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Modern Elizabethan hot heading into 2021
Two similar covers (window envelope right) are each franked with one of two ‘double impression’ errors from a se-tenant pair of 1976 ‘Royal Military College’ stamps. A prime example of modern postal history, it brought $2,600 (including premium) on an estimate of $2,500 at auction in 2020.
Along with some dealer sales – mostly for sellers with a strong online presence – auction results have also held their own during the pandemic. In 2020, the hobby’s natural ebb and flow continued, with certain collecting areas outperforming others in terms of general interest if not outright value. Among the major trends – a continuation from previous years – is the increased interest in the Elizabethan period, including modern errors and varieties. “I think collectors are just starting to notice there are some bargains to be had, and they are picking up some of those things they need in the modern era,” said auctioneer Gary Lyon, the owner of Gary Lyon (Philatelist) Ltd. and its sister company Eastern Auctions, who added prices for modern material were previously “depressed a bit.” Continue reading →
