L" ultramarine
X131. "0.75L-1.0L" magenta
a) Self-adhesive foil labels, 47 x 22 mm
X121. "EXCISE TAX STAMP" [no value indicated] gold
X122. "EXCISE DUTY PAID" Type A [no value indicated] silver
X123. "EXCISE DUTY PAID" Type B [no value indicated] silver
X124. "MT EXCISE" [no value indicated] silver
b) Paper band, 98 x 17 mm, inscribed MT EXCISE
X130. "0.375L-0.5L" ultramarine
X131. "0.75L-1.0L" magenta
X141/5
c) Circular labels, 18 mm diameter, inscribed MT EXCISE
X141. "0.375L-0.5L" ultramarine
X142. "0.75L-1.0L" magenta
X145. "GENERIC" orange
Notes:
1. I gratefully acknowledge the help of John de Battista and Carmel Axiaq for bringing X121/145 to my attention. The images shown here are from their personal collections.
2. Carmel Axiaq states that the silver labels (X122/4) were introduced for taxes on spirits, while the remaining types (X121 and X130/145) were for taxes on bottles of wine. He records overlapping dates of usage as follows: X121 (2015-16), X122 (2008-14), X123 (2013-16), X124 (2015-current), X131 (2015-current), X141/5 (2015-current).
3. . Security numbers have been recorded with the following prefix letters: X121 - W, X122 - Z, X123 - Y and Z, X124 - Y, X130 - F, X131 - E, X141 - C, X142 - B, X145 - A.
4. Labels inscribed Denominazzjoni ta' Oriġini Kontrollata (=Protected Designation of Origin) or Indikazzjoni Ġeografika Tipika (=Protected Geographical Indication) are from wine quality schemes and fall outside the scope of this listing.
X141. "0.375L-0.5L" ultramarine
X142. "0.75L-1.0L" magenta
X145. "GENERIC" orange
Notes:
1. I gratefully acknowledge the help of John de Battista and Carmel Axiaq for bringing X121/145 to my attention. The images shown here are from their personal collections.
2. Carmel Axiaq states that the silver labels (X122/4) were introduced for taxes on spirits, while the remaining types (X121 and X130/145) were for taxes on bottles of wine. He records overlapping dates of usage as follows: X121 (2015-16), X122 (2008-14), X123 (2013-16), X124 (2015-current), X131 (2015-current), X141/5 (2015-current).
3. . Security numbers have been recorded with the following prefix letters: X121 - W, X122 - Z, X123 - Y and Z, X124 - Y, X130 - F, X131 - E, X141 - C, X142 - B, X145 - A.
4. Labels inscribed Denominazzjoni ta' Oriġini Kontrollata (=Protected Designation of Origin) or Indikazzjoni Ġeografika Tipika (=Protected Geographical Indication) are from wine quality schemes and fall outside the scope of this listing.
Vehicle Licensing
No stamps are currently recorded as having been issued for vehicle licensing in Malta, though the two tax discs illustrated here (dated 1954 and 2006) may serve to launch some research into the field. The right-hand label carries the logo and security markings of the ADT (= Awtorità dwar it-Trasport ta' Malta, Maltese Transport Authority).
Workmen's Compensation
W1/9 (images of W6/7 from Grasham and Wood)
1929-42. Small numeral type with Maltese crosses in upper corners, inscribed WORKMEN'S COMPENSATION in circle surmounted by crown. 13 x 17½ mm. Perf 14 (W1) or perf 13½ (others). Wmk Multiple Script CA. Printed (recess) by Perkins Bacon. First issue: all stamps denominated one penny. Years of validity (taken from Malta Government Gazette, quoted by Grasham and Wood) given in brackets.
W1. 1d carmine (1929-30, 1932-33, 1937-38)
W2. 1d blue (1930-31, 1933-34)
W4. 1d olive-green (1931-32, 1934-35, 1935-36)
W5. 1d brown-orange (1936-37)
W6. 1d navy blue (1939-40)
W7. 1d brown (1940-41)
W8. 1d light grey (1941-42)
W9. 1d pale red (1942-43)
Notes:
1. The 1d green perf 13½ (formerly listed as W3) has now been deleted since there is no clear evidence that this stamp was ever issued. The illustration of a 1d green in Grasham & Wood is now thought (Grasham private correspondence, February 2012) to show an example of W4 but with the colour incorrectly scanned. A 1d green was printed in 1943, but this was perf 12½ and is not known to have been issued without surcharge (for surcharged stamps see W17 below plus National Insurance stamps N1/2 and N4 above).
