Fresh-to-the-market rarities from one of the finest collections of British North America philately ever assembled generated more than $3 million in sales at Eastern Auctions’ latest Camellia collection offerings.
The June 19–20 Canada Part II and Newfoundland Part I sales attracted more than 300 registered bidders from across North America and Europe, with nearly every lot selling and realizations averaging more than $6,000 per lot.
Leading the way was Newfoundland’s legendary “Galway” cover, which realized $252,000, while Canada’s famed “Caspary” 12-penny black brought $150,000 and a remarkable Newfoundland postmaster general letter sold for $108,000.
The auctions also produced several apparent record prices, including $81,000 for the only recorded progressive die proof from Canada’s Large Queen series and $78,000 for Newfoundland’s celebrated Hawker flight trial overprint block.
Eastern Auctions chief describer Yohann Tanguay said the results demonstrate continued strength in the market for premium Canadian and British North America material, particularly fresh-to-the-market rarities, specialized postal history and important provenance pieces.
Canadian Stamp News examines the standout realizations, market trends and record-setting lots from the latest instalments of the landmark Camellia collections in the June 30 issue.