2016-07-21 Thu

The greatest philatelic treasure has been rediscovered in London and is being auctioned by the end of the year at Geneva. It is estimated to gather a seven figure sum.

The copper printing plate for the famous 1847 "post office" 1d and 2d stamps has been found after 80 years marking the most amazing discovery in the world of philately. The Mauritius “POST OFFICE” stamps were the first colonial issues of the British Empire and rank among the world’s greatest and most sought-after rarities.

The plate – known as Mauritius Copper Plate – that printed the above mentioned stamps disappeared from the view since 1935. It was, then, acquired by Maurice Burrus and was displayed at Silver Jubilee exhibition of the Royal Philatelic Society in London.

However, this Greatest Philatelic Treasure was rediscovered after 80 years and is being auctioned at David Feldman Auction in Dec 2016 at Geneva. The most elusive item is estimated to bring at least 7 figure sum.