Sale 1159 — 2017 Rarities of the World
Sale Date — Tuesday, 27 June, 2017
Category — 1901 Pan-American Issue Inverts (Scott 294a-295a)
1c Pan-American, Center Inverted (294a). Original gum, deep rich colors and proof-like impressions, almost perfectly centered with wide and balanced marginsEXTREMELY FINE. A BEAUTIFUL ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE ONE-CENT PAN-AMERICAN INVERT WHICH IS GRADED XF 90 BY P.S.E. THIS IS THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED.
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 2017 P.S.E. certificate (OGh, XF 90; SMQ $40,000.00). This is the highest grade awarded and only five others share it.
1c Pan-American, Center Inverted (294a). Barest trace of hinging, deep rich colors, nicely balanced margins side-to-side and top-to-bottomFINE. A DESIRABLE SOUND, LIGHTLY-HINGED 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. The gum on many is heavily hinged or disturbed. This fresh stamp is a notable exception.
With 1995 and 2008 P.F. certificates
1c Pan-American, Center Inverted (294a). Narrow hinge marks at top and bottom, deep rich colors, attractive margins and centering, couple tiny perf tip gum soaks at rightFINE. A DESIRABLE 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. The gum on many is heavily hinged or disturbed. The gum on this example is better than most.
With 1976 P.F. certificate issued to Raymond H. Weill, from whom this was purchased more than 40 years ago
2c Pan-American, Center Inverted (295a). Original gum, lightly hinged, outstanding centering with balanced margins, bright colors and detailed impressions, fresh in every respectEXTREMELY FINE. A BEAUTIFUL, CENTERED ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE 2-CENT PAN-AMERICAN INVERT. THIS MARVELOUS STAMP HAS BEEN AWARDED THE GRADE OF 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. Our Levi records contain the intact block (4), reconstructed block (4), 64 unused singles and 6 used singles, for a total of 72 unused and 6 used. Many of the unused singles have disturbed gum or no gum, and/or are off center to top or top left. This Extremely Fine sound stamp with original gum is the second-highest graded example in the P.S.E. Population Report.
With 2017 P.S.E. certificate (OGph, XF 90; SMQ $110,000.00). Only one has graded 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."