THE ONLY 1 SEN PLATE 1 FULL SHEET IN PRIVATE HANDS

1872, 1 sen deep dull blue, plate 1, brittle laid paper, the astonishing complete sheet of 40, comprising the constant plate varieties in positions 3, 5, 7 and 8. Unused without gum and backed with thin paper for a better preservation, in position 24 featuring a misplaced and double perforation at right, framed by the surrounding large external margin which is only broken in a small place in position 8. Uneven inking of the plate but quite detailed impression with a bright colour enabling the positions in the plate to be easily identified. Cert. Florian Eichhorn BPP (2023).

A rarity of the highest degree, as this is the only 1 sen plate 1 complete sheet recorded in private hands and, in addition, the most valuable sheet in the early classic issues and consequently, a great gem of Japanese philately. (JSCA ¥12,000,000).

Note: The other complete sheet is part of the Kanai Hiroyuki collection (The Philatelic Culture Museum), previously owned by F. J. Peplow.

Provenance: Robert Levy (Robson Lowe, 20.2.1962, lot 130 « very fresh condition »)