Stamp 'that doesn't officially exist' leads unique rarities at Apex's auction

This week's sale features classics from all round the world, including Asia and the Commonwealth

Apex's sale 105 is a vast (6,750 lot) all-world postal-only sale closing on January 13th, 2011.

There are very strong sections of Great Britain, Germany, Canada, British Asia (Malaysia, Hong Kong etc) and a useful USA section including a $4-5,000 1851/1994 substantial collection in 3 printed Davo albums.

For the general collector, there are over 5,000 lots of individual stamps and sets in the  £1,000 ($1,500) and below price bracket as well as many complete collections and a good general mixed lots section (first 100 lots or so).

There are two real highlights of the sale however:

Firstly, lot 4949 is a complete never-hinged mint sheet (possibly unique) of the Malta 1882 CA 1/2d orange yellow, estimated at £5,000 ($7,500). This is a complete sheet of 240, with full gum, horizontal and vertical gutters, sheet and gutter inscriptions and plate number.

All stamps are unmarked, as are the sheet margins. Some natural light gum wrinkling is apparent, and overall the stamps are extremely fresh.

Secondly, lot 2274 is the Br. Levant 1887 Surcharge 80pa on 5d purple and blue fine mint with inverted watermark (which does not exist according to Gibbons catalogue) with 2008 RPS Cert (catalogued at £12,000 as used only).

This is estimated at £4,750 ($7,000). Both are arguably somewhat conservative valuations. Collectors and investors looking for surcharge rarities may wish to take a look at this Sierra Leone two shilling example.

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The financial genius, philanthropist and stamp collector

www.paulfrasercollectibles.com

Images: Spink