A brilliant example of the 1869 30c centre invert has topped the highly anticipated sale of the Natalee Grace collection of used US stamps.

The Natalee Grace collection contains some of the finest used US stamps

The September 19 auction in New York was just the latest instalment of the collection to be brought to the market. Visit our dedicated Stamps news section for more of the stunning results seen so far.

Part Two of the Natalee Grace collection began with the 1869 Pictorial Issue and ran through to the Pan-American Exposition Issue of 1901. The 30c centre invert provided an early highlight, selling at $90,000, the highest price achieved in the sale.

One of just 40 recorded examples, the stamp is one of the three well centred copies that remain in sound condition. Prized as a condition rarity, it boasts wide and well balanced margins all around, with bright colours and fresh white paper. Cancelled with a clear strike of a cork cancel, it also features the top portion of a red "New York Paid All Br. Transit" datestamp at the bottom.

Sharing the $90,000 sale price was a remarkable 15c stamp from the same issue. A centre double with one inverted, it is one of just three recorded and perhaps the finest example among them. With choice centring, rich colours and detailed impressions, the stamp has a light strike of the circle of wedges cancellation.

Part three of the Natalee Grace collection is being offered with the same auction house in New York today (September 20). To make sure you don't miss out on the results, sign up to our free weekly newsletter.

Paul Fraser Collectibles also has an outstanding selection of investment-grade stamps currently available.