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1907-16 Sinn Féin Stamps - A rare complete sheet

1907-16 Sinn Féin Stamps - A rare complete sheet of 72. Commissioned by Arthur Griffith and designed by Lily Williams these "stamps" were issued at a halfpenny each. Sinn Féin members and supporters were asked to affix them to their envelopes. The Government brought in a special Post Office Act prohibiting their use in 1908. The act which permits the Post Office not to deliver items with "Fictitious Stamps" is still in force today, both in the United Kingdom and The Republic of Ireland. There are four printings of this Cross of Cong design, this sheet being the last issue, circa 1915-16. The design was adapted for The Irish Free State's first definitive series of postage stamps in use from 1922 to 1968.

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