SOLD! The most valuable stamp:

So much to discuss! In this episode I describe my experience seeing the One Cent Magenta, and my reaction to its recent sale. The Punk Philatelist (Gerard McCulloch) and the Digital Philatelist (James Gavin) join me in a discussion about the new owner and plans for democratizing the stamp, and we also get into the complicated world of NFTs and Crypto Stamps. Enjoy!
#nft #sothebys
The Digital Philatelist: thedigitalphilatelist.com
The Punk Philatelist: punkphilatelist.com
Follow me on Social Media:
Twitter: / exploringstamps​
Instagram: / exploringstamps
Fuel this channel with a coffee on Ko-Fi
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Links:
1933 Double Eagle Story: www.usgoldbureau.com/news/193...
Stanley Gibbons: www.stanleygibbons.com
Sign up for updates on the stamp: www.1c-magenta.com/
Stanley Gibbons on the London Stock Exchange: www.londonstockexchange.com/s...
Crypto Punk Alien NFT?: www.reuters.com/technology/cr...
Articles about the sale:
NPR: www.npr.org/2021/06/08/100298...
Linn's: www.linns.com/news/world-stam...
Reuters: www.reuters.com/breakingviews...
Loan Agreement: www.proactiveinvestors.com.au...
Stanley Gibbons Share Chat: www.lse.co.uk/ShareChat.asp?S...
Austria's Crypto stamp: crypto.post.at

[@leslieselby5270]

I have been fortunate to have seen the 1 cent magenta in the United States 3 times in the past 7 years. When I collected as a child, the stamp was always featured in advertising material from H. E. Harris and other stamp companies with the idea that you too might be able to find a world class rarity among your collection. Thrilled to see it went to a company involved in philately, and also that Stanley Gibbons has announced that they plan to display it in London. Like many, if I can buy a "share" for a small amount, I might do that just for bragging rights at the North Toronto Stamp Club meetings!

[@Torque_to_spec]

It’s a good day when Graham posts a video…

[@ExploringStamps]

😊 you are too kind!

[@LouisGedo]

2:13 Epic! What a bonified philatelic experience!

[@markusbose7786]

Respect for not jumping blindly into this. It shows you are really looking out for the hobby and this community, well done to you 3!

[@ExploringStamps]

I appreciate that! Thank you Markus, we all care about the hobby and community. Thanks for your support!

[@allanwestphall8108]

Now the Mauritius Post Office 1d sold for higher than the magenta, so Stanley Gibbons can no longer claim most expensive philatelic object. Plus the media attention for the magenta was a near zero. They need such attention to build interest and momentum for the investment scheme.

[@jamesshattell1425]

I was at a local stamp show just yesterday where someone who was new asked a stamp dealer, "What should I invest in that will significantly increase in value?" The stamp dealer honestly responded, "The stock market."

[@yanmarin4445]

Ok... Ok... No offence... But... Boo! What a bad answer! I mean, i love the stock market, but I still consider that stamp collecting is a better investment... Even if value sometimes goes a bit up or down...

[@jamesshattell1425]

@@yanmarin4445 Just relaying what I heard from a stamp dealer. But to his credit, the stock market has out performed most investments over the last few decades. I once heard from someone tell me that the money spent on your collection should thought of like the golf fees paid to play golf.

[@CharlenePBlair]

What!? Congratulations 👏 You're not just a Philatelist off the street. You're that dude.

[@ExploringStamps]

Thank you Charlene ☺️

[@paulfitzpatrick6810]

I see this as another stamp related item I can "own". I never consider a return on my purchases and collect only for fun. So unless SG wants a crazy amount of $ for a share, I intend to take part just to be part of this unique event.

[@kingdomcome46]

When I was ten years old my grandmother gave me a stamp collection to work on ... I soon thrilled to learning about all those countries, places, ideas and people on the stamps (even remembering getting vaguely nauseous on a car trip from licking so many stamp hinges). Now I run a company with staff in 15 countries. Tomorrow, coincidentally I am interviewing a person in Guyana to work for my international trade consultancy. It isn't about the price of the treasure it is about the adventure in finding it. So, I will have a talking point with this young person tomorrow and I will be able to discuss what kind of context his country plays on the world stage. Let them parse the value, put it into a postal museum (Mauritius Two Penny Blue at the Mauritius Postal Museum was a nice stop in Mauritius for my family), do what they want as long as it lingers somewhere propelling people to seek mysteries and new horizons in their lives that is what it is all about.

[@kingdomcome46]

Postscript: I hired him.

[@funkynunky]

Hi Graham, inspired by your own comments in your Mail videos plus your informative interview with Sam West about Queen Victoria 2 bob (2/-) stamps, I thought I would let you know that I have just managed to acquire a very reasonable copy of that stamp through Ebay . It arrived from Australia (to England) and took quite a long time, but is a plate 1 and in not bad condition at all and I managed to get it for the grand total of only Aus. $29.80. I am thrilled to bit with it as I never expected, on my budget, to ever own one. Keep upthe inspirations !

