Sale 1027 — The Natalee Grace Collection of Used U.S. Stamps, Part Two: 1869 to Pan-American Issues
Sale Date — Wednesday, 19 September, 2012
Category — 1869 Pictorial Issue Inverts (Scott 119b-121b)
15c Brown & Blue, Center Double, One Inverted (119c). Choice centering, rich colors and detailed impressions, light strike of circle of wedges cancel leaves design clearly visible, doubling of design clearly visible in margins at left and at rightEXTREMELY FINE. THIS STAMP IS ONE OF THE FINEST EXAMPLES OF ALL 15-CENT 1869 PICTORIAL INVERTS. IT IS ALSO THE FINEST EXAMPLE OF SCOTT 119c -- CENTER DOUBLE WITH ONE INVERTED -- IN EXISTENCE. ONLY THREE EXAMPLES OF THIS RARITY ARE RECORDED.
In an article in Chronicle No. 181, February 1999, Scott R. Trepel examines the three confirmed examples of the Scott 119c variety and offers a theory as to how they were produced. Using computer imaging software and high-resolution scans, he makes the argument that the upright impression of the vignette, which in all three cases is faint, was created as a result of offset when the sheet was accidentally folded over on itself and stacked. His work is reproduced at left.
The three recorded examples of Scott 119c are illustrated below. Only one other is potentially sound. Census No. 119c-CAN-01. Ex Newbury and Drucker. With 2009 P.F. certificate. Scott Catalogue value has not changed in almost a decade.
