“The King Arthur” of Stamps

A tip of the tongs to Round-Up reader Richard Cannata of New York!

Richard sends along a listing on eBay about a 117-year-old mystery stamp that is being hailed as “The King Arthur” of stamps because "supposedly all of the experts have heard of the legend, but no one has ever proven it, until now."

Going for the "Buy It Now" price of $25,000, it is "... very first and only known, P.F. Certified, Graded Fine 70, U.S. used 220 cap on right in the world," according to the seller who is listed as "philatelic_rocker" of Oceanside, New York.


According to the listing, "This stamp was once listed by Scott as a U.S. #220b cap on right from 1935-1939 The 220b was the most valuable of the three cap varieties and was also mentioned in an early 1900’s Lester G. Brookman catalog."

It goes on to say, "The 1890 US 220 was criticized for its color and was reissued between 1891-92. These reissues produced the very popular 'cap' varieties, known as the US 220a (cap on left 2), and the US 220c (cap on both 2s)."

Apparently the stamp was originally purchased on eBay in February 2008, with its authenticity unknown. Then in March 2008, the stamp was taken to the A.S.D.A.’s (American Stamp Dealers Association) Mega Postage Stamp Show, at New York’s Madison Square Garden, for appraisal.

The seller says, "The A.S.D.A. referred the appraisal to member and renowned stamp expert, Richard A. Champagne. Being very familiar with the 220 Cap on Right 2 legend, but of course never having seen one, he was very skeptical at first. However, after careful examination, to his surprise, Mr. Champagne found this stamp to be genuine. He advised taking the stamp immediately to the Philatelic Foundation in New York (chartered in 1945 by the University of the State of New York) to be certified.

"Following up on the advise of Mr. Champagne, this stamp was brought to the Manhattan office of the Philatelic Foundation to be certified. It was examined by a team of P.F. experts before being deemed genuine for certification. In its 64 year history, the P.F. has had only two other submissions for certification of a 220 cap on right 2, but these submissions were deemed Not Genuine. Therefore, making this stamp the very first and only known certified, used cap on right 2, in existence today.

"In its 64 year history, the P.F. has had only two other submissions for certification of a 220 cap on right 2, but these submissions were deemed Not Genuine. Therefore, making this stamp the very first and only known certified, used cap on right 2, in existence today."

The listing ends March 8 at 9:36 AM PST. Bidding starts at $15,000. Click here to purchase or bid.

For any further information please call 516-209-6449, or email: hazyjade1@aol.com

Shown above, the Philatelic Foundation Certificate and a blow-up of the "cap on the right."