Philately
1681 The London Penny Post
2011 Unsold
PRE SALE DISCUSSION
In 1680, Dockwra and Murray, two undertakers in London, created a system of cheap postal delivery which will beknown as the London Penny Post.
The idea of making a profit by taking very small amounts in large quantities provides a very efficient business whenthe initiative meets a real need. London is in a booming economic time, the process is simple and effective, and thesuccess is immediate.
Messengers come to take mail and small packages, along with the fee of one penny, several times a day in dozens or even hundreds of meeting points. They bring them to sorting offices, which record the payment and print a triangular mark indicating PENNY POST PAID centered with a letter code identifying the location of the office. Then the mail is delivered to the addressee, in London or its suburbs.
Times are polically tough and religious tensions are high. Uncontrolled circulation of documents is favouring thesedition. In 1682, the Duke of York terminates the private ownership of the London Penny Post. The operationthereafter controlled by the government lasted until 1835, with an efficiency more of more reduced due to excessiveincreases of the fees. The early success and the failure of the London Penny Post inspired the great reforms ofRowland Hill, at the origin of the universal postal system.
A mail delivered in the first period, around 1681, is estimated £ 15K, for sale on December 15 by Sotheby's in London. The postmark centered by the letter T identifying the "post office" of the Temple is illustrated in the release shared by AuctionPublicity.
In 1680, Dockwra and Murray, two undertakers in London, created a system of cheap postal delivery which will beknown as the London Penny Post.
The idea of making a profit by taking very small amounts in large quantities provides a very efficient business whenthe initiative meets a real need. London is in a booming economic time, the process is simple and effective, and thesuccess is immediate.
Messengers come to take mail and small packages, along with the fee of one penny, several times a day in dozens or even hundreds of meeting points. They bring them to sorting offices, which record the payment and print a triangular mark indicating PENNY POST PAID centered with a letter code identifying the location of the office. Then the mail is delivered to the addressee, in London or its suburbs.
Times are polically tough and religious tensions are high. Uncontrolled circulation of documents is favouring thesedition. In 1682, the Duke of York terminates the private ownership of the London Penny Post. The operationthereafter controlled by the government lasted until 1835, with an efficiency more of more reduced due to excessiveincreases of the fees. The early success and the failure of the London Penny Post inspired the great reforms ofRowland Hill, at the origin of the universal postal system.
A mail delivered in the first period, around 1681, is estimated £ 15K, for sale on December 15 by Sotheby's in London. The postmark centered by the letter T identifying the "post office" of the Temple is illustrated in the release shared by AuctionPublicity.
1840 The One Penny Black
2011 SOLD 180 K£ including premium
The invention of the postage stamp is a direct consequence of the development of commercial and industrial England, but it brought such a social progress that its use was rapidly adopted worldwide.
Before 1840, the mail delivery, paid by the recipient, was long and expensive. Rowland Hill's great achievement was to appreciate that having it paid by the sender was sufficient to significantly increase the volume of mail and reduce the price.
He was able to convince the administration to accept the incredibly low price of one penny, payable by the prior purchase of adhesive stamps or of prepaid covers. The post office had now in charge to ink the stamp on the cover to prevent it from being reused by the recipient.
The success was meteoric, and the One penny black with Victoria's profile is quite common. Stamp collectors are specifically looking to blocks of mint stamps.
At Sotheby's in London on September 21, fans can choose between two remarkable pieces: a block of nine of the plate 4, estimated £ 150K, and a block of six of the plate 7 considered as one of the finest copies in existence, estimated £ 130K.
It is amusing to note that the two small squares at the bottom of the image indicate the position of the stamp on the sheet. It would be unrealistic to try to reconstruct a dedicated sheet of such everyday pieces. Has anyone ever tried to collect all possible positions of the One penny black?
Here are the pages illustrating both lots discussed above : block of nine and block of six.
POST SALE COMMENT
In philately, the hierarchy of prices is often shaken by the buyers. The block of nine stamps was not sold. The block of six stamps exceeded its lower estimate, and was sold £ 180K including premium.
Before 1840, the mail delivery, paid by the recipient, was long and expensive. Rowland Hill's great achievement was to appreciate that having it paid by the sender was sufficient to significantly increase the volume of mail and reduce the price.
He was able to convince the administration to accept the incredibly low price of one penny, payable by the prior purchase of adhesive stamps or of prepaid covers. The post office had now in charge to ink the stamp on the cover to prevent it from being reused by the recipient.
The success was meteoric, and the One penny black with Victoria's profile is quite common. Stamp collectors are specifically looking to blocks of mint stamps.
At Sotheby's in London on September 21, fans can choose between two remarkable pieces: a block of nine of the plate 4, estimated £ 150K, and a block of six of the plate 7 considered as one of the finest copies in existence, estimated £ 130K.
It is amusing to note that the two small squares at the bottom of the image indicate the position of the stamp on the sheet. It would be unrealistic to try to reconstruct a dedicated sheet of such everyday pieces. Has anyone ever tried to collect all possible positions of the One penny black?
Here are the pages illustrating both lots discussed above : block of nine and block of six.
POST SALE COMMENT
In philately, the hierarchy of prices is often shaken by the buyers. The block of nine stamps was not sold. The block of six stamps exceeded its lower estimate, and was sold £ 180K including premium.
1840 A Test Sheet for the First Stamp
2008 UNSOLD
PRE SALE DISCUSSION
The first adhesive stamp designed to pay for the delivery of mail has been issued in 1840, in England, with the effigy of Queen Victoria. With a face value of 1 penny, this black stamp was used for a year before other colors come brighten the life of the post office clerks of that time.
You know even better this stamp that I just chose as the logo for this group.
There are two specimens in the sale of Spink in London on June 12. Not very rare, it is not excessively expensive : Lot 10, which has all its margins, is estimated 5 K£, and lot 9 cropped in the upper left is necessarily cheaper: 3 K£.
Lot 7 is much more important. This is a sheet of 21x26 cm dated August 1840, where are glued 20 copies of the same print as used for the 1p. Each one is a different colour as a result of ink compositions, with or without oil. Each sample is individually annotated by the author of the trials, a man named JB Bacon.
Spink knows a total of five copies of these test sheets. That offered for sale is estimated 300 K£.
