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 — 1882-88 American Bank Note Company Issues (Scott 205-218)
3c Blue Green, Double Impression (207c). Clear doubling of the stamp at bottom, tied by light strike of cork cancel , neat "Mechum's River Va. May 29, 1883" circular datestamp on cover to Cobham Depot Va., few perf faults at bottom, cover slightly reduced at leftFINE APPEARANCE. ONE OF ONLY THREE RECORDED EXAMPLES OF THIS DOUBLE IMPRESSION RARITY, AND THE ONLY EXAMPLE ON COVER. A GREAT RARITY.
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.
Our census of Scott 207c includes only the three examples, illustrated below and available at our website at http://www.siegelauctions.com/dynamic/census/207c/207c.pdf . No others are contained in the records of the Philatelic Foundation, and we did not find any in our search of past auction catalogues.
Ex Wagshal. With 1989 P.F. certificate. Listed but unpriced in Scott as used, and unlisted in Scott as on cover. The example with part plate number realized $25,000 hammer in one of our 2004 auctions, and the other off-cover example realized $9,500 hammer in our October 2006 sale.
