1910 2d Tyrian Plum stamp to star in UK auction
An extremely rare 1910 2d Tyrian Plum stamp is starring in PFC Auctions' sale, which ends May 24
One of the great rarities of British philately, the 1910 2d Tyrian Plum, is a highlight of PFC Auctions' current sale, which will close on May 24.
One of only nine in private hands
The two pence stamp, bearing the head of King Edward VII, was created as a replacement for the two colour version which was in use at the time. 24m copies were produced and were due to be released as soon as the existing stamps were used. However, following the death of King Edward VII on May 6, 1910, stocks of the stamp were destroyed, eradicating all but a scant few examples. The 2d Tyrian Plum never went into full circulation. Of the few examples known, a complete imperforate registration sheet of 240 is currently held with a perforated sheet of 139 in the British Postal Museum & Archive. The only known cover was sent by King George V, then Prince of Wales, to himself in the same year and is currently housed in the Royal Philatelic Collection. There are just nine examples available to private collectors, with the PFC Auctions stamp confirmed as genuine by the British Philatelic Association.
The stamp is in fine mint condition with original gum, bearing only a light gum bend on the reverse and some short perforations at the top left. It is accompanied by a 1961 certificate of authenticity from the British Philatelic Association. The stamp provides a superb opportunity for discerning British collectors at unbeatable value. With a Stanley Gibbons catalogue price of 100,000+, the stamp is currently selling for44,000.
In December 2011, a similar example in worse condition sold for 102,000, having been taken from the illustrious Chartwell Collection. The item also provides a superb investment for those looking towards tangible assets. According to the Great Britain Concise Catalogue, the stamp has shown an 8.99% pa increase from 2007-2011, rising from 65,000 to 100,000. View the 1910 rarity over at PFC Auctions by clicking here. The auction is also featuring a superb selection of other investment grade British stamps, including a 1915 King George V seahorse.
