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24 cent violet Washington stamp to lead rarities at $35,000
A rare 24 cent violet Washington stamp will star among world rarities on July 18-19
Paul Fraser Collectibles, Tuesday 26 June 2012
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An incredibly rare 24 cent Washington stamp in violet is to lead bids in a two day sale on July 18-19.
 The rarest of several shades |
The Dallas auction is to feature the scarce colouration as a highlight, among an array of rarities from across the world.
Also highlighting the US section of the sale will be a fine cancelled block of four from the 1867 "F" grill issue, which is estimated at $25,000.
The 24 cent Washington stamp originates from the 1861-1866 general issue - the first printed by the National Bank Note Company. Several different shades of the stamp were issued, with the steel blue, violet and gray violet colourations standing as the rarest.
The stamp at auction is a stunning mint example of the violet shade, with part original gum and deep colour. Only a scant few mint examples of the impressive stamp exist, warranting a valuation of $35,000.
As the ink used to produce these stamps was very unstable, the colours can easily be altered. Therefore, Paul Fraser Collectibles recommends that all collectors request certificates of authenticity before buying, to avoid imitations.
One of the auction's most unusual offerings will come from a tete-beche pair of the five cent "Buffalo Balloon" stamp of 1877. The stamp was originally intended for use on a balloon flight from Nashville to Gallatin, Tennessee, though of the 300 printed, only 23 were actually used. The auction house states that only 12-15 tete-beche pairings of this magnificent stamp exist, prompting an estimate of $22,500.
Paul Fraser Collectibles ensures that all our investment-grade stamps have the best possible provenance. Our experts have recently sourced this spectacular rarity: the most sought after stamp in Canadian philately.
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Images: Spink Shreves/Stamp Auction Network
