TORONTO — Canadian stamp enthusiasts will soon have a rare opportunity to bid on a collection of stamps that predate Confederation, but the diminutive collector’s items come with hefty price tags.
The early Canadian postage stamps— including two 1851 stamps depicting a young Queen Victoria worth as much as $750,000 — are some of the finest rarities in the world of philately, the study of stamps.
One of the rare 12 pence black stamps, which still has its original adhesive gum on the back, is one of the world’s rarest and is in mint condition.
The 133 stamps that make up the British North America collection, is valued at over $1.5 million.
Rick Day, president of the Canadian Stamp Dealers’ Association said his organization is excited that the public will have a chance to view the stamps at the show in Toronto.
“They’re something that every collector aspires to owning but most never will.”