A rare 1949 New Zealand 3d HMS Vanguard has set a new record for a Kiwi stamp at auction, achieving US$47,339 at Mowbray Collectables.
The issue was printed for a 1949 royal tour of New Zealand
The issue was produced to commemorate George VI’s tour of New Zealand, but was destroyed when he cancelled due to ill health. Only seven are known to exist.
Auctioneer John Mowbray told Stuff.nz: "There were a lot of bidders on the phone, hundreds by email, and the room was full with about 60 people.
“When we got to $50,000, we still had four bidders, so it was very exciting…
"It shows the interest in philately is still strong for good-quality rare stamps."
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