One of the finest known blocks of 10c Panama-Pacific stamps is the stunning highlight of Daniel F Kelleher Auctions' September 9-10 Flagship Series sale in Connecticut.
 The stamps with 10 perforations are far rarer |
The top plate block of six features an incredibly rare full wide top selvedge - the largest seen by the auction house - and is estimated at $20,000-30,000.
However, the auction house states that, in 2009, another block sold for $71,875, and the price could rocket on sale day.
The issue was released (in 1913) to commemorate the Panama-Pacific Exposition of 1915, and was the last commemorative issue seen until after the first world war.
They were released early to promote the event, and came at a time when the manufacturers were experimenting with different numbers of perforations. As such, the issue has either 10 or 12 perforations, with the "perf 10" variety far rarer.
 The centring on this issue is known to be off centre, making this one of the finest of 80 known |
Following at $25,000-35,000 is a brilliant example of the 1909 8c olive green on bluish paper, which boasts lightly hinged original gum and remarkable centring for an issue that is known to be mostly off centre.
There are just 80 examples of the stamp known to exist, and this is among the finest.
The sale is followed by the Constellation Collection of US Advertising Postal Cards.
Paul Fraser Collectibles has an exceptional selection of rare stamps for sale.