POST SALE COMMENT
This witness of early experiments of stamp manufacturing has not been sold. It is a surprise, and, on the cultural point of view, a disappointment: are philatelists more interested in stamps than in stamp history?
The two copies of 1 penny black have been sold: the better at 8.5 K£ before fees, the other at 3 K£.
The first adhesive stamp designed to pay for the delivery of mail has been issued in 1840, in England, with the effigy of Queen Victoria. With a face value of 1 penny, this black stamp was used for a year before other colors come brighten the life of the post office clerks of that time.
You know even better this stamp that I just chose as the logo for this group.
There are two specimens in the sale of Spink in London on June 12. Not very rare, it is not excessively expensive : Lot 10, which has all its margins, is estimated 5 K£, and lot 9 cropped in the upper left is necessarily cheaper: 3 K£.
Lot 7 is much more important. This is a sheet of 21x26 cm dated August 1840, where are glued 20 copies of the same print as used for the 1p. Each one is a different colour as a result of ink compositions, with or without oil. Each sample is individually annotated by the author of the trials, a man named JB Bacon.
Spink knows a total of five copies of these test sheets. That offered for sale is estimated 300 K£.
POST SALE COMMENT
This witness of early experiments of stamp manufacturing has not been sold. It is a surprise, and, on the cultural point of view, a disappointment: are philatelists more interested in stamps than in stamp history?
The two copies of 1 penny black have been sold: the better at 8.5 K£ before fees, the other at 3 K£.
1847 The Millbury Stamp
2012 SOLD for $ 460K including premium by Robert A. Siegel
2018 SOLD for $ 354K including premium
PRE 2018 SALE DISCUSSION
When US postal rates became standard in July 1845, New York emerged as the best candidate to the future production of national stamps, thanks to its experience in printing bank notes. The provisional stamps issued by the New York post office constitute a phase of pre-industrialization before the release of the first national stamps in July 1847.
During this period, ten other offices interested in the prepayment process issue provisional stamps. They are spread across nine different states and sometimes serve very small communities, for example Lockport NY which was not yet incorporated as a city at that time.
The solutions practiced by these offices are original and varied. Millbury, a small city near Worcester, Massachusetts, issues a stamp whose characteristics mimic the model from New York.
The Millbury postage stamp exists only in 5 cents with the portrait of Washington, like the New York stamp. Its back is gum plated. Its manufacture is however home made. The portrait is rough, and the stamp is woodcut printed per unit in black ink on a bluish paper.
The production of the Millbury stamp is relatively abundant compared to some other small offices. 18 copies survived, including 8 on envelopes sent from Millbury from August 21, 1846 to January 12, 1847.
The envelope of January 12 has remained in great freshness with a stamp in superb condition. The stamp has been cancelled like a modern stamp, with a red ink marked 'PAID' that overlaps its edge.
The Millbury stamp was a local prepayment facility and not a payment guarantee for the receiving office. This guarantee was provided by the date hand-stamp with the identification of the office of departure, here Milbury Ma. This fantasy spelling with a single 'l' has lost a plausible explanation. A large numeral 5 in a circle confirms the paid price.
This envelope was sold for $ 460K including premium by Siegel on March 28, 2012. It is estimated $ 300K for sale by Robert A. Siegel in New York on October 3, lot 6. Here is the link to the section dedicated to the sale of the Gross collection on the website of the auction house.
When US postal rates became standard in July 1845, New York emerged as the best candidate to the future production of national stamps, thanks to its experience in printing bank notes. The provisional stamps issued by the New York post office constitute a phase of pre-industrialization before the release of the first national stamps in July 1847.
During this period, ten other offices interested in the prepayment process issue provisional stamps. They are spread across nine different states and sometimes serve very small communities, for example Lockport NY which was not yet incorporated as a city at that time.
The solutions practiced by these offices are original and varied. Millbury, a small city near Worcester, Massachusetts, issues a stamp whose characteristics mimic the model from New York.
The Millbury postage stamp exists only in 5 cents with the portrait of Washington, like the New York stamp. Its back is gum plated. Its manufacture is however home made. The portrait is rough, and the stamp is woodcut printed per unit in black ink on a bluish paper.
The production of the Millbury stamp is relatively abundant compared to some other small offices. 18 copies survived, including 8 on envelopes sent from Millbury from August 21, 1846 to January 12, 1847.
The envelope of January 12 has remained in great freshness with a stamp in superb condition. The stamp has been cancelled like a modern stamp, with a red ink marked 'PAID' that overlaps its edge.
The Millbury stamp was a local prepayment facility and not a payment guarantee for the receiving office. This guarantee was provided by the date hand-stamp with the identification of the office of departure, here Milbury Ma. This fantasy spelling with a single 'l' has lost a plausible explanation. A large numeral 5 in a circle confirms the paid price.
This envelope was sold for $ 460K including premium by Siegel on March 28, 2012. It is estimated $ 300K for sale by Robert A. Siegel in New York on October 3, lot 6. Here is the link to the section dedicated to the sale of the Gross collection on the website of the auction house.
1847 A Nice Corner for Franklin
2009 SOLD 72 K$ including premium
PRE SALE DISCUSSION
In 1847, the first two stamps of the United States are issued. The 5c is the portrait of Franklin and 10c in the likeness of Washington.
The Franklin that Heritage will auction in Dallas this February 5 is the most beautiful copy that has survived to this day. It is in mint condition, still keeping its original gum with the exception of a small area that was slightly "kissed" by a hinging. The dark bown color is fresh as in the day of its printing.
Above all, it still has its margins to the right and bottom, not printed, which attest to its original position at the fourth corner of the plate and let us appreciate the quality of its slightly bluish paper. The other margins are sufficient, do not attain the image and have been cut cleanly. It is not perforated, of course, since the first stamp using this technique was issued in 1854, in the United Kingdom.
Philatelists like earliness, condition, print quality and good centering. Here they have everything they can wish. It turns to amaze me that the estimate is not higher: 100 K $.
POST SALE COMMENT
I was surprised that the estimate was low, but I was wrong. This stamp in exceptional condition remained far below its estimate.
It sold $ 72 K including premium.
In 1847, the first two stamps of the United States are issued. The 5c is the portrait of Franklin and 10c in the likeness of Washington.
The Franklin that Heritage will auction in Dallas this February 5 is the most beautiful copy that has survived to this day. It is in mint condition, still keeping its original gum with the exception of a small area that was slightly "kissed" by a hinging. The dark bown color is fresh as in the day of its printing.
