Sale #74

The Famous SG96. 'Malta 10 shilling shipwreck of St. Paul' - multiple crown CA watermark 10 shilling black. In 40 years we've probably handled several mint overprint 'specimen' (£1,000 catalogue value) examples, but never once a mint example, let alone this fine part NW CDS corner cancelled example. Centred just slightly NW, In our research we only located two examples - both priced at £3,500 - one being, in our opinion, of similar overall standard and not quite such fine appearance, the other example well centred and superior - but up to £1,000 more is a lot to pay for less than 1 m.m. of centring. As most devotees of classic BE will be aware - Malta SG96 is a stamp that must be purchased with certificate from a respected body (due to dextrous manipulation of the more common crown CC wmk stamps to appear to be the rare SG96). An RPS 1993 photo-certificate of authenticity accompanies stating genuine, however the certificate, somewhat harshly also notes that this stamp is toned and stained upon reverse, whereas it actually is'nt - what we note are gum residues which, were we in Germany would soon be removed by an expert paper 'conservator'. Because we do not necessarily believe in conserving where conserving is not necessary, the estimate reflects the certificate. A remarkable stamp in excellent state of preservation. At the time of writing Stanley Gibbons doesn't offer an SG96. 1993 RPSL Certificate. Cat £4750 (image available) (Start Price = £2,400.00)