[@ExploringStamps]

That’s terrific, Ian! It is such a beautiful and special stamp to have, congrats ! 🙌

[@RonTheDon-30]

Unbelievable! I remember Stanley Gibbons being on the verge of bankruptcy some years back....now they shell out over 8 million for the 1c Magenta..!!!

[@CoinsAZ]

As a philatelist and numismatist, I was thrilled by this auction either way.

[@rayprime7836]

Graham, this stamp is a weird investment item, not a hobbyist thing. Many stamps are miniature works of art and I'm sure the true amateur philatelist is like me interested in the artwork more than any value. If you had the money, would you seriously buy it? I've followed your channel since the very start and you've given fascinating histories on many commonplace stamps which in themselves are better looking. Like many, I have a penny black and blue but they certainly don't attract as much attention as my first day cover of the Sudanese postman or the French landscape series. Give me a million and I'll send you a red bit of paper with blotches and scrawl on it! 😄😄😄

[@ExploringStamps]

All valid points, Ray! Also, you had me at Sudanese postman FDC 😍😍.... But I will hold on sending you a million for a red bit of paper with blotches, maybe next time. 😅

[@jamesshattell1425]

I think SG should offer a limited number of shares of ownership of the stamp. The share certificates could be could be an official replica of the stamp that could be mounted in an album. If it was sold, the shareholder would share in the return.

[@ExploringStamps]

I like the Idea of an official replica, something to actually add to a collection! You should contact SG with this idea!!

[@LouisGedo]

This is a terrific idea!

[@guytouquet]

People who collect stamps as an investment are not the same as people who collect stamps because they like to look at them and think about them and where they come from and what they are meant to portray. It may be true that stamps have lost popularity among investors, but that doesn't mean the hobby is in any trouble. In the 70 years since I started saving stamps as a first-grader, it never was a popular hobby. I don't remember ever knowing a girl who wanted to look at my stamps, including my wife, daughters, and granddaughters.

[@steveturpin4242]

This hobby isn't fading ...it's changing! New directions and interests. They're not making many stamps anymore and so..

[@ExploringStamps]

absolutely! and it's thriving in its own new way 😊. Thanks for watching, Steve.

[@002DrEvil]

If they handed me the rarest stamp in the world to view I would probably have fainted. It's a great honour.

[@ExploringStamps]

I think I came close! I felt very light headed though 😅

[@RichardPhilatelist]

I never thought buying stamps is a reliable investment method for most people; it's even worse than buying lotteries... But I spent a lot of money on stamps too, like you, just put them in albums, stock books and enjoy them. I think owning a piece of 1 cent magenta is really cool. But it depends on how much can I spend. Less than £50, maybe... That's what I can accept.

[@ExploringStamps]

Yeah it will be interesting to see what the slices go for, and how much would it include the philatelic community here and online... I guess they have a lot to figure out.

[@dog-so1vj]

I agree. To me the best part of stamp collecting is the historical and educational journey not the money. Owning a 100+ year old artifact is a special feeling IMO. Most people can't afford rare art or antiques, but they may be able to own a Penny Black or a US Scott #1 and many others as well. Very few hobbies offer that.

[@funkynunky]

Graham - you very kindly answered my email in full, last week, concerning my mode of collecting world-wide stamps. I am very grateful for the encouragement. I love your KZbin videos and also the #Philately format. Please, though, do not totally abandon the educational aspect of your blogs in whichever format your videos are made. I have learnt so much from them. I have not been up to London yet to view the One Cent Magenta - and I don't think I will be rushing up there just yet and certainly will not be purchasing a "share" in it - if I did that, I would want the stamp to be on view in my own home and at my leisure ! ...and pigs might fly, eh? Keep up the brilliant work on your videos, Graham, in whichever format is more lucrative for you. Best regards.

[@firewall68]

To be honest, I rather buy the block of the Reverse Jenny than the Magenta. For me the Magenta is just a piece of red paper. I also don't believe that Philately will be affected because of this sale, at least for me. I enjoyed your discussion about SG owing the Magenta, and I will follow it, as I work in the investment industry.

[@kennyfrancis6882]

There are other great rarities with great stories like the treskilling yellow, HMS vanguard etc, the philatelic world should not simply gravitate towards the one cent magenta.

[@henrys3629]

Ever since I heard about a "rare" stamp used on an envelope years ago, I started putting unused 1c, 2c stamps from the 20s on my letters. Amazed stamp dealers sold them to me at face.

[@ExploringStamps]

I do the same 😊. I love adding the elaborate engraved stamps on outgoing mail from the 20s/30s.

[@theevergreendruid1193]

This step, this video has peaked my interest in the world of stamps, only I have no idea where to start 😂

[@CharlenePBlair]

Cool. Crypto stamp.. interesting.. that might be the route to take. Make sure we can put in our wills. Yep, Graham, it has always been a business for some.

[@ExploringStamps]

Absolutely! 😅

[@hobbiescentrale7105]

Wow. You got on hands on the British Guinana one cent magenta! Lucky you Graham 👍. Another overlooked possibility in your discussion in the video is that the Queen buys the one stamp missing in her collection 😎

[@ianmikosz9171]

you basically got to touch the holy grail of stamps! nice video buddy!

[@ExploringStamps]

It certainly was a religious experience! 😇. Thanks Ian!

