Top 10 Highest Prices Paid for £5 Orange Stamps

The £5 Orange Stamp is one of the most iconic GB stamps of the Victorian era. A large and exquisite stamp that collectors fight to add to their collection.

We have picked out some of the highest ten examples that have sold in recent times to give you a better understanding of the average value of this stamp. 

1 – Glasgow Edition

Sparks Auctions sold this example in 2021, described as used with pen cancel and Glasgow c.d.s. dated OCT.26.1894. Pulled perf at bottom, otherwise a well-centred and a fine stamp … for C$950.00 (£553)

2- Gloucester 02

Catawiki seller carlos151060 recently sold this example for US $1,100 plus $15 shipping (£851). They described the stamp as having strong colour, as well perforated, and as beautifully cancelled Gloucester 30 OC. 02.

3- Overprinted

Dauwalders … Overprinted SPECIMEN. Fine; without gum; recently on sale at £1,395 plus postage.

4- Watermark Anchor

An example from a Grosvenor Philatelics 2012 auction. Described as watermark anchor on blued paper; used with HOPE ST. GLASGOW/AU31/82 c.d.s., with a pressed-out crease and central repair to left of the cancel.

Fine appearance; with Brandon certificiate (2007). Sold for £1450. 

5- Manchester Edition

1st November 2018. A superb Queen Victoria £5 Orange was one of the highlights of Tennants Auctioneers’ Stamps, Postcards & Postal History Sale on 31st October, 2018. Described as a well-centred, fine used example, with Manchester cancellation mark for 12 June 1893. The stamp sold for £1,500.

6- Sold in 2026

British-Stamps offered this example, described as a very fine used well centred example, and priced at £1,745 plus postage.

7- Birmingham Edition

This single stamp offered in a Grosvenor Philatelics 2012 auction, and described as watermark anchor on blued paper, DD; a good used stamp with BIRMINGHAM T.O./DE 8/87 c.d.s. and boxed C.H.B./G.P.O.; slightly soiled; with a B.P.A. certificate (1957); sold for £1850.

8- First Year of Usage

Mulready Philatelics recently had this specmen, described as very good/fine used example of this very rare stamp, the £5 Orange on Blued Paper.

Lettered DM with fine colour and bluing and cancelled with a VERE STREET CDS for 20 November 1882 - the first year of usage. With Certificate which states ‘fine but I see the faintest hint of a pressed wrinkle on reverse.’ A very rare stamp so fine. Asking price was £5,995 with free postage.

9- The 1900 Printing

Embassy Philatelists recently offered this example, described as a mint, brilliant extra fresh L/M with fantastic gum & lovely colour (from the 1900 printing). A bottom marginal; fabulous quality… for £9,750

10- Block of Nine

At Grosvenor Philatelic Auctions sale No.76 (in 2012) this block of nine from the top left corner of the sheet; watermark anchor, on blued paper, AA-CC; and overprinted SPECIMEN, sold for £24,000.

The catalogue described the block as having a vertical crease at left, gum wrinkles, but otherwise fine and fresh; and a most attractive and rare multiple. 

Get price lists, auction details and events delivered direct to your in-box… 

sign up to receive the free 'Buy & Sell Stamps' newsletters today!