A US 1870 90c carmine block of four is expected to be among the highlights of a major postage stamp auction in New York on April 25 and 26.
Described as "well centered", with "beautiful color", and including its original gum, the banknote issue block of four is said to be in fine to very fine condition.
"A fresh and spectacular block, surely one of the finest known," says the auction house.
Complete with a 1991 Philatelic Foundation certificate, the block has a catalogue listing of $25,000, although this particular specimen will arrive at the auction with a $12,000 estimate.
The sale will also feature an 1883 2c red brown sheet of 100, valued at $7,500, in addition to an 1883 90c purple block of 40, estimated at $5,000.
 An 1870 90c carmine block of four: “surely one of the finest known” |
A well-centered 1893 $1 salmon block of four will also appear at the auction, with a $7,500 valuation.
Several British stamps will also feature prominently, including an 1882 £5 orange with "Kings Lynn" cancel, valued at $2,500.
Rare British stamps are performing well. According to the GB30 Rarities Index, the 30 leading collectible British stamps have soared in value by 10.8% pa since 1998.
We have a select number of investment-grade British postage stamps currently in stock, including the 1910 2d Tyrian Plum.
Just 12 are known to exist today, making them one of the world's greatest rarities.
They rarely appear on the market. On December 6, 2011 one of the 12 sold for £102,000 ($159,500) at auction in London.
We have a single example available today for just £85,000 (approx. $133,700).
Paul Fraser Collectibles will bring you more previews from the New York sale over the coming weeks.