[@LouisGedo]

33:32 Bingo! So, Graham, I'm hoping that you can interview someone high in the ranks at Stanley Gibbons and ask them that and other important related questions.

[@hirschy10]

Not in it for the money it cost us money but I like to see the different stamps from all countries 👍🇦🇺

[@rayprime7836]

That's the way to go! Sixty years of collecting and barring the odd couple of dozen I bulk buy, usually chuck out most post 2000 stuff and pick the best of the rest. Stamp collecting is dying because of over hyped prices.

[@LouisGedo]

39:21 🤣 "That hurts" It's amazing how this happens........we go from lovers of innovation on the one hand to traditionalists on the other..........I'm right there with you, Graham.

[@alaindupuis7071]

I want to pay one peice of

[@jameskunetka8915]

Like many, I was stunned that the the One Cent Magenta sold for what it did . I thought this one-of-a-kind stamp deserved a far higher selling price, but I remind myself that today's disappointment will be old news in just days and weeks. This stamp remains the most valuable item of its kind in the world and that's still good news for philately. As for SG's proposed marketing strategy? It's the best of worlds for Stanley Gibbons -- if it works. They pay off their loan, remain the stamp's majority owner, display it where and when they want, reap the publicity, and eventually decide its fate. If the strategy works.

[@GULFRAZMAJEEDseye8eyes]

I bought the Ghana stamp in Silver format simplifying in a silver solid-state Ghana

[@StampswithSara1]

Your expressions when holding it 😃

[@ExploringStamps]

😍🤩🤓

[@GULFRAZMAJEEDseye8eyes]

Stanley Gibbons that is one of the reasons I collected their magazines a full set in old English currency and advertisements as they did specialise in advertisements well before the computers and internet came available and the almighty web I wouldn't underestimate Stanley Gibbons as they are the original values of many stamps in previous past years

[@Emperor-Wild-Man]

Since the I cent magenta was displayed in a 3-sided display case, it could be displayed at a 90 degree turn from the original stamp display position. That way, the front or the back can be viewed from either the right side or the left side of the glass case.

[@PunkPhilatelist]

Yes, this! I thought the same thing when I saw it. I wondered if it was something to do with their lighting.

[@dianeosborne8471]

I agree with last comment. Thanks Di Oz

[@dog-so1vj]

As always BRILLIANT! Great discussion. I would never have thought that the Magenta would be obtained by an investment group. It will be interesting to watch what happens in the future. FYI, I just watched your video discussion with the APS last year. Thanks for promoting our hobby. I'm glad that the APS officially confirmed that we collector's are in fact philatelists...🤣

[@trainerstone]

Graham, great vids. My family runs the oldest stamp show in Illinois. We have A LOT of very bizarre philatelic items. Is there somewhere I could send photos? Keep up the good work. Great to see younger generations into stamps.

[@rogerturner1881]

Great ,guys. I think if they do let the public buy a small portion of the 1c magenta SG could say that in return of your purchase you get a facsimile of the stamp and a beautiful pamphlet/booklet [highly printed out] with its history etc. Furthermore SG could say that you can send any amount you wish for your piece of it. I myself will not take part as yet...let's see what they say. Graham i was 10 million out on my bid....If it had been another, much beautiful stamp i think that the price would sky rocket...I think so...the stamp is not the Mona Lisa or the Last Supper...But one thing I'm glad is that SG got it, and not a person. It can be shared with us.

[@ExploringStamps]

I like your idea Roger of the replica and pamphlet. Then you can have something to place in your albums/collection. Maybe you are right, if it was a more eye pleasing stamp it would be worth more..who knows. 🤷‍♂️

[@lb-tmidd3511]

You obviously have an honest face that they let you hold it. Good for you.

[@ExploringStamps]

Lol I dunno about that... perhaps when I asked my wife across the room in a very loud voice "where exactly did you park the lamborghini?", it might have helped. 😆 (note, we don't have a lambo).

[@enriquesanchez-uu4lp]

you might have a Lamborghini but you have lamb in the freezer

[@realryal8317]

This was fascinating. I am a coin collector but the machinations of dealers and issuers are similar in both markets. The modern commemorative coin market is going to experience precisely what commemorative stamps already went through. The commoditisation of one valuable stamp just like running funds of stamps will fail imo. Very rare items are trophy items for singular ownership or museum. Being a commoditised owner the same a maybe a million others is not rare. It has no real value. The only thing it is open to is the same type of market manipulation of small numbers of shares. There is no ownership or trophy nature associated that gives the item its value. Stanley gibbons running a share market? No thanks. Even the fallback of exclusivity is not there. Only paper promising something. Just my opinion of course but thanks for this fascinating conversation.

[@bigernie9433]

The even bigger question, imho, especially since Stanley Gibbons have been in financial dire straits for quite some time: What will happen if SG have to call in the receivers ? Who will then foot the bills for storage, insurance and so on ?

