A rare 1935 2½d Prussian Blue Silver Jubilee error of colour from Great Britain and the debut of the acclaimed “Simone Collection” of Canadian Revenues are among the highlights of Sparks Auctions’ Spring 2025 sale in Ottawa, set for June 11–13.
In the introduction of its 182-page online catalogue, Sparks Auctions says the sale features “our signature offering of stamps and postal history from Canada and around the world.” The Simone Collection is described as “one of the most comprehensive and refined holdings in existence,” carefully assembled over decades with a focus on rarity and quality.
The Canadian section also includes notable proofs such as the “Dickens Head” and “Vikings Head” designs, alongside an extensive range of very fine singles and multiples from Queen Victoria to modern errors and varieties. Sparks Auctions staff note that the Admiral issue is “particularly well-represented,” with many extremely fine examples accompanied by graded certificates — quality that is seldom seen in today’s market.
The Prussian Blue error, offered as Lot 497, is considered one of the most famous printing mistakes in British philately. Described as a “lovely example of this iconic rarity,” it comes with a 1962 B.P.A. certificate and has a Scott catalogue value of $13,500 (U.S.).
Other highlights include the 1933 Falkland Islands Centenary set and scarce varieties from the collection of noted expert Ralph Trimble. Postal history collectors will find classic India, early aviation and balloon mail, and covers signed by famed aviators such as Amelia Earhart.
The auction features 1,320 lots across four sessions: Session 1 (Lots 1–423) on Wednesday, June 11 at 9 a.m.; Session 2 (Lots 424–579) at 2 p.m. that day; Session 3 (Lots 580–903) on Thursday, June 12 at 9 a.m.; and Session 4 (Lots 904–1320) on Friday, June 13 at 9 a.m. (all times EDT).
The lots can be viewed online at https://stampauctionnetwork.com/ik/ik53.cfm, and full catalogue details plus lot highlights are available at www.sparks-auctions.com.