Sale 1251 — The John B. Field Collection of Superb United States Stamps
Sale Date — Wednesday-Thursday, 2-3 March, 2022
Category — 1901 Pan-American Issue Inverts (Scott 294a, 295a)
1c Green & Black, Pan-American, Center Inverted (294a). Original gum, very lightly hinged, deep rich colors and proof-like impressions, far better centering than normally seenEXTREMELY FINE. A GORGEOUS LIGHTLY HINGED AND CENTERED EXAMPLE OF THE ONE-CENT PAN-AMERICAN INVERT. SCARCE IN SUCH CHOICE CONDITION.
According to Johl, the 1c Pan-American Inverts were found in at least four different post offices around the country soon after release of the issue in May 1901, including Bessemer Ala., Richmond Va., Utica N.Y. and Connecticut.
With 1989, 2006 P.F. and 2008 P.S.E. certificates (VF-XF 85; SMQ $19,500.00). Only six grade higher (all at 90) and only four others share this desirable grade.
2c Carmine & Black, Pan-American, Center Inverted (295a). Original gum, lightly hinged, choice centering with wide and balanced margins, bright colors and detailed impressions, fresh in every respectEXTREMELY FINE. A SPECTACULAR ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE 2-CENT PAN-AMERICAN INVERT. THIS MARVELOUS STAMP IS GRADED XF 90 BY P.S.E.
The 2c is the rarest of the three Pan-American Inverts. It is surmised that approximately 200 were issued through the post office, with two distinct shades known. A survey of the Levi records produced 64 single unused stamps (excluding the block of four and rejoined block of four). Many of these were described in auction catalogues more than 40 years ago; therefore, the determination of soundness is uncertain. However, assuming the old descriptions were reaffirmed today, approximately 45% of singles across all centering categories have faults. Of the single stamps with Extremely Fine centering (a minimum grade of 85), we counted 13 sound and 9 with faults. This Extremely Fine sound stamp with original gum is the second-highest graded example in the P.S.E. Population Report.
Ex Odeneal. With 2013 P.S.E. certificate (XF 90; SMQ $110,000.00). Only one grades higher, at Superb 98, and three other examples share this grade. Scott footnote states "Almost all unused copies of No. 295a have partial or disturbed gum. Values are for examples with full original gum that is slightly disturbed."