Inverted Jenny Plate Block breaks US Record!

Inverted Jenny Plate Block
Inverted Jenny Plate Block

Last month one of the very few infamous inverted Jenny plate block (#Scott C3a) was sold and it set a new US philatelic record. The block sold for more than $4.8 million, becoming the second most expensive stamp in the world,  just after the 1856 1¢ Magenta British Guiana who sold for $9.48 million this summer (see our article on this subject).

The sale was conducted by Mr. Sundman of Mystic Stamp and was a complete shot out of the dark. In fact he was planning to exhibit the stamp when he received an unexpected offer that he could not refuse. The phone call took place in late september and the buyer requested anonymity.

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FAQ-What is a stamp watermark?

Canada stamp #28
Canada stamp #28

Watermarks can significantly increase the value of a stamp. For example, Canada stamp #28 in Mint VF (Unitrade listing) has a catalogue value of $1,400, but the same stamp with a watermark (#28a), is listed at $6,000! Obviously, it’s a good thing to find a stamp with a watermark. It can mean the difference between an ordinary stamp and a rarity. So then, what is a stamp watermark?

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Third known 2¢ Large Queen on laid paper sold at auction

Canada stamp #32-Green 2¢ Large Queen on laid paper Image courtesy of Vincent Graves Greene Philatelic Research Foundation
Canada stamp #32-Green 2¢ Large Queen on laid paper

The third known example of the green 2¢ Large Queen on laid paper (Scott #32) discovered on July 16th, 2013 (see our previous article) just sold at Eastern Auctions this past weekend. The winning bid for this rare Canada stamp was $215,000 + 15% buyer’s premium ($247,450)! Even though it brought in less than the last Large Queen sold by Brigham Auctions for $475,000 (see this article about the Brigham auction), you’ll remember that this is the stamp that a collector found in a sales circuit book not too long ago. Some estimate he paid around $5 for it, others say $60; no matter what, that’s a pretty good return on his investment!

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Canada 1851-12d Black stamp sold at auction

An example of Canada-1851 12d black
An example of Canada-1851 12d black

Over this past weekend, Eastern Auctions sold a mint copy of the 1851 12d black Queen Victoria (Scott #2). Though in mint condition, the stamp was quite off-center and had a mark on the gum side. It sold for $70,000 + the 15% seller’s fee ($80,500)! However, the stamp sold a bit below expectations. Eastern Auctions themselves gave the stamp a catalogue value of $160 000, so the sale price is well below that. On the other hand, who would say no to an extra $80,500 in their pocket?

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Canada 1851 12d black mint stamp for sale!

Canada stamp-1851 12d black
Canada stamp-1851 12d black

An example of one of the most valuable Canada stamps will be going on the block on October 16th with Eastern Auctions as lot #60.

The 1851 12d black Queen Victoria could soon become Canada’s most valuable stamp ever–even more valuable than the green 2¢ large queen which recently sold for $475 000. The attraction of the 2¢ large queen is understandable–it is thought that only 3 exist in the whole world. But, they are all used specimens.

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