The Blue Penny is considered one of the most valuable stamps globally and has been sold for millions of dollars, in recent transactions. An intriguing piece cherished by philately aficionados not just for its high value but also for the captivating tale it carries in the realm of postal history. Known as the Blue Mauritius stamp well this stamp stands out as one of the colonial stamps created originating all the way back, in 1847. Let’s take a dive into the history of this special postage gem. From its modest origins, in a tiny island nation to becoming a prized stamp globally coveted by collectors everywhere. We’ll delve into its features. Track its evolution over time to uncover why the Blue Penny remains a source of intrigue, for both collectors and history enthusiasts.
Our investigation, into the evolution of the Blue Penny’s design starts with Rowland Hill’s process of testing colors in the early 1840s known as the “rainbow trials”. It is intriguing to note that these experiments revolved around trying out hues of blue such as blue and deep blue, on custom test plates.
Rowland Hill's Color Testing Process
The choice of colors was based on considerations, during the selection process led by Hill and his team that included chemist Richard Phillips who put in a lot of effort to design stamps that were resistant to use. They explored ink and cancellation mark combinations. Concluded that blue would continue to be the preferred color albeit with a revised ink formulation, for increased security.
Technical Specifications and Design
The technical specifications of the Blue Penny showcase remarkable attention to detail:
- Based on William Wyon’s medal engraving of Queen Victoria at age 15
- Printed in sheets of 240 stamps without perforations
- Featured “POST OFFICE” text on the left panel
- Included engraver’s initials “JB” at the lower right margin
- Utilized intaglio printing method for superior quality
Printing Methods and Materials
The printing method then used techniques for the era it was, in Mauritius, under tight resources constraints. Each stamp was carefully crafted through the intaglio type approach where artwork designs were intricately etched onto metal plates. This intricate process demanded;
- Careful preparation of metal plates
- Application of specialized blue ink
- Precise pressure control during printing
- Thorough quality inspection
- Individual cutting of stamps from sheets
The first batch, in 1847 only produced 500 stamps of the Blue Penny stamp which made it very rare from the beginning of its existence. In editions there were changes, in printing materials and techniques where the “POST OFFICE” text was replaced with the “POST PAID” variant.
Philatelic Significance
When we delve into the importance of the Blue Penny, in stamp collecting circles we uncover a captivating tale from the past that collectors find intriguing today! It’s worth noting that only 27 of the 1847 series have stood the test of time over the years. Truly making it a prized possession for enthusiasts, like us.
Rarity and Unique Characteristics
We’ve discovered reasons why the Blue Penny stands out much among stamps of its kind today. It’s quite intriguing to note that, out of the initial 500 stamps that were printed back then; only 12 Two Penny Blues are still around now! The fact that such a small number has survived is really quite remarkable, for reasons;
- Most specimens were used on commercial correspondence
- Many were destroyed or lost over time
- Few collectors recognized their significance initially
- Original specimens were printed individually, making each unique
Comparison with Other Early Stamps
When we consider the Blue Penny, in comparison to stamps of its time period we notice differences. The British Two Penny Blue was printed in excess of 6.4 Million copies while the limited edition of the stamp was restricted to 500 pieces. This makes it than 10 times rarer, than the known famous Penny Black, which had a printing of 68 million stamps.
Impact on Global Philately
The influence of the Blue Penny on global philately has been profound. We’ve witnessed its value appreciate significantly over time, with notable sales including:
- The 1904 purchase by future King George V for £1,450 (equivalent to £200,000 in 2023)
- The legendary “Bordeaux Cover” sale in 1993 for CHF 5,750,000
- The record-breaking “Ball Cover” sale in 2021 for 8.1 million euros
Over time we’ve noticed that the market value of the Blue Penny stamp has been, on the rise consistently improving its performance in years. High quality Blue Penny stamps from collectors such as Philipp von Ferrary and Hiroyuki Kanai have been fetching prices due to their exceptional provenance. The stamps significance, in collections adds to its legacy as a piece of philatelic history.
Conservation Journey
Exploring the history of the Blue Penny across time uncovers a captivating story of conservation and attention, to detail. We’ve recorded its trajectory through collections, over the years; each handover contributing to its diverse and storied past.
Historical Ownership Timeline
The tale of ownership commences, with the revelation made by Mme. Borchard’s back in 1864 when the stamp made its debut in the world of philately. We have traced its journey, across collectors;
- Philipp von Ferrary: First major collector acquisition
- Sir Ernest de Silva: Added to his prestigious collection
- Alfred F. Lichtenstein: Enhanced the stamp’s prominence
- Hiroyuki Kanai: Created the most comprehensive collection
1993 Acquisition and Return
During an event, in history at the 1993 David Feldman auction house when Kanai’s impressive collection was sold off and dispersed for collectors to acquire pieces of history with notable value achievements like Bordeaux cover containing both one penny and two penny stamps fetching an extraordinary price of 4 million Swiss Francs marking a crucial turning point in Blue Penny’s story by setting fresh standards, in evaluating postage stamp collections.
