A fine example of the 1861 5c Buff has sold at the top of Daniel F Kelleher Auctions' June 10-12 sale in Connecticut.

The 5c Buff is hard to find in such strong condition as many were cracked or damaged due to the brittle paper used

The stamp offered a bargain for the buyer, selling for just $12,390 including buyer's premium. The Scott Catalogue value for this rarity in mint condition is $27,500.

The example at auction has its original gum and has only been lightly hinged. A well-centred copy, it sports a rich colour with just a couple of nibbed perforations, which were not picked up on its 2005 Philatelic Foundation certificate.

Sound copies of the 1861 5c Buff are scarce due to the brittle paper they were printed on, which is susceptible to damage. The light colouration of the stamps mean that the designs are often obliterated by heavy cancellations, making attractive used copies also a rarity.

According to the auction house just 500 1879 1c Deep Brown Postage Due Special Printing stamps exist today

Also selling well in the auction was an 1879 1c Deep Brown Postage Due Special Printing, which realised $10,620.

Although it was reported that 9,420 of the 1c Special Printing stamps were issued, the auction house estimates that there are only around 500 examples in existence today.

This is one of the finest from the issue, which is rarely seen at auction. It boasts bright colour on white paper, with its full original gum having been lightly hinged.

See our full selection of rare stamps for sale.