A rare 1942 Malaya stamp which bears an Okugawa seal is set to provide a highlight at a mammoth July 18 philatelic auction in Australia.
 The greatest rarity of the Japanese occupation period |
The stamp originates from the Japanese occupation of British Malaya during the second world war. It is a King George VI $500 purple and orange Revenue - the top value of its issue - and boasts a Stamp Office Penang cancellation. Considered the greatest rarity of the Japanese occupation period, it stands as one of just three recorded examples and is expected to make $46,000.
Another highlight of the world rarities on offer will be a block of four 1914-1915 stamps from the Marshall Islands. Featuring a double overprint error of "G.R.I 8d" on the lower pair, the stamps also display a wide left-hand margin and are in mint, never hinged condition. Based on the catalogue value of £16,900 ($26,310) for a single stamp in similar condition, the block offers a potential bargain at $30,776.
Also featuring will be an attractive 1906 stamp from Papua, which is regarded as the rarest non-error stamp of the country. Only two sheets of 30 were issued at the time and the vast majority are used, with the example at auction possible unique in its mint condition. Lightly hinged, the stamp will sell with a pre-sale valuation of $18,000.
Paul Fraser Collectibles is passionate about stamp collecting. We offer not only the latest news and updates from the world of philately, but also the opportunity to purchase some of the world's rarest stamps. See our stunning collection here, which is highlighted by this unique block of four 96c Hong Kong olive-bistre.