Modern Preservation Techniques
We’ve developed sophisticated conservation methods to protect these precious artifacts. Our approach emphasizes scientific preservation over mere cleaning, employing:
- Temperature-controlled environments
- Specialized intaglio protection methods
- Advanced photographic documentation
- Non-invasive examination techniques
In our work process we are very careful to separate the tasks of preserving and cleaning items properly We have found from our experiences that preserving items requires using scientific techniques to keep the stamps unique features intact without changing its original condition In the spaces where we store these valuable items we pay close attention to the levels of humidity and light exposure making sure that these special pieces stay safe for future generations to appreciate and learn from
Authentication and Value
In order to authenticate the Blue Penny, advanced scientific techniques and expert knowledge are needed today. We’ve created verification procedures to safeguard collectors and institutions, against items as well as to ensure accurate assessment of the value of these valuable artifacts.
Expert Verification Methods
Our team employs cutting-edge infrared spectroscopy to examine multiple components simultaneously. This non-destructive method allows us to analyze:
- Paper fibers and fillers
- Original inks and adhesives
- Protective coatings
- Cancelation marks
- Historical modifications
Market Value Assessment
We’ve identified several critical factors that determine the Blue Penny’s market value. These elements work together to establish the stamp’s worth:
- Condition Assessment: Pristine examples command premium prices
- Historical Provenance: Notable ownership history increases value
- Authentication Certification: Expert verification adds significant worth
- Rarity Factor: Being ten times rarer than comparable stamps
- Original Characteristics: Presence of distinctive features
Notable Sales and Auctions
In the recent years we’ve seen some impressive auction outcomes unfold before our eyes. The standout event took place in 2011 with the sale of a set of Two Penny Blues fetching, over one million pounds at auction—a moment that etched itself into stamp history books. We’ve noticed a trend where auction prices surpass catalog estimates significantly when it comes to notch used specimens.
Our analysis of the market shows an increase, in value over the 20 years with used examples from plate 2 now valued at £1000 compared to £450 previously. A significant 122% increase that point to growing confidence, in the investment potential of the Blue Penny.
Based on our investigation findings show that the market trends are pointing towards an uptick, in prices due to growing recognition of the worth of these rare stamp collections among enthusiasts and collectors alike. Notable outcomes have been witnessed at auctions in London where a set of four preserved Two Penny Blues fetched a price of £5,200, a substantial premium over the listed value of £1,000 in the Stanley Gibbons catalog, for a single used piece.
Conclusion
The Blue Penny stamp is a symbol of history that showcases artistic brilliance and historical importance in a unique way our thorough investigation reveals how it transitioned from an essential postal item during colonial times to becoming one of the most prized stamps globally a reflection of the evolution of stamp collecting, as a whole.
The scarcity of the stamp is remarkable since there are 27 remaining examples, from the 1847 collection; this rarity gives each piece a distinct and significant value to collectors and enthusiasts alike. We have observed a rise in its value at auctions over time while advanced conservation methods guarantee the safeguarding of these precious artifacts, for the benefit of generations to come.
In today’s world of authentication techniques and thorough documentation of origin sources have solidified the Blue Penny’s standing as a top choice investment, in stamp collecting circles. The stamps continued rise in value has been evident in the auction results solidifying its place as a key piece, in philatelic history.
The Blue Penny serves as a reminder that stamp collecting intertwines significance, with scientific validation and market forces, in captivating ways. As we delve deeper into these treasures study s every new find contributes another layer to the lasting impact of this stamp.
FAQs
What is the current market value of a Blue Mauritius stamp?
The value of a Blue Mauritius stamp can vary greatly depending on its condition. A well-preserved, used Blue Mauritius stamp is typically valued at around 1 million Euros.
Which are the rarest stamps from Mauritius?
The rarest stamps from Mauritius are the “Pink Mauritius” (sometimes referred to as “Orange Mauritius”) and the “Blue Mauritius.” These stamps were first issued in 1847 and were printed using an engraved plate by Joseph Barnard, making them some of the most valuable and sought-after stamps globally.
Why does the Blue Mauritius stamp command such a high price?
The Blue Mauritius stamp is extremely valuable partly because it completes a significant gap in the world’s largest collection of British Empire stamps, which belongs to the English royal family. This rarity and historical significance contribute to its high cost.
How many Blue Mauritius stamps are still in existence?
There are only 12 known copies of the Blue Mauritius stamp (2 pence) and 14 copies of the Red Mauritius stamp (1 penny) remaining. These stamps were originally issued on September 20, 1847, with each color having an initial print run of 500 stamps.
