Sale 1024 — The Natalee Grace Collection of Used Stamps of the United States, Part One: 1847-1868 Issues
Sale Date — Thursday, 7 June, 2012
Category — 1c 1861-66 Issue (Scott 63)
1c Blue, Printed on Both Sides (63e). Back printed inverted in relation to the front, strong impression of two different positions on back, normal impression on front with neat cork cancel, few slightly irregular perfs not mentioned on accompanying certificate, tiny pinholes at top and bottomFINE APPEARANCE. ONE OF TWO RECORDED EXAMPLES OF THE ONE-CENT 1861 ISSUE PRINTED ON BOTH SIDES. THIS IS ONE OF THE GREATEST RARITIES OF THE 1861-66 ISSUE.
Engraved stamps printed on both sides usually have a poor impression on one side and a second, complete impression on the other. They probably occurred when a sheet was printed without proper moistening, which prevented the paper from picking up the ink in the recessed lines of the engraved plate. If the sheet was turned 180 degrees before being put on the press a second time, the two impressions will be inverted in relation to each other.
Our list of printed-on-both-sides stamps is included as an appendix to this catalogue. Only one other example of this rarity is known (shown below). Both stamps originally formed a pair, and they have similar perforations and the same tiny pinholes.
Ex Philipp, Clark, Isleham, Donaldson and Cunliffe. With 1966 and 2009 P.F. certificates. Scott Catalogue value is based on the hammer price of this copy in a June 2009 auction. The other has not been offered at auction since 1996.
