Canada 2c Pale Emerald-Green Stamp: The Journey of the Second Copy
In the world of philately—the study and collection of postage stamps—certain specimens carry a legacy that transcends their face value. One such rarity is the second known copy of the Canada 1868-72 2c pale emerald-green stamp on laid paper (perf. 12, SG 57A). This specific example has passed through the hands of some of the most prestigious collectors in history, reflecting the evolving market for rare British North American issues.
Provenance and Ownership History
The history of this stamp is marked by a series of high-profile acquisitions. It was once part of the renowned Ferrary collection before appearing in the Lewis Reford sale of October 1950, where it was purchased by Kasimir Bileski for $3,800.
Following Bileski, the stamp was acquired by Daniel Eaton, who subsequently sold or traded the piece to John Jamieson for $150,000. The stamp then moved to Robert Darling Jr. before eventually becoming a centerpiece of the award-winning Ron Brigham collection in 1998.
Authentication and Technical Specifications
To ensure the legitimacy of such a rare item, expert certification is essential. The Royal Philatelic Society London Expert Committee issued certificate No. 18,955 on December 12, 1935. After examining the stamp sent by Dr. Lewis L. Reford, the committee confirmed that the 2c pale emerald-green used stamp on laid paper was genuine.
Further documentation of this specimen can be found in the March 1998 issue of Confederation (Number 7), the newsletter of the Large and Small Queens Study Group. This group operates under the British North American Philatelic Society, which provides digital archives of these studies.
Market Value and Auction Results
The financial trajectory of the second copy illustrates the volatility and prestige of the rare stamp market. While it sold for $3,800 in 1950 and $150,000 in a later private transaction, its most recent public appearance was in February 2014.
Offered at auction by Ron Brigham, the stamp carried an estimate of $900,000. However, it ultimately sold for $475,000.
Key Facts
- Stamp Identity: Canada 1868-72, 2c pale emerald-green, laid paper, perf. 12 (SG 57A).
- Authentication: Certified genuine by The Royal Philatelic Society, London (Cert No. 18,955).
- Notable Collections: Previously held in the Ferrary and Ron Brigham collections.
- Price Evolution: Increased from $3,800 (1950) to a final auction price of $475,000 (2014).
| Year | Owner/Event | Transaction Value |
|---|---|---|
| 1950 | Kasimir Bileski (via Lewis Reford sale) | $3,800 |
| Unknown | John Jamieson (via Daniel Eaton) | $150,000 |
| 1998 | Ron Brigham Collection | Not Specified |
| 2014 | Public Auction | $475,000 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the SG 57A designation?
SG 57A refers to the catalog number assigned by Stanley Gibbons, a world-leading philatelic authority, to identify this specific 2c pale emerald-green issue of Canada.
Who certified the authenticity of this stamp?
The stamp was examined and certified as genuine by the Expert Committee of The Royal Philatelic Society, London, in December 1935.
Which famous collections included this stamp?
The stamp was part of the Ferrary collection and the award-winning Ron Brigham collection.
How much did the stamp sell for at its last auction?
In February 2014, the stamp sold for $475,000, despite an initial estimate of $900,000.
Where can more research on this stamp be found?
Detailed information is available in the March 1998 issue of Confederation, the newsletter of the Large and Small Queens Study Group of the British North American Philatelic Society.