[@Diamond18116]

Yes I have spend almost US$750 buying so assorted stamps of UK USA & Germany it’s very expensive but worth now I am juggling with them

[@user-hw7dm9ik4p]

a written letter came from your friend, or someone you care, for me it was couple years ago, i knew its sad (everything from smart phone)

[@siam1883]

Another great episode! I disagree with James' comment that there is a lack of money for those who invest in stamps. In Episode 53 of Conversations with Philatelists, three professionals who run philatelic auctions all agree that the COVID time frame has been great for stamp prices. The Magenta auction is not indicative of the larger stamp market.

[@thedigitalphilatelist]

I think I meant that the crypto market, from an investment standpoint, is more on an investors mind rather than stamps. We just need Elon Musk to mention stamps... ;)

[@siam1883]

@@thedigitalphilatelist OK, understood. When you said that investors "may not see value in stamps at the moment" I took it to be a general statement regarding the strength of the stamp market which is quite healthy. By the way, you do a great job with your site and thank you for listing the Thailand Philatelic Society.

[@AlSmith278]

10.04 spot on no musk vs etc

[@sarahgoodman6279]

Loved watching this conversation and hearing everyone’s opinions! Kudos to you Graham for being that awake at 5 am! I am excited that SG bought the stamp because I might actually get to see it. I am of the same view as Gerard and would be interested in owning a piece of the stamp if it was fairly cheap and as a fun thing to say I am apart of and not as an investment.

[@ExploringStamps]

Thank you Sarah! Still recovering from that early morning, I guess it makes up for last time I spoke to them during Stampex the times were almost reversed and they had to wake up early😆

[@PunkPhilatelist]

This is true. Graham owed us one.

[@gustaaf1892]

With potentially thousands of part owners, the very limited available real estate on the back of the stamp for the owners to sign is going to present a problem for that tradition to continue. From my perspective that is a good thing because it has been to the detriment of this iconic stamp.

[@mattos_esports]

$ 134.45 USD per piece at its current price; and I have to agree with Jarred, it just doesn’t feel like what Philately is all about!. The stamp is beautiful, truly hope everyone involved makes a profit, but me?, I will keep leaving a happy life collecting while knowing I could probably own all my favorite stamps for a small fraction of that single.

[@lisandroif]

horn at 3:30

[@lauraorben7128]

Goosebumps!!! You held the holy grail of philately!!!

[@dancalmpeaceful3903]

Correction - he held TWO holy grails of philately. With all due respect, I couldn't care less about the Guyana...it's the 4 plate block inverted Jenny that would have had my heart pounding....

[@lauraorben7128]

@@dancalmpeaceful3903 AGREED!

[@dancalmpeaceful3903]

@@lauraorben7128 I used to collect stamps back in the 70's when I was about 10-12 years old....and then collected until about 1977 or so. I was always fascinated by the inverted Jenny and the whole story behind it (loved hearing my grandmother and grandfather tell me about it.). Absolutely fascinating. Always just wanted a normal Jenny...but it was very expensive to own. Still have my stamp collection even though I'm 56. Many young folks just don't have an interest in collecting stamps. It's amazing what you can buy now - entire MINT sheets, unused from stuff from the 50's for just a few bucks! Unfortunately most of today's youth just aren't interested in collecting stamps. Coins seem to be doing well though - I did manage to complete my 1941 to 1971 penny set though.... None of either collection is worth much...BUT, it brought me closer to BOTH of my grandparents who turned me onto both hobbies and ultimately, that's where the REAL value always was. Didn't realize that until later....On my 2nd trip to Washington, DC, I made my son and my wife go to the postal museum to see the inverted Jenny that was there. I nearly started to cry. At least I got that off my bucket list....that and seeing a copper 1943 penny (as you may recall , all the '43 pennies were made of steel due to copper being a wartime necessity for armaments)

[@lauraorben7128]

@@dancalmpeaceful3903 You and I are very similar in age and collecting habits. For me it was a favorite uncle who got me started with mine and I collected until the early 80s. Then life an marriage got higher priority. The lost year of 2020 has spurred me to start again and I am thankful for digital platforms that allow us to learn more and obtain stamps we once only dreamed about.

[@dancalmpeaceful3903]

@@lauraorben7128 NOw that I'm older...I can now afford some of the more desirable stamps I always wanted. I've been thinking about buying a set of the US 1930 Graf Zeppelin...which was obviously very untouchable for me in the 70's.. But yeah, I know what you mean about life - it definitely can "get in the way" at times. Ha! Take care and nice chatting with you!

[@Cambutalgirl]

Great video!!

[@ExploringStamps]

Thank you 😊

[@jacksonmcdaniel3250]

Asaint gaudens gold eagle is my dream coin a normal year where they made a lot and not in great condition is at least $3500 so out of a middle schoolers price range.

[@ExploringStamps]

Interesting! 3.5k is also out of the range for me..and I've been out of middle school for a little while now 😅

[@jimhresco1728]

A bit disappointed. I missed the price by a mile. Maybe the owner should of sold an NFT of the stamp. Glad you got to examine it up close.

[@ExploringStamps]

Thanks Jim, it was amazing to see up close. Im excited that others (in London or visiting London) will get a chance to do the same!!

