Today we look at three British stamps that almost every beginner has in his or her collection, as their financial value in used condition is (with one exception) negligible. But these stamps also exist in varieties that are very rare.

The first of these stamps is a 5d yellow-brown stamp from an 1912-24 issue. This stamp, Stanley Gibbons #382, was printed on "Simple Cypher" watermark paper and has a catalogue value in used condition of £5.00. There is, however, a variety on unwatermarked paper (SG 382a) which already has a value in unused condition of £1.200. One of these stamps is shown here, but it is in mint never hinged condition!

The second specimen, a ½d vermilion, is from the Jubilee issue of 1887-1892. The stamp in used condition has a catalogue value of just £1.2! However, there is a variety "printed on gummed side" (SG 197a) with an "inverted watermark" which already has a catalogue value of £3,000 - in unused condition. Shown above is a very rare example “printed on gummed side”, watermark inverted in mint never hinged condition, which also has a sheet margin. For the sake of completeness, let us add that there is a hinge remnant on the non-adhesive side of the sheet margin, which is quite unimportant and does not affect the price in the slightest.

The latest example is a 9d "dull green" from 1883, catalogue number SG 195, which is rare even in used condition - it has a catalogue value of £480. Above is an item in mint never hinged condition, which is beautifully centred and has all the teeth. And that's not all - this stamp comes with the watermark sideways inverted variety (SG 195 Wi.), with a catalogue value for an unused stamp of £2,000. However, this one is in ** condition, which adds considerably to its value.

Look through your collection and examine the watermarks - you may well find one of these examples there. And if not, there is another possibility - all three of these rare and very valuable British stamps have been offered to me for sale - so if you are interested, they can be yours. Just contact me at: radek@postovni-znamky.eu.

#watermark #valuablestamps #rarestamps #greatbritain