A New York stamp sale saw a single lot containing a comprehensive collection of the United States achieve $47,200 in April.
 The coveted St. Louis Bear |
It was one of the most complete collections ever offered by the auction house, with virtually all of the stamps in unused condition.
Beginning with the all-important 1847 issue, the dedicated consignor had amassed a collection that spanned United States postal history up to 1954. The enormous lot held a Scott catalogue value of $260,000, bringing great potential to investors.
The collection was noted for its centering, colour and eye appeal, and offered excellent value for bidders who wish to break down the lot and offer the rarer stamps individually.
Also featuring in the collections section of the sale was an outstanding set of fancy cancels, which made $10,030. Fancy cancels have enjoyed excellent results at auction recently, with one Kingsessing, PA cancellation achieving a 3400% increase on estimate.
Outside of the collections, a bottom margin block of six 1921 stamps from the former French colony of Syria featured among the best-sellers. The post office fresh block, of which only 50 were produced, made $20,060.
The top bids for single stamps went to a flawed yet sound example of an 1845 St. Louis Bear.
The 5 cent postmasters' provisional is a highly sought-after stamp when in fine condition. This example, featuring tiny paper flaws, brought $11,800 to the auction.
In 2011, the same auction house sold another St. Louis Bear, this time featuring a rather fitting cancellation, for £13,000.
Paul Fraser Collectibles has this 1910 British Tyrian Plum stamp, one of 12 known examples, for sale to discerning investors looking to increase the diversity of their portfolio.