[@Oldfaithful61]

It's not because a Van Gogh fails to sell for the estimate or above that therefore the whole art market is in crisis. I agree this 'low' selling price of the Guyana one cent magenta is a missed opportunity to promote philately worldwide through the headlines the event would have created if it had sold for over $ 10 million, but the health of philately is more clearly shown by the interest new generations of young people show in what is offered online. The Magenta is - alas - nothing else but an investment piece. It could just as well have been acquired by some Japanese insurance company or a Chinese bitcoin trader who has never heard of stamps before. I grew up in the sixties when literally every 12 year old boy in school collected stamps, some way or other. We did so with the stamps we took from our parents' mail. By the time we were 25, few of us were left. But the ones that remained, are in most cases still collecting. Today, this first fase, children collecting stamps, practically no longer exists. People don't write letters anymore (why should they, with email?) and the little remaining mail no longer has a stamp on it. Today, stamp collecting no longer begins at 10, but at 25 or 30 or even older. Young people with an interest in culture, in history, in geography, in ephemera. Those are the new stamp collectors and from my own experience as an eBay seller, I can tell you that there's a lot of them about !! :)) Thank God. Philately is not dying, it is transforming. And it will never die, because the tendency to collect something, is almost an instinct with us, humans.

[@thedigitalphilatelist]

Valid points!

[@ExploringStamps]

Absolutely, all are valid points!

[@PunkPhilatelist]

These are very heartening words!

[@adamhudson2511]

Graham, I hope that are also planning on doing an episode on the upcoming (June 26) auction of the Mauritius one penny “Post Office” stamp on cover by Christoph Gärtner in Germany. While the 1c Magenta may be one of a kind, I would a million to one rather have a Mauritius “Post Office” stamp, especially after Stuart Weitzman desecrated the 1c Magenta with his initials and an outline of a shoe. By the way, as long as it’s not over $10-15, I could see myself buying a share of the 1c Magenta just for the novelty of it.

[@ExploringStamps]

Oh I totally agree, I was excited to see the cover go up for auction. I currently don’t have anything planned to discuss the sale, but check out CwP they are doing weekly live streams on Fridays, they will prob be discussing it there.

[@nelisugnu]

I hope we'll have our attention

[@ExploringStamps]

Me too! 🤞

[@GULFRAZMAJEEDseye8eyes]

Well I am sure there are plenty of other stamps from around the world worthy of appraisal applause maybe a new champion May place an application a set of stamps one page from a album of rarest stamps

[@ehtashamahmad3137]

I think investors who don't collect stamps don't see British Guiana as an investment anymore in the uncertain times. If you look closely in last few decades this stamp was viewed as an investment and stamp collectors don't have that kind of money. I am not surprised that a big auction house won the bid at a lower estimate.

[@thedigitalphilatelist]

Its really hard to put stamps against cryptocurrency at the moment. We need Elon Musk to say stamps are in! ;)

[@ehtashamahmad3137]

@@thedigitalphilatelist Just be careful what you wish for. Look what he did to crypto in the end.

[@ExploringStamps]

Oh that's a great point... he has given crypto investors some sleepless nights.

[@ehtashamahmad3137]

@@ExploringStamps Why SG is inviting people to get a share of the stamp because they know that a stamp collector is unlikely going to walk in and spend 10 million on a stamp even though the whereabouts are known to everyone. An auction house has the most desired stamp who will be willing to sell it for the right price but none can afford it. Hence share it with potential investors to make a profit.

[@jamesshattell1425]

When I first heard that SG was thinking about offering a piece of the stamp, I imagined it being cutting up into shards that would be offered for sales 😒

[@rayprime7836]

BARGAIN $10 for 5 atoms!!

[@lauraorben7128]

The more I listen and think about it, I wonder if they will have a special Stock Certificate since the Gibbons Group is on the GBX that is tradeable. Very interested to follow, however I will not be buying, :)

[@genethrowe8205]

I’m disappointed that the stamp will no longer be at the Smithsonian Museum of Postal History, where entry is free and open to all. It’s also 3 miles from my house. I am worried about this sale and scheme by SG to sale parts of the stamp. Maybe I’ll buy a part if it’s cheap enough but not as an investment. More like how one can buy an Irish or Scottish title of nobility: worthless but interesting to frame and put on the wall. I also think philately is moving to the obtainable and not so much the rarest. How many multimillionaire philatelists are there, really?

[@ExploringStamps]

All great thoughts, Gene. We actually kept bringing up the Scottish nobility or claiming land on the moon as an example 😅. Your question about how many multimillionaire philatelists is a great one, I wonder as well. Thanks for watching Gene!

[@genethrowe8205]

You’re one of the main reasons I fell back in love with philately!

[@sammerritt730]

I remember hearing about the 1c magenta when it was being sold and i wasn’t interested in stamps at the time and I can’t even remember anything about the coin

[@KristiaanVanErmengem]

If you want to invest, buy stocks, not stamps. I hope SG will print a physical stamp that you only get if you buy a part of the Once cent Magenta. That way you have at least something rare to put in your own album. My question is, will SG put their logo on the back of the stamp?

[@Cyriljayant]

I prefer the Block of stamps rather than that red dot piece of paper!! I like how you all talk about this sales!!!

