Canadian Rarity Fetches $295,000 at Auction
Last weekend, a 170-year-old 12-Penny Black stamp, issued in Canada in 1851 and featuring Queen Victoria, was sold at an auction in Ottawa for a record-breaking price of $292,500. This significant sale underscores the stamp's rarity, exceptional condition, and strong collector demand, making it one of the highest, if not the highest, recorded prices for this issue.
The auction, held by Triggers Public auctions, attracted a passionate group of bidders, both in person at the Ottawa workplace and online from all over the world. Advancement bidding brought the stamp to an opening of $150,000, and it climbed swiftly.
Peter MacDonald, the general supervisor of Triggers Public auctions, described the stamp as a rare gem, as only about 1,450 were sold. He noted that it is considered to be in beautiful condition and is one of only two of its kind in such a state. MacDonald also commented on the stamp's historical value, stating that it was expensive for its time, equivalent to about $16.40 at today's prices.
The collector who sold this particular stamp will hold another extremely high-grade collection sale from the Triggers Public auctions office on Feb. 11. MacDonald expressed his satisfaction with the auction result, stating, "It's a great price for this stamp. It's a terrific rate for a Canadian stamp."
Although no detailed prior sale prices are available for comparison, a 2009 record shows another 12-penny stamp selling for $260,000 US in New York. In 2017, a similar stamp, once attached to a sheet, was sold by an auction house for $327,000. These figures indicate that the 2023 auction price is among the highest recorded for this issue.
The sale of this rare 1851 Canadian 12-Penny Black stamp underscores the enduring appeal of classic philatelic items and the vibrant market for them. For those interested in delving deeper into the history and auction prices of similar stamps, specialized philatelic auction databases or Canada’s philatelic societies may hold more comprehensive information.
The stamp's skyrocketing price at the auction, reaching $292,500, points towards a robust financial investment opportunity within the industry of rare collectibles. As the auction house, Triggers Public auctions, observed, the stamp was sold at a terrific rate for a Canadian stamp, reflecting both the industry's and finance's growing interest in classic philatelic items.
