Lot# 3441

one of the most celebrated rarities of the People’s Republic of China and widely recognized as part of the “Top Ten Rarities” of PRC philately. The issue was originally prepared to commemorate the 35th Anniversary of the October Revolution, but was withdrawn on the eve of release by order of the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications when the inscription was deemed inappropriate for the intended commemorative theme; the entire issue was ordered destroyed, with only a very small number of sets surviving after a few had been sold in advance or were not successfully recalled. This set is mint and exceptionally well preserved, displaying vibrant colors and outstanding freshness. Previously offered in the Hong Kong Auction on 1 November 1995, and accompanied by a cut-out from the 1995 auction catalogue.