Five unique GB items for your collection

Unique” is a compelling word.

Especially in the philatelic world.

From a young age it captures your imagination as a collector.

And in the right circumstances, it can add incredible value.

Just think of the 1c MagentaThe Treskilling Yellow.

Or the treasures hidden within the Royal Philatelic Collection.

But unique pieces aren't just reserved for the uber-wealthy, or institutional collections. They can add depth and character to your collection as well.

I've always found they're some of the most pleasurable pieces to own.

There's a thrill in finding a unique item that matches your interests, and a sense of pride in knowing nobody else has it.

I think that kind of rarity speaks to the collector in all of us.

And you'll have to admit, one of the most satisfying moments in this hobby is when another collector casts their eye into your album and says:

“I've never seen one of those before!”

And you can happily reply: "It's the only one of its kind."

And then you have the potential financial benefits.

Because bidders competing to own a unique item can send its price far above estimate. You see it happen at auction all the time.

I saw the perfect example a couple of weeks ago.

A wonderful 1850 1d Blue 'Prince Consort Essay' was up for sale in London. It's a fascinating piece of British philatelic history.

And most importantly, it was unique in private hands.

That's why it eventually sold for £28,520. Clearly above catalogue price and more than double its high estimate of £12,000.

So owning unique items can give you an advantage in the market.

Because if another collector wants it, you're the only game in town.

It's simply a case of supply and demand. So I would always suggest owning a select few unique items as part of your wider portfolio.

Five unique GB items for your collection.

The sale I mentioned inspired me to look through our current catalogue, and select some unique GB items to offer you today.

Whether it's a hand-painted essay, an original die proof, a unique positional or a magnificent block, each piece is the only one of its kind available to collectors.

I'm certain you'll appreciate the items I've chosen.

The condition and quality is superb, and I would consider every one an 'investment grade' piece.

And hopefully you'll find one that would sit perfectly in your own collection.

If you do, please get in touch today.

Because the very nature of these items means you won't get another chance to acquire them.

  • You can email me at info@paulfrasercollectibles.com
  • Call us on +44 (0) 1534 639 998
  • Or simply click 'Purchase now' to shop in our online store

Great Britain 1855 1d red brown, Plate 20, imprimatur, SG24var.

Great Britain 1855 1d red brown, Plate 20, imprimatur, SG24var.

A unique unused four margin top left hand corner marginal imperforate imprimatur showing plate number "20" and part sheet inscription, lettered 'AA'.

Provenance: Ex Earl of Crawford & Ex Colonel Bates (1934) collections.

Price: £4,750. 

Purchase now.

Great Britain 1883 10s die proof

Great Britain 1883 10s die proof Very fine cut to size example printed in black on white glazed card lettered AN-NA, mounted on part De La Rue striking book page with manuscript annotations "July 27th/30/2 forms/112 each" overwritten in red "1883".

A spectacular and unique piece.

Provenance: Ex. De La Rue archives.

Price: £3,950

Purchase now.

Great Britain 1885 5d "Jubilee" Essay, SG207var

Great Britain 1885 5d "Jubilee" Essay, SG207var
A very fine painted example in blue-green, deep brown and ochre with details of the design highlighted in Chinese white, affixed to a piece of white card (83x110mm).

A unique essay.

Stanley Gibbons catalogue value: From £9,500.

Price: £7,500.

Purchase now.

Great Britain 1874 3d rose Plate 15, SG143var

Great Britain 1874 3d rose Plate 15, SG143var A very fine unused top marginal imperforate imprimatur, with original gum, lettered 'AK' showing plate number.

An exceptional rarity, unique in private hands.

Provenance: Ex. Crawford, Bates, Beaumont & Latto.

Price: £9,750.

Purchase now. 

Great Britain 1966 1s3d Battle of Britain (Ordinary), SG678var

Great Britain 1966 1s3d Battle of Britain (Ordinary), SG678var Superb unmounted mint, with full original gum, left hand corner marginal "1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E" cylinder block of six imperforate imprimaturs, each stamp with a "BPMA" handstamp on reverse.

The ultimate in rarity being unique in this form.

Exceptional provenance as they were released from the British Postal Museum Archives in 2014.

Prior to this they were stored in the museum archives in climate controlled vaults since being printed and are therefore in uncirculated mint condition.

Price: £15,000. 

Purchase now. 

Your personal guarantee.

Every one of these unique items comes with free global delivery.

Each one is covered by our Lifetime Moneyback Guarantee of Authenticity.


And they're also covered by our 28-day returns policy, so you're free to return them if they don't suit your collection.

We want to help you build a collection you can be proud of, with the potential for you to profit in the future.

So when you place your order, you can always have complete confidence in every item you purchase from us.

And remember...

If you didn't find the right piece here, but you're still looking for something unique to enhance your collection, don't worry!

We have one of the largest private stockholdings of rare stamps and postal history anywhere in the world.

No matter what your field of interest, or your available budget, we can source the perfect items for your collection.

So get in touch today, and we can get on the case!


And if you'd like to discuss any of these items further, or you have questions about the rare stamp market in general, we're always available to help.

Thanks for reading,

Owen,

Paul Fraser Collectibles.

P.S. I've handpicked these five unique items, but I could have selected many more - so visit our online store to see our full collection.

P.S. Are you following us on social media? Find us here:
Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Instagram  |  Pinterest  |   Youtube

Register to receive more indepth articles from our dedicated team.

Featured products

Elvis Presley Authentic Strand of Hair
Elvis Presley Authentic Strand of Hair
Sale price£399
In stock
Fidel Castro signed certificateFidel Castro Signed Certificate
Fidel Castro signed certificate
Sale price£2,995
In stock
King Henry VIII Autographed DocumentKing Henry VIII Autographed Document
King Henry VIII Autographed Document
Sale price£55,000
In stock