Stamp of value: Some unusual and precious stamps up for auction
A peek at some of the most unusual and
precious stamps that will be up for auction on Astaguru Numismatic &
Philatelic segment. Collectors are not the only ones excited – history
will go under the hammer later this month and that is exciting even for
laypeople. The catalogue features many prized specimens which share
historical ties with India.
One of the highlights of the auction is a Government of India proof
note from the year 1858. The proof note was the draft design which was
later sanctioned as official currency. The note is rare and also has
annotations of approval dated March 7, 1860. A key lot is Rs. 10,
Government of India Proof Note, issued in Calcutta. The note dated 1958
also includes annotations of approval on March 7th 1860.
The most dated lot in this auction will
be a cancelled Rupees 1000 Sicca, issued in Calcutta by Bank of Bengal
on the 24th of April, 1834. The script and value of the note is stated
in Bengali, Persian and Kaithi. Another lot is a Rs. 5 Government of
India, uniface note. The Circle of Issue for this note is Kurrachee or
Bombay (1867-1910). Apart from banknotes intertwined with our country’s
history, the auction will also feature lots from counties such as
Mauritius, Pakistan and Malaya. Also included is a note from Princely
India belonging to the Morvi State.
The edition will also present rare
stamps, such as the Blue Scinde Dawk, the first stamp of India and Asia
produced under the authority of a provincial commissioner of
Sind. Sir Bartle Frere, the then deputed authority in concert with Mr.
Edward Less Coffey, the Postmaster of Karachi issued the first stamp for
India, now famously known as ‘Scinde Dawk’.
The lot part of this auction is a ½ Anna
Blue from the year 1852. Other lots include a set of 16 unmounted mint
condition Archaeological Series stamps from the year 1949. The value of
the stamps span 3 Paise to Rs.15. And a set of 4 First Issue of Mahatma
Gandhi Stamps in Courvoisier original Booklet. The online auction will
take place on October 30 and 31 on www.Astaguru.com.