Above all, it still has its margins to the right and bottom, not printed, which attest to its original position at the fourth corner of the plate and let us appreciate the quality of its slightly bluish paper. The other margins are sufficient, do not attain the image and have been cut cleanly. It is not perforated, of course, since the first stamp using this technique was issued in 1854, in the United Kingdom.
Philatelists like earliness, condition, print quality and good centering. Here they have everything they can wish. It turns to amaze me that the estimate is not higher: 100 K $.
POST SALE COMMENT
I was surprised that the estimate was low, but I was wrong. This stamp in exceptional condition remained far below its estimate.
It sold $ 72 K including premium.
1847 Two Sheets of Proof Stamps
2013 Unsold
PRE SALE DISCUSSION
The British system of payment of mail by postage stamps quickly became international. The United States allow the stamp by the Act of Congress of March 3, 1845 establishing the rates to be charged.
Provisionally, the post offices are authorized to print their own stamps that cannot be canceled elsewhere than in theissuing office. Eleven of them are listed by Wikipedia. A cover with a provisional stamp from Millbury in Massachusetts was sold for $ 400K before fees by Robert A. Siegel on March 28, 2012.
Meanwhile, the federal government is preparing the first stamps to be acceptable throughout the country: 5c and 10c,showing respectively the portraits of Franklin and Washington.
Two full proof sheets of 100 stamps each have remained together. They are for sale in one lot estimated $ 500K byRobert A. Siegel in New York on June 25. They are illustrated in the post shared by Paul Fraser. No other example of proof sheets of these stamps are known.
Each stamp is overprinted with the word SPECIMEN. The engraving is in its final state but the color of the 5c is temporary. The printing plates were new : some tiny scratches affecting the regular editions are not yet visible.
The final color will be chosen soon, and the first two federal stamps are released in July 1847.
The British system of payment of mail by postage stamps quickly became international. The United States allow the stamp by the Act of Congress of March 3, 1845 establishing the rates to be charged.
Provisionally, the post offices are authorized to print their own stamps that cannot be canceled elsewhere than in theissuing office. Eleven of them are listed by Wikipedia. A cover with a provisional stamp from Millbury in Massachusetts was sold for $ 400K before fees by Robert A. Siegel on March 28, 2012.
Meanwhile, the federal government is preparing the first stamps to be acceptable throughout the country: 5c and 10c,showing respectively the portraits of Franklin and Washington.
Two full proof sheets of 100 stamps each have remained together. They are for sale in one lot estimated $ 500K byRobert A. Siegel in New York on June 25. They are illustrated in the post shared by Paul Fraser. No other example of proof sheets of these stamps are known.
Each stamp is overprinted with the word SPECIMEN. The engraving is in its final state but the color of the 5c is temporary. The printing plates were new : some tiny scratches affecting the regular editions are not yet visible.
The final color will be chosen soon, and the first two federal stamps are released in July 1847.
1851 The Immaculate Victoria
2011 SOLD 425 K$ before fees
Perfection exists in philately. An early stamp, sharply printed, with wide and balanced margins, fresh and brilliant without any blemish, keeping intact its full original gum.
A copy of the 1851 Canadian 12 pence stamp offers all these qualities. 160 years were not enough to generate defects. In addition, it is a rare stamp: the highest value from the first Canadian series.
It is black, bearing the likeness of young Queen Victoria in a dynamic attitude, with her crown and her necklace. Both sides are illustrated in the article shared by Paul Fraser Collectibles.
The outstanding features of this piece earned it a separate catalog titled "the Black Empress of Canada", in the sale made by Spink Shreves in New York on January 27.
The auction house tells that it sold $ 300K including premium in November 2009 another copy, from the Gross collection. Its margins were less sharp and it had been hinged. The perfect copy will be worth more, and $ 400K are awaited.
Keep in mind that 1851 predates the use of perforations.
POST SALE COMMENT
Here is the price for a perfect stamp of an early edition that, although not among the rarest, is not very common: $ 425K before fees.
A copy of the 1851 Canadian 12 pence stamp offers all these qualities. 160 years were not enough to generate defects. In addition, it is a rare stamp: the highest value from the first Canadian series.
It is black, bearing the likeness of young Queen Victoria in a dynamic attitude, with her crown and her necklace. Both sides are illustrated in the article shared by Paul Fraser Collectibles.
The outstanding features of this piece earned it a separate catalog titled "the Black Empress of Canada", in the sale made by Spink Shreves in New York on January 27.
The auction house tells that it sold $ 300K including premium in November 2009 another copy, from the Gross collection. Its margins were less sharp and it had been hinged. The perfect copy will be worth more, and $ 400K are awaited.
Keep in mind that 1851 predates the use of perforations.
POST SALE COMMENT
Here is the price for a perfect stamp of an early edition that, although not among the rarest, is not very common: $ 425K before fees.
1860 The Mail stolen by Indians
2013 SOLD 200 K$ before fees
PRE SALE DISCUSSION
The progress of civilization scattered men and necessitated new ways of communication across continents and evenacross the planet. Long before the airmail, the Pony Express adventure is epic and heroic.
This service executed by horse riders between the West and East of the United States was started in April 1860.Eighteen months later, the operation was already outdated, defeated not by rail but by telegraph.
This job is dangerous. The messenger who rushes from San Francisco on July 22, 1860 is thrown from his horse six days later by Indians while crossing a bridge in Wyoming.
Two letters stolen during this incident will be recovered. One of them is for sale by Robert A. Siegel in New York onMarch 20. Finally cancelled in New York on 1 May 1862, it could finally be delivered to its addressee in New Jerseyafter nearly two years of wandering.
Of course, it is not in good condition, but the stamping and writings are properly preserved. It is estimated $ 200K.
POST SALE COMMENT
The cover has been sold exactly at the price of its lower estimate, $ 200K before fees.
The progress of civilization scattered men and necessitated new ways of communication across continents and evenacross the planet. Long before the airmail, the Pony Express adventure is epic and heroic.
This service executed by horse riders between the West and East of the United States was started in April 1860.Eighteen months later, the operation was already outdated, defeated not by rail but by telegraph.
This job is dangerous. The messenger who rushes from San Francisco on July 22, 1860 is thrown from his horse six days later by Indians while crossing a bridge in Wyoming.
