An 1840 penny black pair is to lead an auction at Spink with an estimate of £8,000-10,000 ($12,768-15,961).

The penny black pair is a mint example from plate 6

The sale, which is the second instalment of Spink's "Lionheart" Collection of Great Britain and the British Empire, will take place in London on November 14.

The penny black was the world's first postage stamp, produced as part of Sir Rowland Hill's 1837 proposals for an overhaul of the postage system.

This new system allowed for pre-payment of postage, an improvement on the old system which required postage to be paid after delivery. 

Taken from plate 6, position PE and PF, the mint pair exhibits close to large margins and is fresh and clear and in fine condition.  

We have this rare penny black VR Official currently in stock.

An 1847-1854 embossed issue 10 pence block of four carries an identical estimate of £8,000-10,000 ($12,768-15,961).

The block features a large part of the original gum

The block features much of its original gum, and while there is horizontal creasing along with a repair to the left, it is in otherwise fine condition.

An unmounted £1 George V 1913 seahorse block of four is on offer with a valuation of £7,000-9,000 ($11,172-14,364).

The stamps were designed by Australian sculptor Bertram Mackennal, who also designed official statues across the British empire. 

We have an SG403 1913 seahorse corner marginal for sale, featuring excellent perforations.

You can view more of our rare stamps here.

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