[@ExploringStamps]

👍👍😬 Agreed, thank you for watching (I would love to own the block)

[@neilarmstrong5299]

I'm with Gerard, I'd buy a slice for the sheer fun of it. (depending on the cost). Surely they would include some fancy certificate and maybe a wax seal. ;-)

[@PunkPhilatelist]

I am DEFINITELY in if it comes with a wax seal!

[@stampcollector0452]

YOU GOT TO HOLD IT !!! WOW

[@ExploringStamps]

😊👍

[@oesypum]

This whole thing smacks of a previous investment ploy, where via their own catalogue, they, and not the market determine the prices. There was also a problem with the previous scheme in that neither SG or their financial advisor was regulated, or permitted by the FCA. Which if I rightly recall they set it up in the Channel islands, where the FCA has no authority. Here is one person who will not be buying a share.

[@enlilandenki007]

Anyone know what an old facsimile of the magenta would be worth?

[@olivermiller2013]

SG is not a stable company and when I see they are making the prices in their own catalogue but also selling stamps as an investment, I´m not sure if this is a good new owner for the stamp. Nevertheless everyone can buy it if they have enough money. To sell it as parts is only a business modell and I assume, there are enough buyers outside, if the slices are not too big. On the other hand I can not imagine, what your rights are? Can you travel to SG to have a look, that your stamp (pardon: slice of stamp) still exists? If yes, how often can you do that? And what happens, if SG gets bankrupt, who will get the stamp and what will happen with my money? No, I won´t invest in such a thing. I know I never will own every stamp which I find interesting. And I do not have to own every stamp, because I simple do not have the place and money. But I would like to own every stamp I buy by myself and would like to have it at home to look at it as often I like to do so. So nothing for me. Is the price disappointing? Not really. The only message is, that stamps are not attractive enough for many investors. I can understand it, there are other things which are more popular at the moment. On the other hand, if you look at current auctions, a lot of middle and better material has good demand.So there are many collectors outside, but not that many investors. I can live with it besides that my tip on your video for the price was way too optimistic. But that´s Ok, better being an optimist than a pessimist :).

[@ExploringStamps]

All interesting and valid points, Oliver. I'm also curious to see what a slice really means, can you imagine you could get the chance to spend quality time with the stamp if you owned a share 😅. Thanks for being an optimist 👍👍👍.

[@NisargSutaria]

Awesome :-)

[@ExploringStamps]

Thanks 🤗

[@leoa3256]

The stamp an Emperor (George V) couldn’t buy, is now going to be available to all!

[@2realesazul]

So I guess in the near future we'll start to see "shares" popping up on ebay & similar sites.

[@LouisGedo]

42:34 Nice fantasy, my friend!

[@topsail2]

Excelent..🖒 I recogn that now I have to comme to N.J. to pay my debt..a double cheese with bacon..I failed with my 11M..😔 As you are, I am curious to know more ...and how this will work..I suscribed when SG sended me his mail about..😎😉 When you buy a Laphroaig Scot whisky bottle you have a coupon of ownership of a small part of a peat swamp in Scotland...and Scotland stay same...( I never claimed yet my property of 10 square inches of..may be I should 🤔 lol.). Like Gerard anyway I will not go over 10£...but wait'n Sea... In my opinion I think this is & will be goodly promoting "more classic" philately Once again Graham...very good job with this episode.👏 👣

[@ExploringStamps]

I also had 11.1M as my guess 😂😂. Wow was I way off! Yep let's see how big a slice is, looking forward to finding out! Thanks for watching Fred!

[@davidcollins1333]

If someone hopes that they will, say, retire from this type of investment then they would surely have to put in a professional level amount of work to understand the financial aspects of this situation. In any case this would require segments of the order of $100k each and that's hardly democratizing the stamp. However, if the segments are small, say $10 to $50 each, then it would be the sort of thing that would make for a great gift. Not because it gives any material value to the recipient but rather because it demonstrates thoughtfulness like, "I know you really like stamps and I thought you might enjoy this." I hope that SG uses this to generate good publicity for the hobby. The people visiting their store might buy a few other items and get going with collecting. One more thing not yet discussed: will SG add their mark to the back of the stamp? That would be fitting.

[@ExploringStamps]

Yep I think you have the same train of thought as us. It would be interesting to see if they do sign it, I imagine they will.

[@davidcollins1333]

@@ExploringStamps I was just listening to the discussion with Victoria Lajer on Conversations with Philatelists. It seems that they will add their mark somehow.

[@Melstorm]

"Greetings Sotheby employee, this stamp is backwards could you please adjust so I can better view the front?" Sotherby employee "here just hold the damn thing!" :)

[@dog-so1vj]

🤣🤣🤣

[@PunkPhilatelist]

I would have thought about trying "Um, excuse me, I need a stamp to post a letter. You don't happen to have one handy, do you?"