Two letters stolen during this incident will be recovered. One of them is for sale by Robert A. Siegel in New York onMarch 20. Finally cancelled in New York on 1 May 1862, it could finally be delivered to its addressee in New Jerseyafter nearly two years of wandering.
Of course, it is not in good condition, but the stamping and writings are properly preserved. It is estimated $ 200K.
POST SALE COMMENT
The cover has been sold exactly at the price of its lower estimate, $ 200K before fees.
1868 The Queen on Laid Paper
2014 SOLD CAD 475 K before fees
Philatelists are looking for the tiniest details that differentiate their valuable samples.
In 1868 Canada, recently reorganized into a Confederation, issues a series of stamps with the effigy of Queen Victoria. This type will afterwards be identified as the Large Queen. From half cent to 15 cents, no value is rare.
On February 22 in Toronto, Brigham Auctions entirely devotes a sale to the Large Queens, with no less than 672 lots. Stamp Auction Network, which contributes to the organization of this sale, counted ten varieties of paper.
The laid paper is not the best paper from this range of stamps but it is most rare, used in a few sheets of 1 cent and 3 cents, probably at the beginning of the production. The interest of philatelists to such a feature arrived late and no census of sheets is possible.
Three examples of 2 cent Large Queen on laid paper were identified: the first in 1925, the last in 2013. All three were canceled. The third is creased and torn.
The second 2 cent stamp, certified in 1935 by The Royal Philatelic Society, London Expert Committee, is considered as the best of its kind and the most desirable stamp in Canadian philately. It is estimated CAD 900K, lot 663 in the Brigham auction sale. It is illustrated in the post shared by Paul Fraser.
POST SALE COMMENT
Great price for this rare stamp : C$ 475K before fees (result recorded on Stamp Auction Network).
In 1868 Canada, recently reorganized into a Confederation, issues a series of stamps with the effigy of Queen Victoria. This type will afterwards be identified as the Large Queen. From half cent to 15 cents, no value is rare.
On February 22 in Toronto, Brigham Auctions entirely devotes a sale to the Large Queens, with no less than 672 lots. Stamp Auction Network, which contributes to the organization of this sale, counted ten varieties of paper.
The laid paper is not the best paper from this range of stamps but it is most rare, used in a few sheets of 1 cent and 3 cents, probably at the beginning of the production. The interest of philatelists to such a feature arrived late and no census of sheets is possible.
Three examples of 2 cent Large Queen on laid paper were identified: the first in 1925, the last in 2013. All three were canceled. The third is creased and torn.
The second 2 cent stamp, certified in 1935 by The Royal Philatelic Society, London Expert Committee, is considered as the best of its kind and the most desirable stamp in Canadian philately. It is estimated CAD 900K, lot 663 in the Brigham auction sale. It is illustrated in the post shared by Paul Fraser.
POST SALE COMMENT
Great price for this rare stamp : C$ 475K before fees (result recorded on Stamp Auction Network).
1897 Chinese Philately
2010 Unsold
PRE SALE DISCUSSION
A Chinese revenue stamp of 3 cents, red, issued in 1897, is the subject of specific collections. It has indeed been the subject of surcharge changing its value to 1, 2, 4 or 5 cents or 1 dollar. Some variants are common. The rarest and most beautiful specimens reach top prices.
Generally the surcharge is black. The variant with a green surcharge of 2 cents is enigmatic. Nine specimens only are known. The guess is that it was a test sheet which was not followed because of the lack of contrast that made it difficult reading the modified value.
On July 31 in Hong Kong, InterAsia Auctions sells one of the most beautiful specimens, estimated HK $ 8 millions.Colors have remained bright, margins are balanced and the stamp has kept much of its original gum.
The illustration provided in the article shared by Luxuo demonstrates the problem of contrast, almost involuntarily since the image of the catalog of the auction house is much more readable. Help the colorblind: the '2 cents' inscription is horizontal, in the lower part above the word Revenue.
A Chinese revenue stamp of 3 cents, red, issued in 1897, is the subject of specific collections. It has indeed been the subject of surcharge changing its value to 1, 2, 4 or 5 cents or 1 dollar. Some variants are common. The rarest and most beautiful specimens reach top prices.
Generally the surcharge is black. The variant with a green surcharge of 2 cents is enigmatic. Nine specimens only are known. The guess is that it was a test sheet which was not followed because of the lack of contrast that made it difficult reading the modified value.
On July 31 in Hong Kong, InterAsia Auctions sells one of the most beautiful specimens, estimated HK $ 8 millions.Colors have remained bright, margins are balanced and the stamp has kept much of its original gum.
The illustration provided in the article shared by Luxuo demonstrates the problem of contrast, almost involuntarily since the image of the catalog of the auction house is much more readable. Help the colorblind: the '2 cents' inscription is horizontal, in the lower part above the word Revenue.
1918 In Search of the Inverted Jenny
2013 SOLD for $ 575K including premium
PRE SALE DISCUSSION
After the inverted images in bicolored US stamps of 1869 and 1901, philatelists hoped that the same error would affect the Curtis Jenny aircraft of the 24c Air Post issue of 1918. At that time, the controls were certainly more severe and a single sheet of one hundred stamps escaped the administration.
The lucky customer who received the sheet immediately sold it to a dealer named Eugene Klein who separated the stamps after serializing the position of each one in a back corner. Since then, the varied fate of these hundred small specimens passionate the collectors.
The printing quality of this single sheet was homogeneous but their centering was uneven and their storage conditions went to be different. The best examples are the ones that kept the freshest colors and never had a hinge.
Perfectly centered and very fresh, position 58 has the most beautiful front side and is graded Superb 95 by PSE (Professional Stamp Experts). Sold for $ 577K by Robert A. Siegel in June 2005, it was valued at $1M during an exhibition last year. A trace of hinge prevents it from being the absolute Holy Grail of the Inverted Jenny.
The best never-hinged Inverted Jenny is the position 68, graded Very Fine 80, very fresh but less centered than the 58.It was sold for $ 1M in September 2007 in a private transaction. It is for sale, this time at auction, by Robert A. Siegel in New York on October 9.
In the history of auction sales, remind the position 57, sold for $ 977K including premium on 14 November 2007, and the block of four sold for $ 2.97 million including premium on 19 October 2005, both by Robert A. Siegel.
