U.S. 1871 Large Persian Rug revenue stamp in June 24-25 Cherrystone auction of U.S. and worldwide stamps and covers

By Charles Snee

Cherrystone Philatelic Auctioneers will tempt bidders with more than 1,450 lots of United States and worldwide stamps and covers during a June 24-25 sale at its gallery in Teaneck, N.J.

The two-day auction will take place in four parts, with sessions each day at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Eastern Time.

According to Cherrystone, the auction will open with United States stamps and covers. There will be numerous rarities and stamps with graded certificates.

“There are collections of European Countries, British Commonwealth, ‘Japan Wars 1894-1911’ formed by Myron Palay, excellent selections of South and Central American countries, Dr. Richard Mallow’s collection of Poland and many others,” Cherrystone said. “As always, there are nearly 150 large lots and collections, ranging from single country albums to specialized collections, multi-carton worldwide properties and excellent Postal History lots.”

During the leadoff session on the morning of June 24, an impressive U.S. revenue issue will cross the auction block: a used 1871 $500 red orange, green and black stamp from the Second Issue (Scott R133), known to collectors as the Large Persian Rug because of its size and ornate design that resembles a rug.

Cherrystone describes the stamp as “bearing deep, vibrant colors and a light, unobtrusive manuscript pen cancel at center” and notes that it has a light horizontal crease.

“The vast majority of known $500 Second Issue stamps exhibit cut cancels, significant faults, or have been altered through repairs or reperforation,” Cherrystone said. “The example offered here is exceptional in comparison.”

According to Cherrystone, the Large Persian Rug “was part of the ornate Second Issue revenue series, created specifically to combat counterfeiting of the simpler, single-color First Issue. This striking tricolored design, engraved in red orange, green and black, was not only visually impressive but technologically unprecedented: it was the first tricolored engraved stamp issued anywhere in the world.”

“Intended for exceptionally high-value transactions, such as deeds over $500,000 or estates exceeding $1 million, only 400 examples were printed, with 210 used between 1871 and 1877,” Cherrystone said. “Today, an estimated 80 to 90 survive in any condition, making this one of the rarest and most visually iconic stamps in American philately.”

The stamp is accompanied by a 2025 expertizing certificate from the Philatelic Foundation in New York City.

The Scott Specialized Catalogue of United States Stamps and Covers values the stamp at $17,500. A footnote explains that the catalog value is for a “very fine appearing example with a light circular cut cancel or with minor flaws.”

Cherrystone is offering this 1871 $500 Large Persian Rug revenue stamp with an estimate of $13,500 to $15,000.

A highlight on the second day of the auction, June 25, is a collection of Japanese Offices in Korea military mail mailed during 1904-10.

The 122 covers and cards are “displayed on extensively written-up exhibit pages, covering Japanese military operations in Korea during the Russo-Japanese War, clearly identifying departure markings, destinations, Naval units, Military Police, Topographical and Transportation units, Field Post Offices (large and small), many different types of markings … plus many other interesting and undoubtedly scarce items,” according to Cherrystone.

Cherrystone is offering this fascinating collection with an estimate of $3,500 to $4,000.

The catalog for the June 24-25 U.S. and worldwide stamps and postal history sale can be viewed and is available for download on the Cherrystone website, with online bidding options available through Cherrystone and Stamp Auction Network.

Connect with Linn’s Stamp News: 

    Sign up for our newsletter