[@DavidPhilatelist]

I enjoyed the video. Have a great day =)

[@allanwestphall8108]

Sorry, but I'm struggling to be an optimist here! SG purchased this stamp with borrowed money. The total invoice will come to 8.7-8.8 M usd with all and sundry fees included, and I doubt the stamp has potential to soar much beyond that. By the time SG (or their financial backers) decide to put the stamp back into market it will be vandalized with one more signature and the print faded beyond recognition - at this moment in time the all-important "one cent" can hardly be read any more. It is now a truly unappealing stamp, slowly dematerializing, and it has only an anecdote going for it! There's more focus on the stamp's back than on the front - we're in absurd territory! As far as I can tell, philatelists are unimpressed with this proposed investment scheme - I know *not a single collector* eager to buy a share or crowd-fund the stamp. And it will have very little appeal to non-philatelic investors, let's be realistic. And what does it mean to buy a slice of a stamp? I don't care what a slice means; because it means just that, a slice... This runs counter to what real philatelist love about our hobby. I have letters with postmarks that are unique (like the magenta; only one exists in the world) and I own these items 100% for as long as I'm alive, at which stage another dedicated collector will get to own them 100%. What I do with these letters while I'm lucky to curate them is fully up to me; I mount them on exhibition pages, I show them at exhibitions, I open them up to read correspondence inside, I feel them and sniff them, I show them to friend and foe alike, one day I may take a shower with them! I decide. Crypto-stamps, NFTs, fractional, syndicated ownership - it's cloud cuckoo land if you ask me - and utterly divorced from philately! The moment SG began to promote stamps as investment portfolio the company declined to near bankruptcy, a gloomy prospect it's still facing. Interviews I've seen with SG directors about the magenta purchase show them to be clueless and this idea to be half-baked at best. Please prove me wrong, please, please...

[@allanwestphall8108]

@Mr Alexander Rai, MSMA, Sui Iuris or even better, they could sell to the Queen of England. She could drop by the SG shop while she's out walking her corgis - I think she lives just around the corner!

[@allanwestphall8108]

@Mr Alexander Rai, MSMA, Sui Iuris Mr Rai, your writing is cryptic, but I understand some of it. And I agree with you. My comments above may have been a little forceful; I wish only the best for Stanley Gibbons and I recognize their long history (and I bought my first Penny Black with them when I was a teenager!). I want only what's best for philately and I want to see new collectors join and develop the hobby. I think we live in exciting times for the hobby. The amount of philatelic publications has never been bigger or of better quality. Online platforms bring collectors together and make much material available (I started collecting again when eBay came about and made stamps from Netherlands Indies available, which otherwise were hard to come by). And social media posts like Exploring Stamps, Conversations with Philatelists, Punk/Digital Philatelists are of the highest order - and endlessly entertaining. Yee Ha!!

[@allanwestphall8108]

@Mr Alexander Rai, MSMA, Sui Iuris Thank you Mr Rai, I have seen this video - it is excellent and Ms Lajer oozes charm! But let's be frank, they don't know how to proceed with this fractional ownership idea of theirs. Maybe they know more now. I have signed up to their newsletter and look forward to hearing about terms - and especially reading the small print! Good luck SG and Ms Lajer!

[@avilacanario]

I think, they were hoping someone else would out bid them.

[@ExploringStamps]

🤣🤣 that is something that would happen to me. Bid to say I was part of the experience and then no one out bids me 💰💰💰

[@STScott-qo4pw]

you held the 1 cent magenta BG in yer friggin hands... And you did NOT run for the damn doors...?! you got some kinda SELF-RESTRAINT! i'd have thought there'd be serious smoke from the soles of them new nikes, graham. btw, you have some seriously capable videography skills. very well-made videos. Thank you for this channel. Subscribed.

[@ExploringStamps]

I’ve thought about it since! I think I could have made it to the first floor of the building before being high tackled by one of their very large security guards 🤔

[@kennyfrancis6882]

Let me share with you why the one cent magenta didn't make the estimates. The Weitzman owner's mark just looks terrible behind the stamp, which I believe was the contributory factor to the drop in value. As for SG investment scheme, I believe it will work very well if they set a limit of let's say 10000 shares for the one cent magenta. With only 10000 shares in circulation, it will go through the roof in terms of appreciation in value.

[@ExploringStamps]

Thats a key question that I'd love to know the answer to.. If and by how much the signatures impacted the sale. Thanks for bringing it up Kenny 😊

[@kennyfrancis6882]

The prominent Weitzman mark has unfortunately turned the one cent magenta into a sort of advertising label for the shoe company, really a shame if you ask me.

[@jimgordon6629]

You are absolutely right! It would not be a stretch to say that Weitzman seriously damaged what was already a rather raggedy stamp! The inverted plate block is a far worthier standard barrier. Far more attractive, far more interesting.

[@markbarret6836]

I was shocked at the shoe. Outraged actually that he damaged such a treasure for "tradition".

[@davidprovost1981]

Do you think it possible that SG may have set up an investment scheme, before the auction, whereby they sell sufficient shares in the stamp at a set price to yield some far in excess of their purchase price? I think that may well be their motive for buying the thing in the first place. Especially given their weak balance sheet.

[@thedigitalphilatelist]

Conversations with Philatelists did an interview with SG. Based on that interview, it seems SG purchased the stamp on a whim without any plan in place. Personally, it was a terrible interview from SG.

[@GardenlifeAustralia]

Great episode Graham. where does one send mail to ? cheers 🙂

[@beth7467]

That's just it: it's gimmicky. I don't want to play games with my stamp collecting hobby -- nor do I want to help Stanley Gibbons finance **their** purchase by chipping in. In my opinion, the stamp belongs in a museum collection.

