Legendary British Guiana 1856 1¢ Magenta to be displayed at Stampex

By Linn’s Staff

Stanley Gibbons will display the legendary British Guiana 1856 1¢ Magenta (Scott 13) at Stampex from Sept. 27-30, according to Isobel Klempka, public relations and marketing lead at the Philatelic Traders’ Society.

The fall 2023 British national stamp exhibition known as Stampex will take place Sept. 27-30 at the Business Design Centre, 52 Upper St., Islington, London, England.

According to Klempka, the legendary stamp was last showcased in 2021 when London-based stamp dealer Stanley Gibbons opened an exhibition dedicated to the stamp at its 399 Strand, London, headquarters.

Stanley Gibbons purchased the 1¢ Magenta, arguably the most expensive stamp in the world, for slightly more than $8.3 million during a June 8, 2021, Sotheby’s auction in New York City, and then began offering shares of the stamp in an effort to give collectors and others an opportunity to own a part of this iconic stamp through fractional ownership.

“We are delighted that Stanley Gibbons are bringing the One Cent Magenta to Stampex,” Simon Carson, chairman of the Philatelic Traders’ Society and Stampex, said. “As the world’s rarest and most expensive stamp, it is wonderful to have it as part of our show and to be able to share it with our community.”

The 1¢ Magenta became known as the world’s most expensive stamp when it was auctioned in 1922 for a little over £7,000, Klempka said.

Previous owners of the 1¢ Magenta include renowned shoe designer Stuart Weitzman, who bought the stamp in 2014 and signed the back with a stiletto shoe and the initials “SW.” Former owner John du Pont also signed the back of the stamp.

Stanley Gibbons will host a talk on the 1¢ Magenta Wednesday, Sept. 27.

Stampex hours will be 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Wednesday and Friday, 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Thursday, and 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.

Admission for Stampex is £10 Wednesday and free Thursday through Saturday. Attendees can register in advance. All attendees will receive a free show guide.

Visit the Philatelic Traders’ Society or Stampex online for additional information.

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