Page 14 - Frank Walton GB Queen Elizabeth II Wildings

Paper Fluorescence

The paper used for these stamps started as cream in 1952 and became much whiter towards the end of the
production in 1967. The standard catalogues refer to the early printings as being on ‘cream’ paper, and the later
ones as being on ‘whiter’ paper.

Distinguishing between the two is not straightforward. Some collectors discriminate by perceived colour to the
naked eye in daylight, others by the translucence and others by whether the stamps fluoresce under ultraviolet
light. None of these techniques are foolproof as many combinations exist. The variation is due to the use of a
varying amount of rags in the paper, and also the variable addition of optical brightening agents.

Throughout this exhibit, the distinction between the papers is made on shade as seen by the naked eye in daylight.

Cream paper Whiter paper Whiter paper
No fluorescence Poor fluorescence Strong fluorescence

Photograph taken under 366nm ultraviolet light
showing variation in fluorescence