[@rayprime7836]

Well said Beth. Stamp collecting should first and foremost fun. Too many people go by the value of their collections, not the beauty of the images. I love to collect the old etched scenery stamps from all over the world because they show a historical 'snapshot' of what the places used to look like and they are so cheap. Good luck with your collecting!

[@ExploringStamps]

I agree with you both! 😊

[@joshjerez3347]

SG is just getting in on a trend... only time will tell if this is a good move or not...

[@thedigitalphilatelist]

Would you invest?

[@joshjerez3347]

@@thedigitalphilatelist idk if that really the right move for me... I am sure they will get people to invest... I am curious to know what happens when/if the 1c magenta moves home again...

[@thedigitalphilatelist]

@@joshjerez3347 The loan agreement is for an initial 5 years, so I guess they intend to sell in five years depending on the market.

[@joshjerez3347]

I should say when... it will end up in someone else's hands.... surely. Whatever happens in the future... you know what they say; any publicity is good publicity... right?

[@thedigitalphilatelist]

@@joshjerez3347 We discussed that....publicity died when the stamp didnt make a record price and the Double Eagle smashed its record. The hobby really needed the 1c to hit a record.

[@Markxatruch]

Wow 😍 😍 😍

[@johnryskamp7755]

If you invest in this turkey, just remember that you are buying a lottery ticket with very poor odds. These shysters have totally rigged this deal.

[@mikkhisingh4784]

Do you believe I can pay that all rare collection of Sothebys ?.....Yes I will!

[@CharlenePBlair]

Well that's the chance we take with crowdfunding. Hoping the company sells or goes into IPO to get a payout. Small space in your portfolio.

[@thedigitalphilatelist]

SG's major shareholder is Phoenix (60%). The only people winning in this is Phoenix. Id be buying shares in them. haha

[@dancalmpeaceful3903]

Any idea who got the plate block inverted Jenny? Just wondering.......

[@PunkPhilatelist]

David Rubenstein, a billionaire financier!

[@leovanlierop4580]

Oh, you were so happy the see the stamp. And now anyone can see the stamp!! So now you are a bit grumpy. I understand.

[@ExploringStamps]

Lol I'm not grumpy, I am super happy with it being on display... The more visibility the better!!

[@leovanlierop4580]

@@ExploringStamps agree, it's a lot better than in hands of some investment company. Stamps are for philatelists!

[@frankauerbach]

Wonder what the fractional ownership takeup rate is for the Weitzman show label?

[@firewall68]

Let's make a video about going to Guyana and looking for more Magentas. By the way, one of the characters in Blues Clues is called Magenta... lol

[@PunkPhilatelist]

'Hunt for the Penny Magenta'... I like it! Surely some cable channel would be interested?

[@estamps7469]

I actually think it's a great idea, I don't think it's right that one person should be able to own such a rare object. I love the idea of lots of people being able to own a tiny piece of the stamp and I will definitely will be purchasing a share.

[@ExploringStamps]

Excellent! But let's see what it means to own a piece, and of course how much it costs. 👍 I'm looking forward to seeing them release more details hopefully soon.

[@estamps7469]

@@ExploringStamps I'm thinking it will be like buying a share in a company. They will probably cost no more than a few pounds as Stanley Gibbons are saying that anyone can own one. I imagine when you buy one you get a certificate to prove you own a piece of it and you might have priority for viewing the stamp.

[@IIoveasl10]

Even if I had the money to buy "a part of the guyana stamp", how much is one part costing? Next year, it will be my 50th yar in "philately". Give me all the details, as Graham said. Very interesting video with three you guys.

[@ExploringStamps]

Thank you David. Yes we will have to wait and see what a slice will cost, I'm sure several of us are eager to find out. Thanks for watching 😊

[@gustaaf1892]

@@ExploringStamps If SG sold a 20-40% share in small parcels for a total of $3-6m, SG could claim the stamp to now be worth $15m. You might then see these parcels/shares appear on the internet/eBay auctions, which would be interesting to follow.

[@Carterofmars]

You guys fail to realize that Gibbon's offering is not targeting the hobbyist, although hobbyist have access. Investors are the target primarily. What's funny is the use of the term one percenters owning the stamp- it's actually just the opposite. The 1%ers will not be owning these stratospherically priced gems, as they typically would be, it's all the rest of us that will have the opportunity.

[@SRHS83]

With the 11 million pixaleted covid robot, were they by chance buying a trademark?

[@ExploringStamps]

I guess so, the person would own full rights to the image. Even the artist can't claim anything of the image anymore... I think?

[@imtiazahamed7959]

Wowwwwww ❤️❤️❤️❤️😍😍😍😍😍😍

[@johnryskamp7755]

Just to keep things in perspective, $18 million wouldn't buy you one square foot of a famous Picasso.

[@jeffrey8881]

What about if you buy in and the stamp sells for a profit, will you get a piece of that profit?

[@thedigitalphilatelist]

That appears to be what SG are hoping!

[@user-wy4en9xq8q]

Thang you Mrs.