Rare Stamp Collection Survives Shredder, Now Auctioned After £22,000 Sale

Two unique British stamps, dating back to 1985, are set to make headlines once again as they enter the auction spotlight. Originally sold for £22,000 in 2014, these rare stamps have a combined face value of only 44p and were generated from a misprint that resulted in 100 unperforated designs. Despite the expectation that they had been destroyed, these two remarkable stamps have survived.
Background on the Rare Stamp Collection
These stamps showcase the old Royal Mail Postbus and were intended to commemorate 350 years of public access to the Royal Mail, a privilege granted by King Charles I. The collectors are keenly interested in this piece of history, not just for its origin but also for its rarity. They have generated significant buzz due to their unusual defect.
Upcoming Auction Details
The auction, featuring the lot identified as Lot 485, will occur at 10 am on Thursday, October 9, in St. Helier, Jersey. Mike Hall from JC Auctions, the auction house handling the sale, has indicated that the conservative estimate for the stamps is between £4,000 and £5,000.
Potential Bidding and Market Interest
- Estimated sale price: £4,000 – £5,000
- Previous sale price in 2014: £22,000
- Face value of stamps: 44p
- Auction date: October 9, 2023
- Location: St. Helier, Jersey
Hall expressed confidence that the final bid could exceed the previous record, citing the rarity and desirability of the item. “Just two enthusiastic bidders could drive the price much higher,” he noted. He emphasized that although the missing perforations might seem insignificant, they hold substantial value in the eyes of collectors.
This upcoming sale is expected to attract considerable online interest, showcasing the enduring allure of this rare stamp collection. It serves as a reminder of how even unmatched errors in production can lead to valuable collectibles in the stamp-collecting community.