2017-11-20 Mon

Two specialized country-specific sales are going to be organised on 6th December by Spink USA along with its Collectors’ series auction that will take place on 6th and 7th December in New York City.

Highlights include Inclinados stamps of Brazil like rare stamps of that issue printed on “Bull’s Eye” paper. Rare Russian stamps from the earliest years of Russian postal history will be offered in the next sale.

Brazil was the second nation in the world to issue its own stamps in 1843 after Great Britain who issued their stamps in 1840. These stamps are called “Bull’s Eyes” because of the black eye-shaped oval in the center. They were replaced by the slightly smaller stamps printed in black called “Inclinados” issue, the very next year. The “Inclinados” name comes from the slanted numerals of value.

Thicker paper of the “Bull’s Eyes” stamps was used to produce three values from the early printing of this second issue namely the 30-reis, 60r, and 90r. Experts believe that these thicker-paper printings are scarcer.

The offered stamp is a canceled single of the 30r black, type II, with clear to ample margins, clipped at right with a minor paper loss at bottom right corner, well clear of the design, caused by acidic ink erosion. It has a slight thin at bottom. Two examples are off paper and another pair is used on a rare cover. The stamp has a presale estimate of $250,000 to $300,000.