An 1854 half-anna 9½ arches essay made £23,000 ($37,220) at the third instalment of the Medina collection sale at Spink on October 23.
The essay is a vermillion lower left corner block of 10, and is believed to be the last block in this shade. A vertical crease to the left has caused some tearing, but otherwise the lot is in good condition.
 The essay is believed to be the last remaining block in vermillion |
A collection of items pertaining to George V's 1911-1912 Delhi Durbar coronation event achieved £10,000 ($16,185).
The lot included an array of postcards and covers that feature datestamps, handstamps and a queen empress's camp 25 December envelope addressed to the king emperor that features the official paid handstamp in red.
 The collection pertains to George V's coronation durbar in Delhi |
A 1948 King George VI First Anniversary of Independence Gandhi block of 25 made £7,500 ($12,146). The 10 rupee purple-brown and lake block is taken from the complete right half of a sheet, complete with plate number.
The block is in excellent condition, fresh and unmounted, and with just a couple of minor creases in the top margin.
An 1852 Scinde Dawk issue half-anna scarlet followed, realising £6,000 ($9,719).
The delicate stamp is cancelled with dots and mounted to a small piece of envelope and, while creased and defective, is in otherwise good condition.
The Scinde Dawk issue refers to India's first stamps before adhesives. In Part II of the Medina Collection sale, another half-anna stamp sold for £10,000 ($15,199).
We have a range of rare stamps available, including this penny black that was prepared in 1940 but never issued.
Sign up for our free weekly newsletter for more on philately and other collectibles.
