Described by auctioneers as a “never hinged, fresh and very fine example of this popular rarity,” a 1959 five-cent St. Lawrence Seaway invert error (Scott #387a) realized $7,500 US (more than $9,900 Cdn.) at auction in New York this August.
With a starting bid of $7,000 US (about $9,200 Cdn.), this example – offered by Cherrystone Auctions as Lot 1845 – is one of about 400 with the central vignette printed upside down.
Mint singles listed in the Unitrade Specialized Catalogue of Canadian Stamps at $16,000 (about $12,150 US).
The regular St. Lawrence Seaway stamp (SC #387) is listed at only 45 cents in never hinged, very fine condition while another variety – known as the red double-printed (or kiss print) variety (SC #387i) – is listed at $2,500.
The stamp was issued on June 26, 1959, coinciding with the opening of the St. Lawrence Seaway by Queen Elizabeth II and U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower. A joint issue between Canada and the U.S., the stamp marked the first collaboration between the two countries’ postal services.