6c Dull Brown, USIR Watermark (271a). Original gum, clearly showing part of "R" of watermark, choice centering, small thin spot

VERY FINE APPEARANCE. A RARE ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE 6-CENT 1895 ISSUE WITH "USIR" WATERMARK.

The "USIR" (United States Internal Revenue) watermark error occurred when a supply of paper reserved for revenue stamp production was used for printing the 6c and 8c postage stamps. The 6c "USIR" Watermark error is considerably rarer than the 8c, especially in original-gum condition. We record less than a dozen original-gum copies. However, we are not certain how many of the stamps in multiples have the "I" or "R" portion of the watermark.

With 2010 P.F. certificate

Image Magnifier / Download

Power Search for Comparables