The Alexander Reid collection of rare stamps is set to be sold by Spink in London next month. The sale includes ranges of stamps from Antigua and the Cayman Islands, which we've already touched on.
However we have yet to mention the third country which Reid focused on, far from the Caribbean: the island of Ceylon, now known as Sri Lanka.
The collection there starts early, but in fact the lot expected to generate the most interest is a 20th century rarity: a 1,000 Rupee stamp which was in production from 1912-1925.
 1000 Rupees Purple on red rare Ceylon stamp (Click to enlarge) |
The purple on red stamp depicts George V, who was an enthusiastic stamp collector in his own right. It is taken from the top edge of a sheet, and still has a piece of the margin attached.
Whilst valuable in almost any condition, this example is particularly fine and attractive. George himself would be proud to give it in a proud place in his collection. Spink have given it a guide price of £12,000, whilst the Stanley Gibbons listing is for £24,000.
Spink's sale takes place on March 11 in London. An extremely rare stamp depicting George V's father Edward VII is currently available.
