Sale 1057 — The Curtis Collection: 1847-1901 Issues
Sale Date — Thursday, 7 November, 2013
Category — 1901 Pan-American Issue, incl. Inverts (Scott 294-299)
1c Pan-American, Center Inverted (294a). Detailed impressions and rich colors, tiny corner crease at bottom right is barely detectableFINE APPEARING 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.
With 1994 P.F. certificate
2c Pan-American, Center Inverted (295a). Slightly disturbed original gum, h.r., bright colors, perfs just touch at topFINE ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE 2-CENT PAN-AMERICAN INVERT.
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.
With 1990 P.F. certificate. 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."
4c Pan-American, Center Inverted (296a). Disturbed original gum, margins to touched at bottom, thin spot at upper right and tiny perf tear at top leftFINE APPEARING ORIGINAL-GUM 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 in the front is Samuel P. Hege, 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 the stamps were removed from mounting paper, they are generally thinned or have seriously disturbed gum.
The Scott Catalogue value is for a stamp with slightly disturbed gum.
1c Pan-American (294). Mint N.H., Jumbo margins and precise centering, lovely bright colors, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2010 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95 Jumbo; SMQ $280.00 as 95, $1,300.00 as 98)
2c Pan-American (295). Mint N.H., bright color, choice balanced margins, Extremely Fine Gem, a beautiful stamp, with 1996 P.F. certificate
4c Pan-American (296). Mint N.H., rich colors, balanced margins, Extremely Fine
8c Pan-American (298). Mint N.H., beautiful margins and essentially perfect centering, strong colors on fresh paperEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A TRULY SUPERB EXAMPLE OF THE 8-CENT PAN-AMERICAN ISSUE WHICH HAS BEEN GRADED SUPERB 98 BY P.S.E.
With 2010 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98; SMQ $3,950.00). This is the highest grade awarded and it is shared by only six other stamps
10c Pan-American (299). Mint N.H., fresh and bright color, choice centering, Extremely Fine, with 2000 (for vertical pair) and 2013 P.F. certificates (XF 90)
10c Pan-American (299). Intense colors and impressions, wide balanced margins, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2006 P.S.E. certificate (OGph, Superb 98; SMQ $550.00), this is the highest grade awarded and only one other shares it