ASG-certified Mei Lanfang Stamps Realize More than $40,000 in John Bull Auctions Sale

Posted on 2/4/2025

Dozens more ASG-certified Chinese stamps added to the December auction’s allure.

The 2024 Winter Auction by John Bull Auctions brought collectors a treasure trove of rare Chinese stamps, with the spotlight on a high-grade complete set of Mei Lanfang issues certified by Authenticated Stamp Guaranty® (ASG®). Held from December 14-17, 2024, the event drew significant attention as eager bidders vied for these historic pieces of philatelic art and other collectibles.

The top ASG-certified lot in this auction was a complete set of eight China 1962 Stage Art of Mei Lanfang Imperforated Stamps (4, 8, 8, 10, 20, 22, 30 and 50 Fen) each graded ASG VF/XF 85 Mint OG (lot 3219), which had a hammer price of HKD 318,600 (about $41,000). These commemorative stamps pay tribute to Peking opera performer Mei Lanfang, who was a legendary theater artist best known for his portrayals of female roles during his 50-year stage career. The complete set of eight stamps was issued by the People's Republic of China and features several famous scenes from Mei Lanfang's most iconic Chinese theater performances.

Click images to enlarge.

Other ASG-certified stamps sold in the auction include:

  • a China 1980 8 Fen Year of the Monkey graded ASG VF/XF 85 Mint OG (lot 3576), which realized HKD 11,800 (about $1,500)
  • a China 1980 8 Fen Year of the Monkey graded ASG VF/XF 85 Mint OG (lot 3577), which realized HKD 5,428 (about $700)
  • a group of four China (1897) Qing Dynasty 1 Cent Surcharged in Black on 3 Cent Red Revenue Stamps graded ASG F 70 Mint POG to ASG F/VF 75 Mint POG (lot 5234), which realized HKD 5,428 (about $700)
  • a China 1980 8 Fen Year of the Monkey graded ASG VF/XF 85 Mint OG (lot 3578), which realized HKD 4,956 (about $650)
  • a group of four China (1897) Qing Dynasty 1 Cent Surcharged in Black on 3 Cent Red Revenue Stamps graded ASG F 70 Mint POG to ASG F/VF 75 Mint POG (lot 5235), which realized HKD 4,956 (about $650)
  • a pair of China (1878-83) Qing Dynasty Large Dragon Issue Stamps (1 and 3 Candareens) graded ASG F/VF 75 Mint NOG and ASG F/VF 75 Mint POG (lot 5171), which realized HKD 4,720 (about $600)
  • a China 1980 8 Fen Year of the Monkey graded ASG VF 80 Mint OG (lot 3579), which realized HKD 4,484 (about $575)
  • a group of three China (1897) Qing Dynasty 2 Cents Surcharged in Black on 3 Cent Red Revenue Stamps - Large 2, each graded ASG F/VF 75 Mint POG (lot 5237), which realized HKD 4,484 (about $575)

Prices realized include buyer’s premium. The $ symbol indicates US Dollars.


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