POST SALE COMMENT
The best Inverted Jenny no longer reach their prices of 2007. The Position 68 was sold for $ 500K before fees. The auction house charges a buyer's premium of 15%.
After the inverted images in bicolored US stamps of 1869 and 1901, philatelists hoped that the same error would affect the Curtis Jenny aircraft of the 24c Air Post issue of 1918. At that time, the controls were certainly more severe and a single sheet of one hundred stamps escaped the administration.
The lucky customer who received the sheet immediately sold it to a dealer named Eugene Klein who separated the stamps after serializing the position of each one in a back corner. Since then, the varied fate of these hundred small specimens passionate the collectors.
The printing quality of this single sheet was homogeneous but their centering was uneven and their storage conditions went to be different. The best examples are the ones that kept the freshest colors and never had a hinge.
Perfectly centered and very fresh, position 58 has the most beautiful front side and is graded Superb 95 by PSE (Professional Stamp Experts). Sold for $ 577K by Robert A. Siegel in June 2005, it was valued at $1M during an exhibition last year. A trace of hinge prevents it from being the absolute Holy Grail of the Inverted Jenny.
The best never-hinged Inverted Jenny is the position 68, graded Very Fine 80, very fresh but less centered than the 58.It was sold for $ 1M in September 2007 in a private transaction. It is for sale, this time at auction, by Robert A. Siegel in New York on October 9.
In the history of auction sales, remind the position 57, sold for $ 977K including premium on 14 November 2007, and the block of four sold for $ 2.97 million including premium on 19 October 2005, both by Robert A. Siegel.
POST SALE COMMENT
The best Inverted Jenny no longer reach their prices of 2007. The Position 68 was sold for $ 500K before fees. The auction house charges a buyer's premium of 15%.
1918 Inverted Jenny, the Nicest Error of the USA
2008 SOLD 400 K$ before fees
PRE SALE DISCUSSION
It was a sheet of one hundred 24-cent stamps, which in 1918 escaped all controls. Its error is a reverse image of the biplane aircraft showed upside down compared to the text. Jenny is the familiar name given to the biplane, a Curtis 4-N.
The visitor to the post of Washington DC who realized the error had already a very good business by selling the sheet six days later to a stamp dealer. Thus began the epic, which continues today at auction, of the Inverted Jenny.
The sheet was separated, and each stamp has received a number from 1 to 100, depending on its position. Dispersed between different collectors, these specimens had a various history of conservation.
The stamp presented the day after tomorrow, June 7, on sale at RA Siegel Auction Galleries in New York is number 21, ie the far left of the third row, and it still has its left sheet selvage. It is in very good condition with minor defects.
The auction house announced a value, under the wording "2008 Scott Catalog Value: $ 400,000.00." This sample is certainly more expensive than this amount, and we find very easily on the site of Siegel the price got by the last one which was sold there: 977 500 $, including fees (850 000 $ before fees) in November 2007. It was number 57.
A few days after this record result, the number 84 was sold 825 000 dollars before fees to the under-bidder of the 57 at Heritage Auction Galleries.
The stamp market is, more than any other, a business for insiders. I almost did not see in advance the arrival on the market of number 21. Fortunately one of my search engines drew my attention to a remarkable result that Siegel won today on a group of three stamps of Brazil from 1843 (two of 30 reis and one of 60-reis): $ 1.9 million before fees. This information was provided by Newsday.com.
POST SALE COMMENT
400 K$ before fees: this is the result for our Inverted Jenny number 21, lot 706 of the Siegel sale.
I have reviewed the description of number 57, sold 850 K$ in the same place last year. It was announced with an exceptional freshness and well centered, making it one of the best of the series.
The condition of 21 was just Fine - very Fine.
The whole price difference is explained by the difference of condition.
In the same sale last Saturday, Lot 636 was sold at 625 K$ before fees from an estimate of 35 K$. It is a 4 cents Pan American with reversed centre. Here also, of course, the centering and the perfect condition raised the price.
It was a sheet of one hundred 24-cent stamps, which in 1918 escaped all controls. Its error is a reverse image of the biplane aircraft showed upside down compared to the text. Jenny is the familiar name given to the biplane, a Curtis 4-N.
The visitor to the post of Washington DC who realized the error had already a very good business by selling the sheet six days later to a stamp dealer. Thus began the epic, which continues today at auction, of the Inverted Jenny.
The sheet was separated, and each stamp has received a number from 1 to 100, depending on its position. Dispersed between different collectors, these specimens had a various history of conservation.
The stamp presented the day after tomorrow, June 7, on sale at RA Siegel Auction Galleries in New York is number 21, ie the far left of the third row, and it still has its left sheet selvage. It is in very good condition with minor defects.
The auction house announced a value, under the wording "2008 Scott Catalog Value: $ 400,000.00." This sample is certainly more expensive than this amount, and we find very easily on the site of Siegel the price got by the last one which was sold there: 977 500 $, including fees (850 000 $ before fees) in November 2007. It was number 57.
A few days after this record result, the number 84 was sold 825 000 dollars before fees to the under-bidder of the 57 at Heritage Auction Galleries.
The stamp market is, more than any other, a business for insiders. I almost did not see in advance the arrival on the market of number 21. Fortunately one of my search engines drew my attention to a remarkable result that Siegel won today on a group of three stamps of Brazil from 1843 (two of 30 reis and one of 60-reis): $ 1.9 million before fees. This information was provided by Newsday.com.
POST SALE COMMENT
400 K$ before fees: this is the result for our Inverted Jenny number 21, lot 706 of the Siegel sale.
I have reviewed the description of number 57, sold 850 K$ in the same place last year. It was announced with an exceptional freshness and well centered, making it one of the best of the series.
The condition of 21 was just Fine - very Fine.
The whole price difference is explained by the difference of condition.
In the same sale last Saturday, Lot 636 was sold at 625 K$ before fees from an estimate of 35 K$. It is a 4 cents Pan American with reversed centre. Here also, of course, the centering and the perfect condition raised the price.
1918 Inverted Jenny, Position 35
2011 SOLD for $ 400K including premium
PRE SALE DISCUSSION
The Inverted Jenny is that unique plate of the 24 cents U.S. stamp of 1918 where the image of the Douglass plane was printed upside down. It was immediately spotted by a philatelist and separated a few days after its discovery.
