6d. Queensland Cliche type

The 6d. sheet of 120 stamps was composed of 30 recurring cliches or dies. Each cliche was a single die-impressed mould of 4 types.  It was derived from the Original 1d Die and the border lines of the spandrels were re-engraved to strengthen them. The "SIX PENCE" was separately engraved on each of the four subjects of the new quadruple die. The "P" of "PENCE" was located in a similar position to that on Original 1d. Die but, as the
"SIX" only occupied three letters, the words of value were more centred.

According to Ken Scudder, the distinguishing features of the 4 types are:

Type 1

• Break in frame below "P" of "PENCE".
• Right leg of the 2nd "N" of "QUEENSLAND" tends to be curved and short.
• Downstroke of the "P" of "PENCE" is straight and its base rounded.
• Centre bar of the lst "E" of "PENCE" is short, and the lengths of the top and bottom bars of the 2nd "E" are
• nearly equal..
• Curved line of the lower left spandrel does not join the vertical frame line. 
• Curved line of both lower spandrels are not joined to the lower frame lines.

Type 2

• In the right side ornament, the "reversed S" is undamaged 
• Curved lines of both lower spandrels are not joined to the lower frame lines. 
• Curved line of the upper left spandrel joins the horizontal line above.
• Base of the downstroke of the "P" of "PENCE" is cut square.

Type 3

• Top frame of the top left spandrel is broken above "U" of "QUEENSLAND".
• Blob of colour in front of the point of the bust.
• Break in the thin coloured vertical frame line at top right corner.
• Horizontal frame line below the lower right spandrel joins the oval.
• Top of the "S" of "SIX" is small and the opening very narrow.
• No break in the left vertical frame line at the lower corner. 

Type 4

• Foot of the "P" of "PENCE" is cut away at an acute angle.
• Nick in the lower frame almost under the "S" of "SIX".
• Curved line of the lower right spandrel joins the horizontal line below.

I have shown the most prominent characteristics in the block of 4 below

Type 1, Type 2
Type 3, Type 4