The Collection of ALPCA #9905

Male-Only Die-Press, Interchangeable Dies, Rectangular lettering.

This style used large interchangeable dies, rectangular lettering on a male-only die-press. There is no indenting in the metal from the die press beyond the lettering. Because of the interchangeable lettering, it is very common to see rotated letters. First seen in 1976

Male-Only Die-Press, Interchangeable Dies, square lettering


This type of lettering was used in the male-only die-press with large interchangeable dies and square lettering (consisting of the same width and height). There is no indenting in the metal beyond the lettering. Again, because the dies were not fixed, they were very prone to rotating. First seen in 1978

Male-Only Die-Press, Fixed Dies


A solid die plate used on the male-only die-press to emboss each island name and"Bahamas" was introduced. These can be identified by the rectangular indent of the solid die holding the island name as well as the dimple it left in the holder. The font is square, but slightly smaller than the square interchangeable dies used before. First seen in 1978.

Male-Female Die-Press, Fixed Dies, Medium Size Font


Smaller lettering than previous dies. Sharp, crisp lettering. Because of the female portion of the die, the lettering was at a consistent height, leading to a consistent paint job. First seen in 1981 on Nassau and Grand Bahama plates.

Male-Female Die-Press, Fixed Dies, Small Size Font


The lettering is the same proportions to the male-female die introduced in 1981, but slightly smaller. First seen during the 1987 series. My suspicion is that this is an entirely new press using the same numeric dies for the following reasons:

• Paint thickness is less than the ones made with the larger font.
• A slight rectangular depression around the numerals is always evident in plates made with the smaller lettering