Sale 1134 — The Alan Collection of United States Stamps
Sale Date — Wednesday, 14 September, 2016
Category — 1901 Pan-American Issue, including Inverts (Scott 294-299)
1c-2c, 8c-10c Pan-American (294-295, 298-299). Choice group of four unused graded stamps, including 1c (Mint N.H., XF-Superb 95), 2c (OGph, XF-Superb 95 Jumbo), 8c (OGph, XF-Superb 95) and 10c (barely hinged, P.F. graded XF-Superb 95), Extremely Fine Gems, certificates from 2006-2009, total SMQ counting the 10c as P.S.E. graded $985.00
4c Pan-American (296). Mint N.H., balanced margins with outstanding centering, fresh colors, Extremely Fine Gem, with 1992 P.F. and 2006 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $950.00)
5c Pan-American (297). Mint N.H., outstanding centering, rich color on post-office fresh paper, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2005 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $1,100.00)
1c Pan-American, Center Inverted (294a). Original gum, deep rich colors, choice centering and margins, couple small central thin spotsVERY FINE APPEARING ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE ONE-CENT PAN-AMERICAN INVERT.
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 2010 P.F. certificate
2c Pan-American, Center Inverted (295a). Original gum, attractive centering and margins, small gum covered thin spot at top center and tiny repair below "U" of "United"VERY FINE APPEARING ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE 2-CENT PAN-AMERICAN INVERT.
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.
With 2009 P.S.E. certificate (OGh, G-VG 40)
4c Pan-American, Center Inverted (296a). Disturbed original gum, rich colors, choice centering with well-balanced margins, thin spot at centerVERY FINE APPEARING EXAMPLE OF THE 4-CENT PAN-AMERICAN INVERT.
The 4c stamp portrays an electric automobile, known at the time as the "Electric Vehicle Service," as depicted on the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad brochure from which the engraving was made. In the background one can see the dome of the Capitol. One of the two men seated at the front was Samuel B. Hege, B&O's passenger agent, so this stamp actually depicts a living person in violation of the law.
The 4c Pan-American Invert was a special printing and not regularly issued. Examples were distributed through two official channels, and the gum on the majority of stamps without "Specimen" overprint was disturbed. In fact, because 97 of the stamps were removed from an album page, they are generally thinned or have seriously disturbed gum.
Ex "Newport." With 2007 P.F. certificate