“It’s nearly ready” is what was sent out as an update referencing the most valuable stamp in the world. Stanley Gibbons, the newest owner of the one-of-a-kind $8.3 million One Cent Magenta stamp, is bringing fractional ownership. The stamp and the display case specially designed to house the stamp is nearly ready. The new life of this alternative asset will be one of fractional ownership. What is unexpected are the descriptions used new understandings of the fractional ownership, which Collectors Dashboard will clarify.

The One Cent Magenta Stamp will go on display in its new specially designed case in November 2021 at Stanley Gibbons on the Strand in London, England. Graham Shircore, CEO of Stanley Gibbons, also announced that fractional ownership of the stamp will launch in November as well.

Another benefit in this fractional ownership is that a secondary market facility will be launched for those who wish to sell or buy more of the fractional ownership shares over time. The CEO alluded to a number of benefits that are “over and above the economic rights which come with ownership.” This includes voting rights over the future of the stamp.

Collectors Dashboard evaluates collectibles as an alternative asset class. This means collectibles are attracting the same capital that could have been invested into stocks or bonds. Let’s just say that a $8.3 million stamp, or more when it is offered fractionally, is an investment that is many times larger than a typical stock or bond purchase.

The announcement arrived via email. The company noted that it has finalized all the details that make up fractional ownership, and these final details will be released prior to the launch date. The announcement said:

Part of the aim of our unique fractional ownership project is to combine the best of the physical world with the flexibility and functionality of the digital world. In keeping with this, the digital offering, which will give everybody the opportunity to own part of the ONE CENT Magenta, will also go live in November and will include a number of benefits over and above the economic rights which come with ownership.

While it won’t be available immediately, building on this and contrary to certain articles in the press, we are pleased to announce that we will also subsequently be launching a secondary market facility for those who wish to sell or buy more over time.

(Image with permission from Stanley Gibbons)