'Incredibly rare' stamps to sell for up to £200k

A block of rare postage stamps, found hidden in a cupboard, could be worth up to £200,000 when it is sold at auction.

The Penny Blacks, the world's first type of adhesive postage stamp, were discovered at the Dublin General Post Office in 1905.

The collection of almost 200 stamps has since been broken up, except the block of 12, which have remained intact and are now being put up for sale.

Mike Hall, from JC Auctions in Bristol, said: "A huge block of 12 is incredibly rare. Preservation this close to original condition, in a block of this size, is unheard of. These 12 have the deepest, richest hue of any Penny Black - collectors adore that."

The first Penny Black stamp was posted in Bath in 1840, according to Bath Postal Museum.

Hall said the block is one of the largest in existence, but what sets it apart is its condition and colour.

Experts estimate the stamps will sell for between £150,000 to £200,000, however it last sold for £480,000 when the stamp market was at its peak.

Follow BBC Bristol on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630.