2. Imperforate proofs of the 1d olive-green are known on unwatermarked paper.
Printings:
W1. 1d carmine (1929-30, 1932-33, 1937-38)
W2. 1d blue (1930-31, 1933-34)
W4. 1d olive-green (1931-32, 1934-35, 1935-36)
W5. 1d brown-orange (1936-37)
W6. 1d navy blue (1939-40)
W7. 1d brown (1940-41)
W8. 1d light grey (1941-42)
W9. 1d pale red (1942-43)
Notes:
1. The 1d green perf 13½ (formerly listed as W3) has now been deleted since there is no clear evidence that this stamp was ever issued. The illustration of a 1d green in Grasham & Wood is now thought (Grasham private correspondence, February 2012) to show an example of W4 but with the colour incorrectly scanned. A 1d green was printed in 1943, but this was perf 12½ and is not known to have been issued without surcharge (for surcharged stamps see W17 below plus National Insurance stamps N1/2 and N4 above).
2. Imperforate proofs of the 1d olive-green are known on unwatermarked paper.
Printings:
- Req 6539 (sent to Malta 19th July 1929): 1d new issue (carmine)
- Req 6911 (sent to Malta 28th June 1930): 1d colour change (blue)
- Req 7286 (sent to Malta 4th June 1931): 1d colour change (olive-green)
- Req 9042 (sent to Malta 12th July 1935): 1d (this is described as 'colour change' in the Requisition books but in fact seems to have been a reprint in the same colour as the 1931 printing, ie olive-green)
- Req 9461/1 (sent to Malta 12th June 1936): 1d colour change (brown-orange)
- Req 1186/1 (sent to Malta 22nd May 1939): 1d navy blue and 1d brown (half the sheets in each colour - the brown stamps were not issued until 1940)
- Req 1924/1 (sent to Malta 18th November 1940): 1d light grey
- Req 1950/1 (sent to Malta 3rd March 1941): 1d pale red
- Req 1378/1 (sent to Malta 4th May 1943): 1d green (perf 12½; not issued without surcharge - see W17 below plus National Insurance N1/2 and N4)
W11
1938. As W5 but overprinted 1938-39 locally.
W11. 1d brown-orange
W16
1943. First provisional issue. Postage and revenue stamp (King George V portrait) surcharged W.C.O. (=Workmen's Compensation Ordinance) 2d in black, with two bars through Postage and Revenue.
W16. 2d on 1½d scarlet (valid 1943-44)
Note: the introduction of 2d stamps reflected a change in procedure rather than a rate increase. When the Workmen's Compensation Ordinance was introduced in 1929, the employer and the worker were each required to affix a 1d stamp in the receipt book every week. Whether because workers tended to forget this obligation or in order to save on requirements for printing adhesive stamps, the procedure changed in 1943 and from then it was the employer's responsibility to affix a 2d stamp every week, deducting half of this sum from the worker's weekly wage.
W17/18
1943-45. Second provisional issue. As 1929-42 issue but surcharged 2d. in black, numeral 6mm high. Perf 12½ (W17) or perf 13½ (W18).
W17. 2d on 1d green (valid 1943-44, 1946-47)
W18. 2d on 1d grey (valid 1945-46)
Note: W17 is not known without surcharge (see also footnote 1 under W1/9).
W17. 2d on 1d green (valid 1943-44, 1946-47)
W18. 2d on 1d grey (valid 1945-46)
Note: W17 is not known without surcharge (see also footnote 1 under W1/9).
W21/27 including W25a
1944-56. As original issue (W1/9) but value changed to 2d. 13 x 17½ mm. Perf 12½ except where otherwise noted. Wmk Multiple Script CA. Printed (recess) by Perkins Bacon. Years of validity (taken from Malta Government Gazette, quoted by Grasham and Wood) given in brackets.
W21. 2d brownish yellow (1944-45)
W22. 2d orange (1947-48)
W23. 2d dull blue (1948-49, 1953-56)
W24. 2d brown (1949-50, 1953-56) (perf 13½)
W25. 2d grey (1950-56)
a. Perf 12½ x 13½
W26. 2d green (1952-56)
W27. 2d light brown (1953-56) (perf 13½ x 12½)
Note: W21, W24 and W27 can be distinguished by perforation as well as shade.
Printings:
Workmen's Compensation stamps were rendered obsolete by the National Insurance Act VI:1956. Their function was subsequently carried out using National Insurance stamps.
W21. 2d brownish yellow (1944-45)
W22. 2d orange (1947-48)
W23. 2d dull blue (1948-49, 1953-56)
W24. 2d brown (1949-50, 1953-56) (perf 13½)
W25. 2d grey (1950-56)
a. Perf 12½ x 13½
W26. 2d green (1952-56)
W27. 2d light brown (1953-56) (perf 13½ x 12½)
Note: W21, W24 and W27 can be distinguished by perforation as well as shade.
