1860 1c-12½c Queen Victoria A spectacular complete set of six Trial Colour Die Proofs printed in black, the colour was subsequently adopted for the 1c and 12½c values; printed on india paper, the 1c, 2c, 5c and 10c are card mounted. Small corner crease and minor toning on 8½c only, a remarkable and very rare assembly ideal set for exhibition, VF (Minuse & Pratt 8P2, 9TC2g, 10TC2a, 11TC2a, 12TC1a, 13P2a)

Provenance for the 2 cent: Koh Seow Chuan, April 1999; Lot 236

The 2 cent is a "Goodall" Die Proof (circa. 1879) and happens to be in our opinion the most elusive and valuable proof in this assembly. No actual die proofs of this denomination exist in black. It has previously been reported to exist in dull brown only. (Image)

Estimate 3500 $

1860 5c Queen Victoria Trial Colour Large Die Proof printed in black on india paper 33 x 50mm, die sunk on large card 150 x 215mm; showing American Bank Note Co. imprint and die "95 B" number below design. Couple minor spots and small negligible corner creases at foot. A remarkable and rarely encountered large die proof (very few of any denomination from this series have survived), VF (Minuse & Pratt 10TC1)

It is interesting to note that no die proof (of any size) of the 5 cents exists in blue. (Image)

Estimate 2000 $