China News Service, October 27th. According to "Central News Agency" reports, on the 26th local time, Sotheby's Auction House stated that the world's first stamp "Penny Black" (Penny Black) is about to be auctioned, and the hammer price is expected to be as high as 600. Ten thousand pounds.
Image source: Sotheby's official website.
According to reports, this "Black Penny" stamp from 1840 was originally printed in black and white with the head of Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom printed on it. It was from the first printing edition and printed with the word AI.
It is attached to a document dated April 10, 1840, and belongs to the collection of Wallace, a Scottish politician and reformer of the British postal service.
"Black Penny" is the world's first publicly issued fixed-denomination stamps, officially in use since May 6, 1840.
Prior to this, the postage was paid by the recipient.
Alan Holyoake, the owner of this precious stamp and a philately enthusiast, told Reuters: “Wallace’s signature, date, notes... prove that this is the world’s first stamp.”
Holyoke revealed that he obtained the "black penny" about 10 years ago, and then launched a three-year research project to determine the authenticity of the stamps.
The stamps in his hand are certified by the Royal Philatelic Association and the British Philatelic Association.
Henry House, Chairman of Sotheby's Rare Treasures Auction Department, stated in a statement: "This is the world's first stamp, the predecessor of all stamps, and it is undoubtedly the most important piece of the puzzle in the history of philately."
"Although there are many very important stamps in public and private collections around the world, it is this stamp that opened up the modern postal system known to everyone."
Sotheby's said that this will be the first time such products have appeared at auction, and the estimated auction price is between 4 million and 6 million pounds.