ASG-certified Mei Lanfang Stamps Realize More than $40,000 in John Bull Auctions Sale
Posted on 2/4/2025
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.
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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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