Posts by charlottewestminster
The Penny Stamp sold for £495,000
A rare Penny Red stamp has recently become the UK’s second most valuable stamp, selling for £495,000 to an unnamed British collector.
The Penny Red stamp dutifully served the Victorian public for almost 40 years. But only a few knowledgeable collectors are aware of the full significance of the plate numbers from this classic British stamp.
Here you can see Plate 78. Hidden within the borders of the stamp is the plate number – the key to the stamp’s rarity and true value.
Hidden within the borders of the stamp is the plate number and each number refers back to the original metal plate from which the stamp was printed. And as each plate printed different quantities of Penny Reds, so the plate number is the secret key to the stamp’s rarity and true value.
The Plate 77 Penny Red is one of only five in the world. Dating from 1863, they are viewed by collectors and investors as the holy grail of philately because Plate 77 stamps were not meant to exist. The stamps were created but never sold by post offices after they were considered to be not good enough quality.
The original printing plate was destroyed, but a tiny handful made their way into circulation. As a result they are highly prized by collectors – far more so even than the fabled Penny Black.
The last Plate 77 Penny Red to hit auction sold in 2012 for £550,000, making it the UK’s most expensive stamp. Its slightly higher price reflected the fact that it was in significantly better condition.
Keith Heddle, of collectibles merchant Stanley Gibbons, which sold the stamp, said: “This is one of the most desirable and iconic of British stamps for collectors worldwide, highly sought after for more than 100 years. I’m delighted this one has found a home in Britain.”
If you’re interested… 
You can own an entire Penny Red Plate Collection.
Featuring one stamp from virtually every plate ever used. This is probably the most comprehensive collection of Penny Reds ever offered.
SIX Remarkable Commemoratives that Celebrate Her Majesty’s 90th Birthday
This year Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II becomes the first ever British monarch to celebrate her 90th birthday. This significant moment in history will certainly be one to remember.
So I’ve compiled a list of my six favourite commemoratives for you to peruse. In my opinion any Royal collector would be lucky to have these in their collection, especially the 10 ounce gold coin!
1. The Queen Elizabeth II 90th Birthday Proof Coin
This golden-coloured coin features a one-year only specially commissioned 90th birthday portrait, designed by Luigi Badia.
The coin proudly displays the royal cypher atop a large “90”. The central design is flanked by the Royal Standard and Union Flags on either side.
2. Guernsey 2016 Queen Elizabeth II’s 90th Birthday Silver £5 Proof Coin
Featuring an oak wreath and crown to symbolise long life and the House of Windsor, this Silver £5 coin also features the limited edition one-year-only portrait.
At the center is EIIR, encircled by the words Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the years 1926-2016.
3. Australia 90th Birthday 1oz Silver High Relief Coin
Issued by the Perth Mint, this stunning silver coin has been struck with an incredible high relief finish. To achieve this, each coin must be repeatedly struck on specially prepared presses.
The reverse depicts St. Edwards crown surrounded by wattle branches – just 5,000 have been released worldwide.
4. The Queen Elizabeth II’s 90th Birthday Gold 10oz Coin
Due to the significance of this Royal event, a remarkable 10 ounce gold coin has been issued. That’s the same weight as 33 pound coins!
Featuring the special one-year-only portrait, this 90th Birthday Coin was incredibly popular – in fact, it sold out its entire edition limit in a matter of hours.
5. QEII 90th Birthday Silver Coin Cover
This limited edition Silver Coin Cover features the six UK stamps which have been issued by Royal Mail to mark the Queen’s 90th Birthday. All six evocative photographs feature on our stamps for the first time ever – including a rare picture of the young Princess with King George VI.
The new 2016 Silver Britannia coin is also encapsulated within the cover along with an official postmark by Royal Mail to mark the Queen’s birthday date – 21st April.
6. Queen Elizabeth II 90th Birthday Photographic Coin
This is the first coin to be issued from The Queen’s 90th Birthday Coin Collection – a new series of photographic coins being issued over the coming months in celebration of the occasion.
The coin has been expertly plated in 24 carat gold and features a full-colour birthday portrait – taken by renowned royal photographer Lord Snowdon for her 80th birthday.
This is a record-breaking moment in British history which will be remembered forever. And the coins and stamps which have been issued to mark the occasion really capture the moment.
Which of the six is your favourite commemorative? Let me know in the comments below.
If you’re interested… 
You can add the Queen Elizabeth II 90th Birthday Proof Coin to your collection today
New pound coin enters production…
The new 12-sided pound coin has gone into production today – a year before it will reach circulating change and the pockets of the public…
The new 12-sided pound coin gone into production today – a year before it will reach circulating change and the palms of keen collectors.
Here's the new £1 coin, designed by 15 year old David Pearce & featuring a symbol from each nation pic.twitter.com/N73BQHmSH7
— George Osborne (@George_Osborne) March 18, 2015
The coins have started rolling off the production line at a rate of more than 4,000 a minute as Chancellor George Osborne announced they will enter circulation in March 2017.
The current £1 will be replaced after more than 30 years due to its vulnerability to counterfeiters – approximately one in every 30 £1 coins in circulation is now a counterfeit. The Government have claimed that the new coin, which was announced at Budget 2014, is going to be the world’s most secure coin in circulation.
When the new coin is introduced, there will be a six-month crossover period when the current round pound coins and the new pound coins are both in circulation at the same time.
While the shape of the new coin will evoke the pre-decimalisation period, it masks cutting-edge anti-forgery technology. The Royal Mint says the new pound will combine three features to make it the most secure coin in the world. It uses two colours of metal, has 12 sides and includes the Royal Mint’s anti-counterfeiting technology, adapted from banknotes and embedded in coins for the first time.
The Royal Mint will work with businesses during the introduction phase of the new coin and an awareness and education campaign is planned to help ensure a smooth transition to launch next year.
To find out more about the new £1 coin and its design – click here
If you’re interested…
You can add a truly vintage British coin to your collection – the very coin that inspired the new £1 coin design – the King George VI Thrup’nny Bit.