An opportunity to purchase one of the rarest stamps in British philately, the 1910 2d Tyrian Plum, presents itself at a London auction this month.
Just 12 examples exist today from an original printing of 24m. It follows the decision to pulp the majority of the stamps prior to release, following the untimely death in May 1910 of the king whose head they depict, Edward VII.
 Just 12 of the original 24m still exist |
Bearing traces of a hinge and retaining a large amount of its original gum, a top estimate of £40,000 ($64,650) has been set for the unused piece, yet we believe bidding could far exceed that figure, considering its rarity and past auction results.
Values for the 12 have been soaring of late.
Last year an unused specimen sold for £102,000 ($164,850) at auction in London.
In 2002 an unused example was valued at £20,000 ($32,325), according to the GB Concise 250 Index. In 2012 the index lists the stamp at £110,000 ($178,800), corresponding to a 10% pa rise in 10 years.
Here at Paul Fraser Collectibles we are delighted to offer you our own 1910 2d Tyrian Plum today, without the uncertainty of bidding at auction. It comes complete with a 1961 British Philatelic Association Certificate of Authenticity stating that the stamp is genuine.
The Great Britain Stamps and Postal History auction on October 11 will also feature an 1841-53 One Penny Red-Brown trial printing block of four, bearing the sheet margin and inscription.
The unused block, which is a superb rarity, comes to auction with a £13,000 ($21,000) high valuation.
We will bring you full results later in the month.
