1919-21 Jamaica invert stamp sells for $46,570 at London auction

A 1919-21 Jamaica frame invert starred at a two-day stamp auction in the nation's capital

A 1919-21 frame invert from Jamaica sold at the top end of its estimate this morning, on the second day of a major stamp auction in London.

The vibrant orange beauty, which still contains the majority of its original gum and features good perforations, matched its £30,000 high estimate.

The result is a testament to its superb condition, four excellent margins, and the stamp's extreme rarity - just 10 to 20 are believed to exist today from a single sheet printing of 60.

The auction house has called it "one of the finest known examples of this popular and striking rarity". Investors seeking stamps of the utmost quality and rarity should also look at the finest in Canadian philately: The Black Empress.

Just 10 to 20 are believed to exist

British Commonwealth stamps have enjoyed an 8.5% pa average increase since 1998, according to the Commonwealth Rarities Index.

There was also a solid performance from a France 1869 5f. block of four. The violet-grey, unmounted mint block, taken from the right of the sheet, sold for £19,000.

"An extremely rare block of this popular nineteenth century high value," said the auction house, explaining the lot's significant value.

The fresh colour block was only prevented from achieving more by some minor wrinkles.

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Images: Spink