There are five blocks of four still remaining, and single stamps that experts observe with their magnifier. The slightest defect generates substantial price differences.
On June 18 in New York, Siegel Auction Galleries is selling one of the best specimens. This stampwas number 35, at one third within the plate in the height direction, and in the middle of the plate in the width direction.
It is graded OGph VF-XF 85 by the PSE (Professional Stamp Experts). This means that the centering is excellent without being perfect, with full margins. The recto has no damage and the back has its original gum with a trace of hinging.
Siegel knows the Inverted Jenny very well, and devotes a separate catalog for this lot.
On October 19, 2005, they sold $ 2.97 million including premium the most prestigious lot from this sheet, the block of four on which the plate number was attached (8493).
On 14 November 2007, the Inverted Jenny position 57 had been sold for $ 977K including premium by the same auction house. This beautiful sample was less centered than the 35 in the width direction.
The Inverted Jenny is that unique plate of the 24 cents U.S. stamp of 1918 where the image of the Douglass plane was printed upside down. It was immediately spotted by a philatelist and separated a few days after its discovery.
There are five blocks of four still remaining, and single stamps that experts observe with their magnifier. The slightest defect generates substantial price differences.
On June 18 in New York, Siegel Auction Galleries is selling one of the best specimens. This stampwas number 35, at one third within the plate in the height direction, and in the middle of the plate in the width direction.
It is graded OGph VF-XF 85 by the PSE (Professional Stamp Experts). This means that the centering is excellent without being perfect, with full margins. The recto has no damage and the back has its original gum with a trace of hinging.
Siegel knows the Inverted Jenny very well, and devotes a separate catalog for this lot.
On October 19, 2005, they sold $ 2.97 million including premium the most prestigious lot from this sheet, the block of four on which the plate number was attached (8493).
On 14 November 2007, the Inverted Jenny position 57 had been sold for $ 977K including premium by the same auction house. This beautiful sample was less centered than the 35 in the width direction.
1918 Return of the Jenny
2017 SOLD for $ 390K including premium
On May 14, 1918 the 24 cents stamp illustrating the US air mail is available to the public in the post offices of New York, Philadelphia and Washington DC. In Washington the collector William T. Robey buys for $ 24 the sheet 8493 of one hundred stamps on which the blue illustration is printed upside down. There is no other example of this error then designated as the Inverted Jenny.
Robey immediately tries to sell his treasure. He is in a hurry, perhaps fearing that additional examples are discovered. He proposes the sheet on May 19 to the stamp dealer Eugene Klein in Philadelphia in a one-day purchase option. On May 20 Klein accepts the $ 15,000 price requested by Robey in a typed letter estimated $ 15K, lot 8 in the auction organized by Robert A. Siegel in New York on February 28.
On the same day, May 20, 1918, even before receiving the sheet, Klein concludes an agreement with his client Colonel Green for a share of the stamps. Before dissociating the sheet, he serializes the stamps with a number from 1 to 100 on the reverse side which makes it possible to identify afterward the original position of each element.
The philatelists follow with passion the varied fate of these one hundred stamps. Until last year, no information was found on two of them, positions 49 and 79.
# 79 surfaced in a private collection. It is for sale on February 15 in Chicago by Leslie Hindman, lot 12. It is very well centered like other pieces at the bottom right of the original sheet but small disturbances caused by a paper clip and the removal of a hinge are announced in the catalog. It is estimated in excess of $ 200K.
On February 28, Siegel also sells the position 28, lot 9 announced with a guide value of $ 450K. Its colors are fresh and its margins are complete but its centering is poorly balanced. Its location was known but it had not been available on the market since 1950.
RESULTS :
Leslie Hindman : SOLD for $ 300K including premium
Robert A. Siegel :
Stamp SOLD for $ 330K before fees
Letter SOLD for $ 42.5K before fees
Robey immediately tries to sell his treasure. He is in a hurry, perhaps fearing that additional examples are discovered. He proposes the sheet on May 19 to the stamp dealer Eugene Klein in Philadelphia in a one-day purchase option. On May 20 Klein accepts the $ 15,000 price requested by Robey in a typed letter estimated $ 15K, lot 8 in the auction organized by Robert A. Siegel in New York on February 28.
On the same day, May 20, 1918, even before receiving the sheet, Klein concludes an agreement with his client Colonel Green for a share of the stamps. Before dissociating the sheet, he serializes the stamps with a number from 1 to 100 on the reverse side which makes it possible to identify afterward the original position of each element.
The philatelists follow with passion the varied fate of these one hundred stamps. Until last year, no information was found on two of them, positions 49 and 79.
# 79 surfaced in a private collection. It is for sale on February 15 in Chicago by Leslie Hindman, lot 12. It is very well centered like other pieces at the bottom right of the original sheet but small disturbances caused by a paper clip and the removal of a hinge are announced in the catalog. It is estimated in excess of $ 200K.
On February 28, Siegel also sells the position 28, lot 9 announced with a guide value of $ 450K. Its colors are fresh and its margins are complete but its centering is poorly balanced. Its location was known but it had not been available on the market since 1950.
RESULTS :
Leslie Hindman : SOLD for $ 300K including premium
Robert A. Siegel :
Stamp SOLD for $ 330K before fees
Letter SOLD for $ 42.5K before fees
Siegel is offering something very special in its upcoming auction... https://t.co/7dhMR32FZS #stamps #invertedjenny pic.twitter.com/7GEJc7V1lr
— Paul Fraser (@PFCollectibles) February 3, 2017
#Stamp collecting's most expensive mistake coming to auction, @LHAuctioneers: https://t.co/YD6s1Seu3o pic.twitter.com/fVT3A42k6x
— JustCollecting (@just_collecting) January 4, 2017
1918 a locket for jenny
2015 sold for $ 165k including premium
The Inverted Jenny locket is the most unusual piece of US philately. It is for sale by Stack's Bowers on May 20 at Sotheby's New York, lot 1.
I already discussed it in this column when it went unsold in 2009 in another auction house. At that time I questioned how to anticipate the price of such a unique piece.
How much may it claim? Some collectors who so much enjoy when the stamps still have their original glue will be frustrated by the need to open the locket for checking this feature (but it is indeed one of only five never hinged specimens). Others will not like the slightly creased corners.
