1992 Indian Osprey error headlines sale at Spink London

A strip of three 1992 Indian Birds of Prey 2r Osprey error made £15,000 ($23,772) at Spink's Philatelic Collectors Series sale in London on November 26.

The rare modern Indian error displays 1r instead of 2r. The mistake was discovered shortly after printing, with most specimens destroyed.

India Osprey error
The error stamps display 1r instead of 2r

To date only three examples have come to light, with one single selling for £11,500 ($18,187) in 2011.

A 1938 Malaya Straits Settlement revenue stamp also sold well, achieving £13,000 ($20,559).

The Straits Settlements were British controlled territories on the Malayan peninsula that began issuing stamps in 1867.

They were only issued in small numbers, causing supply issues and forcing local postal agencies to use creative measures such as overprints to get around the problem.

The present lot is one of very few surviving mint specimens.

Earlier this year a cover displaying two Straits Settlement stamps achieved $39,990 at Spink Singapore.

A Rhodesia 1913-1924 Admiral issue imperforate colour trial was another highlight, with a final bid of £11,000 ($17,372).

Click here to check out our exciting range of postage stamps, including this rare strip of 1966 Rhodesian Independence 1s errors.

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