Previously unknown error stamps auctioned for $16,900

The sheet of 20, which has 12 examples affected by the double printing error, was described as “a stunning visual error” by Stanley Gibbons auctioneer Ryan Epps.

Originally issued on Oct. 13, 1982 as part of a set of four stamps commemorating British motorcars, a single example of the 19 1/2p value featuring the Ford Model T and Escort is cataloged at just 75 pence.

Lot 1455, a marginal block of 10 1968 British Paintings 4d with the Queens head, value and phosphor omitted, was also offered at the auction, realizing £25,300 ($39,139). A single example of the stamp featuring a portrait of Elizabeth I by an unknown artist circa 1575 is cataloged at £3,700.

In addition to British material, the Stanley Gibbons Public Auction demonstrated the continuing demand for Chinese material with all 198 lots finding a new home, including the ever-popular 1980 Year of the Monkey 8f; lots 173 and 175 both realizing £1,150 ($1,779).

The Commonwealth section also confirmed the growing demand for Indian material with lots being keenly fought over: Lot 623 an 1855 Oct. 5 ‘entire’ (one sheet which serves as both the letter and the envelope) realized £1,840 ($2,847), and lot 647 the 1948 First Anniversary of Independence set reached £529 ($818) against a catalog value of £250. Lot 658 Indian Convention States Gwalior 1949 12a lake with a catalog value of £500 realized £862 ($1,333).