British colonial postage stamp could bring millions at NYC auction
NEW YORK, N.Y. – A tiny one-cent postage stamp from a 19th century British colony in South America has held the auction record for a single stamp three times.
Now it’s poised to become the world’s most valuable stamp again.
Sotheby’s predicts the 1856 British Guiana One-Cent Magenta will sell for between $10 million and $20 million when it’s offered in New York on June 17.
A former curator of stamps at the British Library compares it to buying the “Mona Lisa” of the world’s most prized stamps.
The One-Cent Magenta was last on public view in 1986, and is the only major stamp absent from the British Royal Family’s heirloom postage collection.
An 1855 Swedish stamp that sold for $2.3 million in 1996 currently holds the auction record for a single.
News from © The Associated Press, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Join the Conversation!
Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community? Create a free account to comment on stories, ask questions, and join meaningful discussions on our new site.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.