On June 3, 2023, David Feldman Auction presented significant Japanese postmarks for sale. These lots included Pair of Dragons 500 mon, 1871, Japan stamp with an Inverted Center (Denomination) Error that has been sold at a record price. There was an anonymous bidder from Asia who made the winning bid, shocking a European collector who submitted €4 million but failed. As he confessed later, he was passionate about Asian stamps and hoped to add this one as a real treasure and rarity to his possessions.
In 1871, the Japanese Post issued stamp series for the first time. These postmarks displayed a picture of a dragon. They also had a denomination in the center, "mon" which was Japanese currency at that time. However, this "500 mon" stamp had an inverted denomination, making it a rare collectible. The mistake was discovered by an American collector in 1973.
Since then, it has been recognized as one of the most precious Japanese postmarks. Over the past 50 years, this stamp has been sold many times for huge amounts. David Feldman Auction House made it available for the first time after it had been kept in the collection for many years. Now, the "500 mon" inverted is presumed to be an iconic postmark of Asia along with British Guiana's one-cent purple stamp, Sweden's treskilling yellow stamp, and Mauritius' "Post Office" stamps.
Now this stamp will be included in our Most Expensive Stamp Rating, and we will add more information about it soon.
David Feldman is an entrepreneur and philatelist who founded David Feldman SA, a Geneva-based auction house that specializes in stamps and postal history.
He is widely recognized for his expertise in the field of philately. Under his leadership, the auction house has become one of the most prestigious in the world, overseeing the sale of some of the most valuable stamp collections. David Feldman is also a philanthropist and has contributed to various charitable causes, including supporting education and healthcare initiatives in impoverished areas. He remains an active member of the international philatelic community and continues to promote the passion and knowledge of stamp collecting.
This 500 mon Pair of Dragons Japan Stamp with an Inverted Center (Denomination) Error and its varieties can be found in our catalog of Japanese stamps.
