Share this page
'Four-of-a-kind' 1850s 1c stamp sheet could bring $20,000 in Massachusetts
Billed as 'very presentable,' this rare specimen is among the bargains in James T McCusker's sale
Raynham, Massachusetts, US auctioneer James T McCusker, Inc will be offering more than 1,00 philatelic lots in its upcoming August 2-3 sale.
Among the auction's prospective highlights is a very good showing of 1851-7 issues. These include an enormous 10c Green with huge margins, light cancel & recent grading of ("extra fine") XF-S 95.
But if you're searching for a rarity, then look no further than this complete sheet of 1c (24) stamps.
They are from plate 10, and believed to be one of only four intact sheets known. (Although the lot notes concede that the 100th stamp may have been replaced.)
Of the sheet's 100 stamps, more are graded "very fine" rather than just "fine" according to James T McCusker's description.
 The 'four of a kind' complete sheet of 1c (24) stamps |
Of these, many are never-hinged - although, if you look closely, you'll see some hinge reinforcements where perforations have been separated (apparently, this affects approximately 30% of the sheet).
In terms of overall condition, there are also some minor gum tone spots and "other trivial gum flaws". These affect several of the stamps with minor scuffing. The stamps of nevertheless fresh and well centred.
Described as "still a very presentable example" of this rare intact sheet, it will appear in James T McCusker's sale with a $20,000 pre-sale estimate.
Despite some imperfections, it will be interesting to see how this stamp does in the online sale considering its reputed rarity.
Watch this space for more news from the collectible stamp markets.
- Click here to view our stamps for sale
- Learn how you can get pleasure and profit by investing in rare Chinese stamps
- Read all the latest Stamps and Covers news
Join our readers in over 200 countries around the world - sign up for your free weekly Collectibles Newsletter today or download our free Collectors News app for your iPhone
Recent and related articles...
· Extremely rare Hong Kong Marine Sorter cover could deliver $20,000 | 28 February 2011
Siegel's New York sale of the Gordon Eubanks collection is offering more than one exceptional lot
· How this little Monkey stamp sold for nearly three times its estimate... | 18 February 2011
China's Year of the Monkey stamps bring six figure sums - but that doesn't mean you can't own one
· From China to Columbia: stamps from opposite sides of the globe star in the USA | 10 February 2011
An extremely rare pair of pairs (tete-beche and se-tenant) achieved $72,500 this week
· Exclusive Charles Shreve interview: 'Give me an hour with anybody - I can get them to collect stamps!' | 27 January 2011
In 2005, Gross executed the $2.97m most famous stamp swap of all time. Yet he didn't do it alone...
· The 'Crown Jewel' of Hong Kong philately brings a World Record price at Spink | 25 January 2011
A unique 96c olive-bistre stamp block brought $821,000 this last weekend in a major auction series
www.paulfrasercollectibles.com
Images: James T McCusker, Inc
