Description
Great Britain 1882 £1 brown-lilac Plate 1, white paper, watermark Anchor, perforations 14, SG136.
A superb mint example with original gum and lovely fresh colour. The finest example we have ever seen.
Recognised as one of the world's rarest stamps and one of the finest gems of British philately.
The rarity of this stamp is due to the high denomination which was only used in major cities at the time. The hobby of stamp collecting was only beginning to gain popularity in 1882 and very few collectors could afford to spend £1 on a stamp at that time (the equivalent to around £150 in today's money terms).
Consequently, very few exist in unused condition today with most examples showing material condition flaws.
Accompanied with a 2007 Brandon Certificate of Authenticity.