A 1910-1913 £1 Rhodesian double head block of four error has sold for £48,000 ($71,560) at Spink.

The lot highlighted a selection of rare Rhodesian stamps from the Vestey collection.

The double head issue is among the rarest Rhodesian stamps

Spink explained: "This remarkable sale is the second in the Lord Vestey series of auctions that feature Rhodesia.

 "This sale devoted to the lovely Double Head issue is packed with fabulous blocks and single item rarities from the wealth of printings and shades associated with the issue."

This example is one of only two specimens to display the "gash in the Queen's ear" error, which appears to the upper right - further increasing its desirability.

A 1d double head block of eight also sold well, realising £35,000 ($52,179).

It was introduced as "a monumental rarity and one of the great highlights of the collection."

Issued in 1910, the double head stamps are among Rhodesia's greatest philatelic treasures. They show King George V and Queen Mary side by side.

A set of proofs from the same issue (in blue) realised £16,000 ($23,849). The block is overprinted "waterlow & sons ltd./specimen" - indicating the name of the printer.

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