An 1840 penny black pair made £7,000 ($11,277) at the second instalment of the Lionheart Collection sale at Spink on November 14 in London.
The penny black was introduced as part of Sir Rowland Hills' 1837 proposals for the reform of the British postage system.
 The penny back pair came from plate 6 |
The stamp enabled post to be paid before delivery, rather than after as had previously been the case.
Taken from plate 6, positions PE and PF, the mint pair exhibits close to large margins and is in fine condition.
A number of collections of British stamps performed well in the sale, with one example covering the period from 1862-1900 making £23,000 ($37,103).
The mint and used collection featured a variety of stamps from the early years of the British postal service, including two mint 1867-1883 £5 stamps and a set of 1883-1884 high values.
The condition was described as mixed, with a number of high value pieces among the selection.
Another collection realised £21,000 ($33,877).
The range of the stamps dated from 1840-1900 and once again consisted of a variety of mint and used stamps in varying conditions - including an unused/mint 1840 penny black.
We have a selection of rare stamps available, including this mint block of 12 Penny Blacks.
You can find more information on the benefits of investing in stamps here.
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