North Point Ho Po, Retired Postman's Collection: 1980 T46 Year of the Monkey Stamp (Four-block) Buyback Record
In the recycling business, we occasionally encounter a type of customer who isn't just "decluttering their home," but rather letting go of collections they've amassed over decades, reaching a certain juncture in life. Uncle Ho is one such person.
Uncle Ho, seventy-three years old, lived in North Point for most of his life. He joined the Post Office as a postman in 1975 and retired in 2005. Having worked as a postman for thirty years, his emotional connection to stamps ran much deeper than that of an ordinary collector—he had handled countless stamps and consistently collected them himself. After retirement, his eyesight began to deteriorate. Coupled with his wife's passing two years ago, his pension barely covered his living expenses alone. However, he recently needed knee surgery, and the medical costs became a burden.
"These stamps have been with me for over forty years. It's not that I can't bear to part with them; I just want to find someone who appreciates their value," Uncle Ho said as he walked in, holding an old stamp album. His movements were slow, but every page was meticulously protected by transparent sleeves.
Condition Inspection: Original Gum, Block of Four, Astounding Preservation
Opening the third page of the stamp album, a T46 Gengshen Year of the Monkey block of four lay quietly inside a protective sleeve. The first glance immediately showed that this item was well-preserved—vibrant colors, full gold powder, and flat edges. Item-by-item inspection:
- Original Gum Condition: The gum layer on the back is complete and smooth, with no yellowing or hinge marks, classified as "mint original gum" (MOG).
- Perforations: All four sides of the perforations are complete, with no missing or bent teeth.
- Coloration: Gold powder oxidation is extremely slight, and the monkey's eyes are clear.
- Block Integrity: The connecting points of the block of four are intact, with no breaks or repairs.
Given this state of preservation, it can be graded as "fine" to "superb" according to the stamp collecting market standards.
2026 Buyback Price
The buyback price range in Hong Kong for a T46 Gengshen Year of the Monkey block of four (mint original gum) in May 2026: HK$45,000-65,000, with slight adjustments based on condition. Uncle Ho's stamp was valued at HK$55,000.
Uncle Ho did not immediately agree after hearing the offer, saying he needed to go home and think about it. Three days later, he called to confirm the transaction, adding, "The money for the surgery is covered; you've put my mind at ease."
Do you have old stamp albums at home? Feel free to WhatsApp 98342057 to send photos for consultation. Gujin Jianbao provides free stamp valuation.
