Last Friday [Apr 17?] a fantastic postage stamp collection went up for auction in New York City. By far, it is touted as one of the most amazing collections of President Lincoln stamps ever to be created. In total, the collection has more than 10,000 stamps depicting President Lincoln.
Originally inherited from his father, the stamp collection began to grow in 1977 when William J. Ainsworth's interest in philately was sparked once again. Over the next 32 years he worked to create the most definitive collection of Lincoln's image on United States postage stamps.
The collection was broken into more than 600 lots at the auction. One of the interesting favorites was the mint 90 cent vertical block of six Lincoln stamps that were issued in 1869. The stamps feature Lincoln's portrait in black with a red background. They are considered rare because they have never been broken apart. There was also a proof of a block of eight mint condition 90 cent stamps of Lincoln with his image accidentally printed upside down.
This proof is one of only two proofs known to be in existence. There were many other Lincoln items available at the auction. Lincoln tax stamps, private issues, test printings, etc. There was even a die impression in red sealing wax of a test design with Lincoln's profile. It was originally purchased at a flea market for 50 cents and included as one of the rare auction items.
This amazing collection sold at auction for almost $2,000,000.
Yes, I did hear about that auction. I have the hardbound auction book from Shreves Galleries. I have to thank BobGGGG for sending it to me. It is quite impressive.
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