A British 1902 10sh IR Official stamp has sold for $52,500 at Cherrystone Auctions.
The lot headlined a March 18 sale in New York.
 The IR Official overprints were used by the inland revenue to post large volumes of mail |
The high value stamps were created for the inland revenue and enabled the government department to send large bundles of letters across the country without having to individually apply each stamp.
The item sold is considered one of the finest examples of this rare issue and is described as being in unused and perfect condition.
It comes from position one of a block that sold in 1947 and is one of only seven known surviving examples.
An 1874 US postal stationary 2c brown on cream made $24,000.
 The US postal service began issuing stationary in 1873 |
It is one of only three surviving cut squares known and is considered the finest. The US postal service began producing the pre-paid stationary in 1873.
A US 1861 24c violet sold for $18,000.
The lot was offered in original condition with intact gum and dates to the era of the US civil war.
It was produced following the recall of stamps issued while the union was intact, as these were considered invalid when war broke out.
It is well centred with strong margins and is exceptionally rare in any condition.
If you're interested in philately, why not check out this cover sent from Newfoundland to Baltimore two years before the outbreak of civil war?
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