GB QV 1880 SG147var 6d Grey AK Pl 17 Marginal Number Imprimatur Mint So Rare

Great Britain 1880 6d grey Plate 17, SG147var.
An exceptional and rare imperforate imprimatur of the 6d grey, Plate 17, lettered 'AK', featuring the top sheet margin with the bold plate number “17” clearly displayed above the design.
A very fine unused, with original gum, example preserved in pristine quality.
This example of the special proof pulled from the approved printing plate before production is unique in private hands.
Provenance: Crawford, Bates, Beaumont & Latto collections.
A true gem of philatelic significance, both historically and aesthetically. A once-in-a-generation opportunity to acquire one of the rarest printing imprimaturs from the Victorian era.
Last sold by Stanley Gibbons in 2012 for £9,750. Comes with original Stanley Gibbons sales card.
A significant addition to your portfolio.