Description: This timeless blue “2nd Class Machin” features the sculpted profile of Queen Elizabeth II by Arnold Machin, first introduced in 1967 and used continuously for over five decades — one of the longest-running and most reproduced designs in philatelic history. The pale cameo portrait against the royal blue background captures understated elegance and national identity. This specific version (deep ultramarine shade, no denomination, “2nd” inscription) was introduced in 1990, when Royal Mail adopted non-value indicators (NVI) to represent class of service rather than a fixed price — a system still in use today.
Circa: 1989-2022
Condition: Mint single (modern adhesive issue)
Notes:
The Machin series is widely regarded by global philatelists as one of the most heavily collected stamp designs in postal history, remaining the standard definitive format for Great Britain for over five decades.