Printings:
- Req 1378 (sent to Malta early 1944): 2d brownish yellow
- Req 472/VI/1 (sent to Malta 16th June 1944): 2d new colour (orange - issued in 1947)
- Req 1658/1 (sent to Malta 16th April 1948): 2d new colour (dull blue)
- Req 2157/1 (sent to Malta 23rd June 1949): 2d new colour (brown)
- Req 2907/1 (sent to Malta 8th June 1950): 2d new colour (grey)
- Req 3598/1 (sent to Malta 29th August 1951): 2d new colour (green)
- Req 4946/1 (sent to Malta 23rd June 1953): 2d new colour (light brown)
- Req 6775/1 (sent to Malta 18th May 1955): 2d
- Req 8245/1 (sent to Malta 13th June 1956): 2d
Workmen's Compensation stamps were rendered obsolete by the National Insurance Act VI:1956. Their function was subsequently carried out using National Insurance stamps.
Acknowledgments
(see also general acknowledgments on the main Europe page)
[Author not specified], 'Airport Passenger Service Charge Stamps', Melita [Newsletter of the Malta Study Circle], vol 10-4 (Spring 1982), p57
[Author not specified], 'Airport Tax', Melita, vol 12-4 (Spring 1989), p41
Donald Grasham & Hadrian Wood, Malta Study Circle Study Paper 53: Malta Revenue Stamps of the Workmen's Compensation Ordinance and the National Insurance Scheme (1929-1974) (Malta Study Circle, 2011)
R E Martin (ed), Malta - The Postal History and Postage Stamps 1576-1980 (Malta Study Circle, 1980)
Andrew McClellan, 'Notes & Queries: The Anglo-Maltese League', The Revenue Journal, vol XVIII 3 (December 2007), pp112-3
Joe Scicluna, 'Malta Cigarette (Excise Duty) Revenue Labels', Melita, vol 16-3 (Autumn 2006), pp8-9
G Smeed, Malta Study Circle Study Paper 28: Malta Revenue Stamps (Revised edition, Malta Study Circle, 1977)
Andrey Vasiunin, Tax Stamps Collection: Malta, www.tax-stamps.com/collection/Malta (retrieved 26 August 2016)
Hadrian Wood, 'A Revenue Stamps Query on the "Unappropriated", "Contracts" and "Stocks and Shares" 2/- stamps of 1926 printed on coloured paper: Do they exist?', Journal of the Malta Philatelic Society, vol 38-3 (December 2009), p10
Hadrian Wood, 'Malta Passport Stamps', Melita, vol 17-6 (Spring 2011), p182
Individual contributors
Grateful thanks to Hadrian Wood, Nigel Jeffries, John De Battista and Carmel Axiaq, who provided a number of the illustrations in this section as well as additional information and help.
(see also general acknowledgments on the main Europe page)
[Author not specified], 'Airport Passenger Service Charge Stamps', Melita [Newsletter of the Malta Study Circle], vol 10-4 (Spring 1982), p57
[Author not specified], 'Airport Tax', Melita, vol 12-4 (Spring 1989), p41
Donald Grasham & Hadrian Wood, Malta Study Circle Study Paper 53: Malta Revenue Stamps of the Workmen's Compensation Ordinance and the National Insurance Scheme (1929-1974) (Malta Study Circle, 2011)
R E Martin (ed), Malta - The Postal History and Postage Stamps 1576-1980 (Malta Study Circle, 1980)
Andrew McClellan, 'Notes & Queries: The Anglo-Maltese League', The Revenue Journal, vol XVIII 3 (December 2007), pp112-3
Joe Scicluna, 'Malta Cigarette (Excise Duty) Revenue Labels', Melita, vol 16-3 (Autumn 2006), pp8-9
G Smeed, Malta Study Circle Study Paper 28: Malta Revenue Stamps (Revised edition, Malta Study Circle, 1977)
Andrey Vasiunin, Tax Stamps Collection: Malta, www.tax-stamps.com/collection/Malta (retrieved 26 August 2016)
Hadrian Wood, 'A Revenue Stamps Query on the "Unappropriated", "Contracts" and "Stocks and Shares" 2/- stamps of 1926 printed on coloured paper: Do they exist?', Journal of the Malta Philatelic Society, vol 38-3 (December 2009), p10
Hadrian Wood, 'Malta Passport Stamps', Melita, vol 17-6 (Spring 2011), p182
Individual contributors
Grateful thanks to Hadrian Wood, Nigel Jeffries, John De Battista and Carmel Axiaq, who provided a number of the illustrations in this section as well as additional information and help.