BELGIUM – 1849, 10c Epaulettes in strip of six – worth US.$.293,000

Belgium 1849 10c Epaulettes in strip of six is the first Belgium stamps, bore no country name. The reason for this is that these items were only intended for postal use within Belgium. The first Belgian stamps were engraved, imperforate, and printed on paper with a framed monogram watermark. The image of the king appears to be in the center, unsupported, and contrasted by a subtle floral design tapestry, ornamental but barely noticed and not distracting. The strip of six Belgium 1849 10c Epaulettes stamps was sold for $293,000 by David Feldman in December, 2011. This multiple is the most important known.