Sale 913 — 2006 Rarities of the World
Sale Date — Saturday, 13 May, 2006
Category — Pan-American Issue
1c Pan-American, Center Inverted (294a). Slightly disturbed original gum, h.r., deep rich colors and proof-like impressions, choice centering with well-balanced margins, trivial short perf at upper leftVERY FINE APPEARING EXAMPLE OF THE RARE ONE-CENT PAN-AMERICAN INVERT.
With 2006 P.F. certificate
1c Pan-American, Center Inverted (294a). Slightly disturbed original gum, deep rich colorsFINE EXAMPLE OF THE ONE-CENT PAN-AMERICAN ISSUE.
With 2005 P.F. certificate
1c Pan-American, Center Inverted (294a). Deep rich colors, centered to bottom right, bold cork cancel leaves invert clearly visibleFINE APPEARING USED EXAMPLE OF THE ONE-CENT PAN-AMERICAN INVERT.
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. According to the revised Johl-King book (p.7) "The first known copies of this error were discovered at Bessemer, Alabama, by the Carrell Jewelry Company on some circulars just prior to mailing them. When they realized the find they had made they lost no time in removing the stamps from the circulars and thus saved them to philately." Three covers are known with one each used from Bessemer Ala., Oakland Cal. and St. Louis Mo.
The 1c Pan-American Invert in used condition is considerably scarcer than unused. With the increased collector demand for 20th century stamps, especially in used condition, the price of a used 1c Pan-American Invert has surged ahead from $7,000 in 2001 to $12,000 in 2006.
With 2006 P.F. certificate
2c Pan-American, Center Inverted (295a). Original gum, barest trace of hinging, incredibly bright and fresh colorA FINE AND REMARKABLY FRESH LIGHTLY-HINGED ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE 2-CENT PAN-AMERICAN INVERT. MUCH BETTER COLOR THAN USUAL.
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. Estimates of surviving examples range from an early count (1945) of 55 unused and 2-3 used to the 1998 Datz estimate of 150 unused, 3-5 used and a block of four intact. 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.
With 1968 and 1997 P.F. certificates. 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." The stamp offered here has fresh lightly-hinged gum.