A set of 10 1979 souvenir sheets from the People's Republic of China (PRC) will provide the highlight of a forthcoming US stamp auction, which will be held March 12-14 in New York.
 Single examples of the sheet in similar condition are usually valued at around $2,500 |
The sheets, all of which are in very fine condition and unhinged, will be sold with a starting bid of $14,500. They will be joined by more souvenir stamps from the People's Republic of China, which is an incredibly popular collecting area.
The souvenir sheet at auction is known as Study Science from Childhood, with its image depicting a young girl at an open book. It was originally part of a larger series, through which the government aimed to promote education to young collectors.
The People's Republic of China issued many such commemorative issues to the legions of collectors in the country, the most famous of which is the one which celebrates Mei Lanfang, a highly respected Peking opera performer. A single, mint example of the Mei Langfang sheet - considered a highlight of any PRC collection - sold for $14,500 in September 2012.
Also starring in the sale is a 1964 15th anniversary of the PRC souvenir sheet, which will sell with an opening bid of $1,400. It has a fine appearance, though the margins have been slightly reduced and its colour is faded.
Sharing this starting bid is a set of two corner margin strips of five from the 1967 PRC Thoughts of Mao issue, which are in very fine condition, though have been lightly folded between the stamps.
Paul Fraser Collectibles brings you the latest news on stamp collecting as well as offering a fine selection of rare stamps for sale.
