This is one of those once in a decade opportunities to own a unique item.

It is the most important stamp error of the 20^th century.

Items like this don’t come up often… especially in what is the hottest part of the GB stamp market right now.

I have always said if you want to beat general market returns in rare stamps, you need to focus on the unique items.

The Most Important Error of the 20^th Century

This is the magnificent unmounted example with original gum intact of the 1976, 13p roses in a horizontal pair.

The normal version of the stamp is separated and rejoined in a sheet margin with hinge. The error relates to the face value “13p” being omitted.

In the printing process, during repairs to the cylinder, the face value was temporarily covered with copper. This covering was inadvertently left in place during printing.

The error was discovered before issue and all copies should have been destroyed…

However, 3 examples (1 used and 2 mint) were discovered in the Kent coastal area, of which this is the sole surviving example in private hands.

The remaining two examples of this stamp error reside in the Royal Philatelic Collection of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

This is one of those freak events in philately and that is what makes it so appealing to the specialised collector.

Put simply, this is a stamp only you and the Queen will own.

Historic Returns

The best way to achieve premium returns in the market for rare stamps is to concentrate on extremely rare items, and if possible, unique items such as this.

You’ll see what I mean when you look at the historic return on this stamp…

10 years ago, the value put on this stamp was £20,000. Today, the price is £85,000. That’s an increase of 325% over the past 10 years (32.5% per annum).

The GB 30 rarities index as a whole returned 232% over the past 10 years.

Clear evidence that unique items deliver superior returns to the long term holder.

Future Investment Potential

You will recall the three rules regarding my top tips…

All items I have picked are:

1. Exceptional
2. Undervalued
3. Have great investment potential

There is no doubt that this item is exceptional. Not only is it unique, but the circumstances surrounding its existence in the first place are exceptional in nature. As I said, this is what makes it so desirable to specialised collectors of errors.

But, is it undervalued?

The most famous error in the world is the Sweden “Tre skilling yellow”. Like the item I offer you today, this is also unique.

It was last auctioned in November 1996 to a dealer in Sweden for a sum of Swiss Francs 2.87m (approximately US $2.3m at that time).

You will find this realisation listed in the “Guinness Book of Records”.

The only question you need to ask yourself is – “which stamp collecting country is more important, Sweden or Great Britain?”

To understand the investment potential you need to consider the market for GB varieties and errors. This part of the market has been the most buoyant in the past 5 years.

What we are seeing is many new high net worth collectors coming onto the market and competing at auction to get their hands on the same items. The market dynamics perfect for investors looking to get the best price on exit.

The International Stamp Show comes to London this year – a once in a decade event – which takes place in May. This is like the Olympics for stamp collecting.

As collectors from all over the world flock to London, expect to see an emergence of new collectors of stamps from Great Britain. I think this is great timing to get into the GB rare stamp market.

Your Unique Chance

This is my 4^th top tip of the year. The first 3 items sold almost immediately.

The fact is, fantastic items sell easily – that’s why you would want to invest in them.

If you want to be the only owner of this stamp (apart from the Queen) you had better respond now.

To become the owner of this unique treasure of philately, please get in contact with me now.

You can call me in +44(0)1481 708273 or e-mail mhall@stanleygibbons.co.uk.

Think about it – unique in private hands and the most important GB stamp error of the 20^th Century. It doesn’t get any better than this.