This plate was the second to be manufactured, and over the period of its use produced many shades. This was again due to repairs, as well as its use in both unhardened and hardened states. These shades are distinctive, when comaped to those of plate 1 in both its states.

     This plate has distinctive characteristics, which are diffrent to those of plate one, although they are linked in several ways. ie :- similar corner stars.

     This and plate 1 were the only plates avalible on the first day of official use.

     This plate was also used for the penny red printings but not for the provisional black printings. It is most probable that the plate was repaired but their is no officially recorded evidence of this.

     See also the notes under Plate 10.
     A listing is also avalible showing all the put to press, registration and withdrawal dates.