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 — 1873 Continental Bank Note Co. Issue (Scott 156-166)
3c Green, Double Impression (158j). Clear and dramatic doubling throughout the entire design, wide margins on three sides, quartered cork cancel struck at center still leaves entire design clearly visibleVERY FINE AND CHOICE. THIS IS EASILY THE FINEST EXAMPLE OF THE 1873 3-CENT CONTINENTAL BANK NOTE ISSUE WITH A DOUBLE IMPRESSION. OUR CENSUS CONTAINS ONLY SEVEN EXAMPLES OF THIS GREAT RARITY, AND THIS IS THE ONLY EXAMPLE IN SOUND CONDITION WITH ACCEPTABLE MARGINS.
Our list of double impressions is included as an appendix to this catalogue. Most double impressions occur when the first impression is made and found to be inadequate. The paper is then put in the press a second time, when it receives the heavier impression. It is a common misconception that the weaker impression is the second one.
In many double impressions the alignment between the two impressions is only slightly off, which can cause a blurring effect. In the example offered here there is a clear separation between both impressions.
Our census of Scott 158j, illustrated below, records only seven examples of this rarity. Of the seven, one has a previous certificate as genuine and another as a kiss print (both as sound), but we consider it to be genuine since the P.F. has clarified their standards since that most recent certificate was issued.
Ex Floyd. With 1978 and 2001 P.F. certificates.
