Britain's Greatest Stamp for under £3,000
A British Philatelic Masterpiece
Today's featured stamp is one I'm sure you will recognise.
It's a bold masterpiece of patriotic symbolism.
Regarded by many as the most striking British stamp ever issued. And certainly one of the most popular.
I'm talking of course about the much-celebrated Great Britain 1929 £1 Postal Union Congress.
It's a stamp that belongs firmly in every British stamp collection.
But few collectors ever have the chance to show it off in all its glory. Because this is a surprisingly difficult stamp to find in perfect condition.
Our huge recent intake of new stock contained just this single example. So if you wish to add this icon of British philately to your collection, here's the best opportunity you'll ever have.
A centrepiece for your collection
This famous stamp needs little introduction - but here's a quick rundown of the essential history behind it.
To begin with, let me state the obvious.
This stamp is truly a work of art. It's packed with exquisite details that demand closer inspection. Every time you examine it, you find something new.
The symbolic design captures the very essence of English history and pride.
That's why it has served as a centrepiece in GB collections for almost a century.
The example I'm offering you today is a "SPECIMEN" overprint, used solely by postal administrations for reference purposes to help spot any attempted forgeries.
And the condition of this stamp is sublime. Wonderfully centred in mint, unused condition with full original gum. As any dealer will tell you, examples of this quality are increasingly scarce.
Because the demand for this stamp in the finest possible condition has never wavered since its introduction in 1929. Although it didn't meet with universal approval at first...
A Controversial Choice
The inclusion of a £1 stamp amongst the 1929 set proved controversial in the philatelic world.
The 'official' explanation was that presenting UPU Congress delegates with a set worth just 5½d would be greatly embarrassing, and that the £1 stamp was added to make it a more impressive gift.
But some suggested, perhaps rightly, that it was also a cynical moneymaking exercise by the Post Office.
The high value meant it could rarely be used for actual postage. And in 1929, £1 was equivalent to the average worker's weekly wage.
Gibbons Stamp Monthly called the decision a “disgrace”, and declared that "...the policy of issuing a set consisting of four low value stamps and then a one pound denomination is absolutely indefensible."
But it still sold well on its initial release - mainly, as predicted, to collectors. Because of this, the survival rate today remains high. It is not considered a rare stamp, but it is highly desirable none the less.
And because the vast majority were acquired by collectors, most that survive today are mounted examples, removed from stamp albums. So examples like this one, in perfect unmounted mint condition with their full original gum, are very scarce indeed.
A Heraldic History
The enduring popularity of this stamp is due to its stunning design.
The elaborate depiction of England's patron saint, Saint George, slaying the fabled dragon is bold and beautifully realised.
It was the work of Harold Nelson, an artist celebrated for his medieval bookplates and heraldic designs.
It was one of two designs Nelson originally submitted to the PO in 1924, for the 1924-25 British Empire Exhibition commemorative series. (His other entry, featuring an iconic British Lion and a portrait of King George V, was eventually chosen.)
Although it was not used at the time, King George V personally admired the design - and so it proved a popular choice when Nelson resubmitted it in 1928.
It perfectly captured the PO design brief, which asked that the £1 stamp “should be either of national significance or should be symbolic of the assembly which it is intended to commemorate."
The stamp was printed using the line engraved technique by Bradbury Wilkinson & Co, using printing plates they also manufactured. This brought the intricate details of Nelson's black-and-white illustration to life.
That powerful combination of artistry and patriotism cemented the PUC £1's status at the heart of every British stamp collection. And it has remained there ever since.
The Right Stamp at the Right Price
I have always been a huge admirer of this stamp - both as a philatelic trophy and an asset for the future.
This is one of the most iconic stamps of Great Britain every collector should have. The opportunity to buy a rare specimen example in the highest possible condition grade is the ultimate prize.
It is certainly the finest example I have ever handled, and I have long been of the belief it is undervalued in the market - giving it potential for a breakout price lift at some point in the future.
As always, the key to taking advantage of such a breakout price increase is to buy at the right price, in the finest possible condition.
Today you have the chance to do both.
The Great Britain 1929 £1 Postal Union Congress Specimen overprint is valued in the current Stanley Gibbons GB Concise catalogue at £3,000.
However, that price is for examples in mounted mint condition only - as the majority of surviving stamps were mounted by collectors.
Unmounted mint examples are substantially rarer. The most recent Stanley Gibbons GB Specialised Four Kings catalogue values these at £3,500.
Which is good news for you.
Because today you can own this unmounted mint condition stamp for considerably less than both those prices.
Own this magnificent stamp today
This Great Britain 1929 £1 Postal Union Congress (PUC) Specimen is available now for just £2,700 ($3,450).
That's 23% below the official catalogue value of £3,500.
That certainly gives you some headroom to profit in the future.
You'll save £800 if you buy it today.
And it's a extremely worthwhile purchase. Because this is one of the most striking and truly iconic stamps our nation has ever produced.
And this example, in scarce unmounted mint condition, is the best possible way to show it off.
It's a masterpiece of philatelic artistry and engraving, which shows just how beautiful a postage stamp can be as a miniature work of art.
The proud patriotic design, with the defining image of St George slaying the dragon, makes it an indispensable addition to your British collection.
But take note: I only have one available. And as always, it's first come, first served. So to secure this superb stamp for your collection, place your order now.
Our guarantee to you.
This stamp is covered with our 28-day money back guarantee.
So you're free to return it if you change your mind for any reason.
And delivery is completely free and fully insured.
If you have any further questions on this item, get in touch today and I'll be happy to help. Thanks for reading,
Mike Hall, CEO
P.S. This iconic stamp appeals to a broad base of collectors, and in my experience we've never held on to one for long. So if you're interested, get in touch ASAP.
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5moVery helpful!