Robert A Siegel is going to conduct its next online auction on 21st May. This spectacular sale will offer to collectors a great variety of interesting lots from around the world. The star of the auction is an outstanding example of the 1915 $2 Hall of Classics stamp with inverted center that is considered as one of great rarities of China philately.
The auction house described this lot as “very fine, original gum, mild h.r., well-centered for this, strong rich color and highly detailed impression, two insignificant vertical gum bends”.
The Hall of Classics stamp is part of a lengthy set first issued in the form of a London printing in 1913. Small characteristics of the various printings distinguish what are otherwise identical designs. The 1913 London printing was followed by a 1915 first Peking printing, which produced the error stamp being offered, and a second Peking printing in 1923.
It is now believed two sheets of 50 stamps were issued with the center inverted. However, only a small fraction of those survive today. One of these philatelic gems is expected to fetch $100,000 at Spink sale.
