1880 Jackson special printing stamp stars at $12,500

An 1880 special printing of the 1879 2 cent Jackson stamp topped a June 9-10 auction

A rare 1880 Jackson special printing stamp provided one of the many highlights at a June 9-10 sale of US postal history.

One of fewer than 50 known examples

The 1880 Jackson two cent stamp is a re-print of the 1879 issue produced by the American Bank Note Company. The 1879-90 US issues are noted as being the last large format series of stamps to be printed by a private company before production was taken over by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing.

Fewer than 50 examples of the 1880 special printing have been recorded by the Philatelic Foundation, making the stamp a highly sought after item for collectors. It sold for $12,500, as joint top lot of the sale.

The price  was matched by a particularly fine example of the 1869 Lincoln 90 cent stamp.

The 1869 issue, released during the first weeks of the Ulysses S Grant's presidency, is one of the most distinguishable series in US philately, being the first to feature varied designs other than images of deceased statesmen. They are also noted as the first US stamps to feature more than one colour, with this example showing Abraham Lincoln rendered in rich carmine and deep shades of black.

US collectors will also want to see our review of the recent Natalee Grace Collection sale, which featured some of the finest used US stamps in existence. From just across the border, we have a truly unique example of Canada's finest postage stamp, known as The Black Empress.

See our full selection of investment-grade stamps here.

Recent and related articles

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·  10 cent Z Grill stamp highlights Natalee Grace Collection at $260,000 | 8 June 2012

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Images: Regency Superior