Bidders can own 'New Zealand's tallest mountain' in stamps sale

Philatelists will have a chance to bid on New Zealand's highest mountain in Ashford's Postal Auction of stamps, for which bidding closes on September 23.


The 'mint' condition 1911 five
shillings stamp

Depicting Mount Cook, New Zealand's tallest mount (pictured top right), this five shillings stamp was one of a number of pictorial specimens issued in 1898.

Aside from the Mount Cook stamp, other Kiwi stamps issued that year including the one penny stamp featuring Lake Taupo with Mount Ruapehu in the background, and the twopence stamp features Pembroke Peak in Milford Sound.

A closer look at this five shillings specimen, actually produced some years later in 1911, reveals two alpine flowers: the Ranunculus and Celmisia.

According to Ashford's catalogue, the stamp is "mint" with good centring. Listed with a catalogue price of $4,000, it will appear in Ashford's sale estimated at $3,000.

The reason for the stamp's four-figure value is its scarce upright watermark - unlike the the more plentiful sideways watermark of 1907, of which specimens are normally valued at $300.

 

Join our readers in 193 countries around the world - sign up for your free weekly Collectibles Newsletter today

Register to receive more in-depth articles from our dedicated team.

Register Here

Featured products

Elvis Presley Authentic Strand of Hair
Elvis Presley Authentic Strand of Hair
Sale price£399
In stock
Fidel Castro signed certificateFidel Castro Signed Certificate
Fidel Castro signed certificate
Sale price£2,995
In stock
King Henry VIII Autographed DocumentKing Henry VIII Autographed Document
King Henry VIII Autographed Document
Sale price£55,000
In stock