The predicted frontrunner emerged as the top lot at Regency Superior Auctions' sale of rare stamps, coins and sports memorabilia in St Louis, Missouri last weekend (June 19).
An extremely rare 90c Dull Carmine Perry Reprint - "missing from even the most advanced collections," according to Regency Superior - was entered into the sale with an estimated value of $30,000.
Actually an 1880 reprinting, the stamp was first issued in 1879. It boasts a deep rich luxuriant colour and was issued without any gum - a "fine example".
 The extremely rare 90c Dull Carmine Perry Reprint |
The 90c stamp narrowly missed its estimated value, eventually selling for $28,080 including Buyer's Premium. Nevertheless, its seller was undoubtedly pleased with the result.
Meanwhile, another star of the sale was another 1880 special reprinting, this time of an 1879 Hamilton 30¢ green-black specimen; enthusiastically billed as "a extremely fine GEM!" in the auction catalogue.
One of only about 45 known examples, the stamp is described as extremely well centered with a natural straight edge on its right size, issued without gum and is unused. "Undervalued in this quality," it realised a final value of $21,060, with buyer's premium.
 The 1879 Hamilton 30¢ green-black specimen (left); and the 1870 Washington green 3¢ 'banknote' with double impression |
Another highlight in the auction was an 1870 Washington green 3¢ banknote with double impression (meaning that the stamp's entire image was printed twice, or faintly doubled).
A true rarity, one only four known examples, this example has a small corner crease at its top right and tiny corner perforation crease at its bottom left, and sold for an absolute bargain $14,625.
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