It is now estimated beyond $ 100K which is in line with a private sale which was reported at $ 90K in 2003.
I also told in 2009 why this stamp went into the locket.
The visitor to the post office of Washington DC who acquired and discovered to his own astonishment on May 14, 1918 the unique Inverted Jenny error sheet had already a very good bargain by selling it six days later to a stamp dealer.
The dealer serialized the stamps on the reverse in light pencil from 1 to 100 depending of their position before he separated the sheet.
The next owner who acquired the 100 stamps included the position 9 in a locket, back to back with a normal non-inverted Jenny, and made it a gift to his wife. The photos of the new catalogue (see link above) include both faces.
I already discussed it in this column when it went unsold in 2009 in another auction house. At that time I questioned how to anticipate the price of such a unique piece.
How much may it claim? Some collectors who so much enjoy when the stamps still have their original glue will be frustrated by the need to open the locket for checking this feature (but it is indeed one of only five never hinged specimens). Others will not like the slightly creased corners.
It is now estimated beyond $ 100K which is in line with a private sale which was reported at $ 90K in 2003.
I also told in 2009 why this stamp went into the locket.
The visitor to the post office of Washington DC who acquired and discovered to his own astonishment on May 14, 1918 the unique Inverted Jenny error sheet had already a very good bargain by selling it six days later to a stamp dealer.
The dealer serialized the stamps on the reverse in light pencil from 1 to 100 depending of their position before he separated the sheet.
The next owner who acquired the 100 stamps included the position 9 in a locket, back to back with a normal non-inverted Jenny, and made it a gift to his wife. The photos of the new catalogue (see link above) include both faces.
Inverted Jenny Locket up for auction with @Sothebys May 20 in NYC. #stamps http://t.co/yi51zMu1dy pic.twitter.com/vV1H2v03Zl
— Stack's Bowers (@StacksBowers) May 13, 2015.@StacksBowers to auction Jenny Invert 'Locket Copy': http://t.co/qam2KSFNIL pic.twitter.com/1aIGVN9Otn
— Linn's Stamp News (@LinnsStampNews) May 1, 20151919 The First Trans-Atlantic Air Post
2012 Unsold
PRE SALE DISCUSSION
The First World War generated a considerable development of aviation. Once peace back, they found new applicationsquickly.
Crossing the Atlantic is much tempting. The Daily Mail conveniently remembers its pre-war offer and confirms that it is still valid : £ 10 000 will be awarded to the first airmen to cross the Atlantic in less than 72 hours.
The feat is soon, and Newfoundland endeavours to prepare it. 200 copies of a 3 cent stamp are overprinted with the words "First Trans-Atlantic Air Post, April 1919."
The mail is entrusted to Harry Hawker, who embarks it on May 19 aboard his Sopwith aptly named Atlantic. 95 stamps were used for the flight, another 18 were damaged during production, and the rest was used for presentation or sold for a charity.
A lower marginal vertical pair is estimated $ 50K, for sale on February 5 by Regency Superior in Anaheim CA. The top stamp has been hinged, the bottom one is intact. Of course, the existence of a block is extremely rare for suchvery limited productions.
Hawker did not win the award. Victim of the overheating of his engine, he was saved by a boat that will reach Scotlandsix days later. The success will be achieved the following month by Alcock and Brown. Their stamp produced on 15 cent pieces was similar in design except that the overprint indicated the value: "Trans-Atlantic Air Post, 1919, onedollar."
The aircraft was not yet reliable enough to maintain a regular postal activity. The restart will happen in 1927, and Newfoundland will be similarly involved. I recently told in this group the story of the De Pinedo stamp.
The First World War generated a considerable development of aviation. Once peace back, they found new applicationsquickly.
Crossing the Atlantic is much tempting. The Daily Mail conveniently remembers its pre-war offer and confirms that it is still valid : £ 10 000 will be awarded to the first airmen to cross the Atlantic in less than 72 hours.
The feat is soon, and Newfoundland endeavours to prepare it. 200 copies of a 3 cent stamp are overprinted with the words "First Trans-Atlantic Air Post, April 1919."
The mail is entrusted to Harry Hawker, who embarks it on May 19 aboard his Sopwith aptly named Atlantic. 95 stamps were used for the flight, another 18 were damaged during production, and the rest was used for presentation or sold for a charity.
A lower marginal vertical pair is estimated $ 50K, for sale on February 5 by Regency Superior in Anaheim CA. The top stamp has been hinged, the bottom one is intact. Of course, the existence of a block is extremely rare for suchvery limited productions.
Hawker did not win the award. Victim of the overheating of his engine, he was saved by a boat that will reach Scotlandsix days later. The success will be achieved the following month by Alcock and Brown. Their stamp produced on 15 cent pieces was similar in design except that the overprint indicated the value: "Trans-Atlantic Air Post, 1919, onedollar."
The aircraft was not yet reliable enough to maintain a regular postal activity. The restart will happen in 1927, and Newfoundland will be similarly involved. I recently told in this group the story of the De Pinedo stamp.
1925 Philatelic Rarities
2012 SOLD 130 K$ before fees
PRE SALE DISCUSSION
Stamp collectors are fond of rarities, whether they are ordinary stamps, overprinted stamps or errors. The stamp is by nature a multiple, and owning the only known copy of a variety is a claim to fame for the collector.
The population of a specific variety may change over time. New discoveries are possible. On the opposite, copies canbe lost, by fire or other disaster.
The sale of a Black Honduras by Cherrystone in New York on January 11 will be a good test of the risk appetite of collectors.
This stamp of 25 centavos was issued in 1925 for air post by overprinting on a black 10 centavos dated 1915. It is illustrated on the post shared by Auction News Network.
Without being an expert in stamp design, we note that overprinting a black figure is not so clever in terms ofreadability. I do not know if this is the cause of its rarity, but the fact remains that for several decades only two examples were known.
The copy for sale is the only one that is located today. The other one was lost by its owner in a taxi or restaurant after being bought at auction in 2002. It was then destroyed ... or not ...
By offering this lot with a minimum bid of $ 95K, slightly below the guideline value, the auction house does not seemto bet exaggerately on the uniqueness of their specimen.
POST SALE COMMENT
Interesting result, $ 130K before fees, for that piece which is neither historical nor aesthetic but "only"extremely rare.
