Here are some examples of varieties found in Irish Commemorative Stamps. Click on the links below the stamps to view the varieties. The following abbreviations are used in the descriptions. "Scott" or "Sc" for " The Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue", "MW" for The MacDonnell Whyte Stamps of Ireland Specialized Catalogue", and "Hib" for "The Hibernian Specialised Catalog"
1944 Michael O'Cleary
Issued in sheets of 240, upper and lower panes of 120 (12 x 10)
This issue was printed on paper with a sideways watermark with the opening of the "e" either pointing down (Sideways left) or up (Sideways right). The MW catalog considers the down (sideways left) to be the normal and gives a very small premium to the sideways right. This was originally issued as a commemorative, but replaced the 1/2d and 1/ values of the watermark "e" definitive set and was not withdrawn until 1969 when the new Gerl definitives were issued to replace them.
The 1/2d stamp is also found with "Broken e" varieties that apparently are not constant.
(1)This variety is caused by plate wear causing the cheekbone to disappear.
