Stamps

The British Guiana 1c Magenta Stamp Heads for Fractional and Digital Ownership

Stamp collectors were looking for a record when Sotheby’s June 8, 2021 auction in New York was due for The British Guiana One-Cent Black on Magenta. This is the world’s rarest and most expensive stamp with only one known example. It was also not previously owned by just any stamp collector either because it was owned by fashion mogul Stuart Weitzman.

The British Guiana was estimated in a range of $10 million to $15 million by Sotheby’s ahead of its sale. This auction ended at $8,307,000 in what might be seen as a philately disappointment. The British Guiana One-Cent Black on Magenta also sold for $1.2 million lower than what Stuart Weitzman had reportedly paid for this stamp back in 2014.

Weitzman plans to use the funds from the auction on philanthropy, but the story gets more interesting than that for stamp collectors and the world of collectibles with an unique destination for a one-of-a-kind artifact.

The British Guiana One-Cent Black on Magenta’s new owner after the auction is Stanley Gibbons of London. The stamp dealer has already announced plans to democratize access to the most elite club in collecting history. This will reportedly be made available to others by offering fractional (share) ownership and via the creation of digital collections.

Exact details for digitization and fractional ownership have not been an announced, but an email from Stanley Gibbons said:

We are thrilled that you are joining us on this historic journey.

For the first time ever, you will be able to own a piece of the rarest and most famous stamp of all time…

A stamp that until now has been the preserve of the rich and famous.

But this changes soon. In the coming weeks and months we are going to be working hard to democratise ownership of this unique asset.

More details will follow as the dates and details are made available.