Barron, James

The One-Cent Magenta: Inside the Quest to Own the Most Valuable Stamp in the World

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ISBN 13:
9781616205188
author:
Barron, James
format:
HardBack
publisher:
Algonquin Books
language:
English
Publication Year:
2017
Pages:
224
Dimensions:
18.03 x 12.95 x 2.79 centimetres
Genre:
Home & Garden, Antiques & Collecting, Stamps
Condition:
New
Availability:
Item usually sent within 10 working days
£15.18

Description

The One-Cent Magenta is a fascinating tale of global history and immense wealth, centered around the world's most sought-after postage stamp. Issued in 1856, this tiny square of faded red paper was once valued at just a penny, but in 2014, it sold at auction for nearly $9.5 million, setting a record for the largest amount paid for a postage stamp. The stamp's history is marked by a series of eccentric characters who have bought, owned, and sold it over the years. From a young boy who discovered it in his uncle's house to a fabulously wealthy Frenchman who hid it from almost everyone, each owner has left their mark on the stamp's story. The One-Cent Magenta is a captivating exploration of the human desire to collect and the intersection of obsessive pursuits and great affluence. Through the lens of this singular stamp, James Barron delves into the world of high-profile stamp collecting, revealing the complexities and contradictions of a pursuit driven by both passion and profit.

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