A pair of 1840 1d Penny Blacks from Plate 11 of the historic issue is expected to see some of the highest bids among Great Britain stamps at Sandafayre's August 13 Internet/Mail sale.
 Plate 11 featured the lowest number of stamps, with just 168,000 issued |
The greyish black pair has been given a £2,800-3,000 ($4,299-4,606) estimate, leading a strong GB section.
Plate 11 is the rarest of all Penny Black plate numbers in terms of quantity issued, with just 168,000 ever released, in comparison to the 10m+ from Plate 1a and 1b.
Lettered CF and CG, the stamps are used with neat black Maltese Cross cancellations. Boasting all four margins, this is an attractive and rare pair, though the stamps have previously been split and rejoined.
Also expected to sell well is another example of the 1840 1d stamp from Plate 11 on cover, which is valued at £2,250-2,500 ($3,454-3,838).
Paul Fraser Collectibles is currently offering what is believed to be the largest multiple of the 1840 Penny Black from Plate 3 for sale, a spectacular item that sports the full deckle edge selvedge and is accompanied by a 2012 British Philatelic Association certificate.
