FREE: 1800s Great Britain Newspaper Tax Stamp, London Gazette

The listing, 1800s Great Britain Newspaper Tax Stamp, London Gazette has ended.

Up for GIN is an 1800s London Gazette cut square of newspaper tax stamp, usually on the front page. The A12 that you see at the top of the crown is the type of die.

Summary of interesting history:
A tax was first imposed on British newspapers in 1712. This "tax on knowledge" was controversial but gradually increased and the Stamp Act of 1815 put 4 pence charge, which many could not afford. The amount was eventually lowered to 1 pence, and the tax duty on newspapers was finally abolished in 1855. However, on November 1, 1765, this hated Stamp Act authorized by King George III went into effect in the colonies, despite months of protests. So, although the act was ultimately repealed, it started a series of events that led to the American Revolution.

NOTE: Special stamp dies were required from the end of 1836 for each newspaper to ensure that newspapers carrying advertising (charged at a higher tax rate) would not buy their paper from cheaper-taxed non-advertising newspapers.