Press Release November 2003

Philatelic Phenomenon As Spink’s French Auction Adventure Sparks World Records

 • WORLD RECORD TOTAL FOR A FRENCH STAMP AUCTION

 • WORLD RECORD FOR A FRENCH STAMP - €924,000

19 November 2003

Spink’s entry into the French auction world resulted in one of the most significant and successful stamp auctions Europe has ever seen. The sale of the world-famous “La Fayette” Collection - arguably France’s most important stamp collection ever assembled - produced a series of landmark world records, including most expensive French stamp, and an overall sale total of 5.75 million Euros.

The luxurious surrounds of the Grand Hotel Intercontinenental in Paris saw a vibrant and packed sale room, with over 250 people attending to witness the sale of 129 lots of stamps and covers. However, it was the 1 franc vermillion, one of the world’s rarest stamps, which stole the show, reaching a world beating €924,000 (all inclusive). As the tension and the excitement grew, bidding from the floor reached fever pitch, with the 4 stamp tête-bêche racing past its estimate of €600,000 to reach €820,000 (€924,000 all inclusive), becoming France’s most expensive stamp ever sold.

1fr vif vermilion - The famous four with the tête-bêche, position BB-NN, brilliant colour with good margins. A great world rarity, this is the most famous philatelic item of France Sold for €924,000 (all inc)	1fr carmine tête-bêche - A great world rarity and undoubtedly one of the most important items of French classic philately, this is the finest example of only three ever recorded, one of which is in the British Museum Sold for €354,000 (all inc)	1fr pale vermillion known as Vervelle, tête-bêche in a block of 4 - A very rare and beautiful exhibition item of the highest quality, this is one of only 5 tête-bêche vermilion known. Before 1931, this was considered the most valuable item in French philately. Sold for €529,000 (all inc).

“Although it was unchartered territory for both Spink and French philately, we were expecting something special from the scale of such an important collection, but this has exceeded all expectations” explained Olivier Stocker, director of Spink. “As a leading auction house for philatelic rarities, we could not have hoped for such a positive first step into the French auction market, and, subject to regulatory approval, we believe we can reproduce this success many times in the future.”

“We were delighted to see a who’s who of the stamp world in the sale room for such an important sale.” Commented Pascal Behr, designated expert for the sale. “The success of the auction reflects the strong interest in French philately, both here and throughout the world.”