Stamp collectors are fond of rarities, whether they are ordinary stamps, overprinted stamps or errors. The stamp is by nature a multiple, and owning the only known copy of a variety is a claim to fame for the collector.
The population of a specific variety may change over time. New discoveries are possible. On the opposite, copies canbe lost, by fire or other disaster.
The sale of a Black Honduras by Cherrystone in New York on January 11 will be a good test of the risk appetite of collectors.
This stamp of 25 centavos was issued in 1925 for air post by overprinting on a black 10 centavos dated 1915. It is illustrated on the post shared by Auction News Network.
Without being an expert in stamp design, we note that overprinting a black figure is not so clever in terms ofreadability. I do not know if this is the cause of its rarity, but the fact remains that for several decades only two examples were known.
The copy for sale is the only one that is located today. The other one was lost by its owner in a taxi or restaurant after being bought at auction in 2002. It was then destroyed ... or not ...
By offering this lot with a minimum bid of $ 95K, slightly below the guideline value, the auction house does not seemto bet exaggerately on the uniqueness of their specimen.
POST SALE COMMENT
Interesting result, $ 130K before fees, for that piece which is neither historical nor aesthetic but "only"extremely rare.
1927 The Heroic Time of the Air Mail
2011 SOLD 168 K£ including premium
PRE SALE DISCUSSION
To the delight of collectors, the progress of aviation allowed any audacity. Much has been told of these exceptionaland somehow difficult men who constantly risked their lives to deliver the mail.
On May 21, 1927, Lindbergh made the first nonstop crossing of the North Atlantic from west to east.
The day before, May 20, Francesco De Pinedo had completed on his flying boat a journey that had led him from Italy toNewfoundland through South America. The Newfoundland postmaster immediately assigned him some mail to fly to Italy.
Priority to the mail, no time to lose. 300 stamps of 60 cents are printed specifically for this operation. Curiously, the theme of the picture is the 400th anniversary in 1897 of the mission charter given to Cabot by Henry VII to discover new lands.
They have no time also to collect the letters for canceling the stamps by inking on the cover. The mint stamps are overprinted.
Their fate is known: 230 stamps were used, 66 others, unfitted for another mission, remained mint and the last 4 had been damaged during production.
A unique multiple block of mint stamps survives (in addition to single stamps). It is estimated £ 120K, for sale bySotheby's in London on September 8.
POST SALE COMMENT
Very good price for this rare item: £ 168K including premium.
To the delight of collectors, the progress of aviation allowed any audacity. Much has been told of these exceptionaland somehow difficult men who constantly risked their lives to deliver the mail.
On May 21, 1927, Lindbergh made the first nonstop crossing of the North Atlantic from west to east.
The day before, May 20, Francesco De Pinedo had completed on his flying boat a journey that had led him from Italy toNewfoundland through South America. The Newfoundland postmaster immediately assigned him some mail to fly to Italy.
Priority to the mail, no time to lose. 300 stamps of 60 cents are printed specifically for this operation. Curiously, the theme of the picture is the 400th anniversary in 1897 of the mission charter given to Cabot by Henry VII to discover new lands.
They have no time also to collect the letters for canceling the stamps by inking on the cover. The mint stamps are overprinted.
Their fate is known: 230 stamps were used, 66 others, unfitted for another mission, remained mint and the last 4 had been damaged during production.
A unique multiple block of mint stamps survives (in addition to single stamps). It is estimated £ 120K, for sale bySotheby's in London on September 8.
POST SALE COMMENT
Very good price for this rare item: £ 168K including premium.
1953 The Failed Celebration of the October Revolution
2014 Unsold
PRE SALE DISCUSSION
Stamp collectors are passionate about errors. With regard to China, they usually are not concerned with misprints but with issues removed after printing for reasons of political blunders.
In 1952, an intense political friendship is displayed between China and Soviet Union. To celebrate the 35th anniversary of the October Revolution, China is preparing a set of four stamps of 8 fen (800 pre-1955 old yuan) each.
A meeting of Mao and Stalin in the Kremlin symbolizes the friendship between the two countries, a speech by Lenin illustrates the history of the Revolution, a monumental statue of Stalin calls for the construction of communism and Stalin's harangue is announcing peace. The proposed text says in Chinese "35th anniversary of the Great October Revolution."
A bureaucrat responsible for approving the project believes that China is not sufficiently highlighted in the text, and requires that it becomes "35th anniversary of the Great October Revolution of the Soviet Unions" (Unions in plural).They can no longer meet the date of November 7, 1952 originally planned to launch the series.
In February 1953, the shipment of stamps to the post offices is finally ready. The Shanghai office refuses to accept a confusion between the dates of the October Revolution and of the creation of the Soviet Union. The new stamps are withdrawn. A modified version will be issued a few months later.
On January 12 in Hong Kong, Interasia Auctions sells a resplendent set of blocks of four of each of the four stamps with the Soviet error. They are in exceptional condition and their backs were not yet gum coated. These blocks are sold in a single lot estimated HK $ 2.5 M.
Stamp collectors are passionate about errors. With regard to China, they usually are not concerned with misprints but with issues removed after printing for reasons of political blunders.
In 1952, an intense political friendship is displayed between China and Soviet Union. To celebrate the 35th anniversary of the October Revolution, China is preparing a set of four stamps of 8 fen (800 pre-1955 old yuan) each.
A meeting of Mao and Stalin in the Kremlin symbolizes the friendship between the two countries, a speech by Lenin illustrates the history of the Revolution, a monumental statue of Stalin calls for the construction of communism and Stalin's harangue is announcing peace. The proposed text says in Chinese "35th anniversary of the Great October Revolution."
A bureaucrat responsible for approving the project believes that China is not sufficiently highlighted in the text, and requires that it becomes "35th anniversary of the Great October Revolution of the Soviet Unions" (Unions in plural).They can no longer meet the date of November 7, 1952 originally planned to launch the series.
In February 1953, the shipment of stamps to the post offices is finally ready. The Shanghai office refuses to accept a confusion between the dates of the October Revolution and of the creation of the Soviet Union. The new stamps are withdrawn. A modified version will be issued a few months later.
On January 12 in Hong Kong, Interasia Auctions sells a resplendent set of blocks of four of each of the four stamps with the Soviet error. They are in exceptional condition and their backs were not yet gum coated. These blocks are sold in a single lot estimated HK $ 2.5 M.
