4c Pan-American, Center Inverted (296a). Original gum, lightly hinged, with plate number “1145” and plate letters in selvage at bottom, fresh and bright colors, choice centering, small “W.H.C.” handstamp applied on back of stamp and selvage by Warren H. Colson

EXTREMELY FINE. THIS STAMP, WITH ITS PRISTINE GUM, RICH COLOR, LONG AND FULL PERFORATIONS AND PLATE NUMBER SELVAGE, IS THE FINEST OF ALL EXAMPLES OF THE 4-CENT PAN-AMERICAN INVERT WITH IMPRINT SELVAGE.

Ex John F. Odeneal (Siegel Sale 941, October 3, 2007, lot 1207, $300,000 hammer)

Certified by The Philatelic Foundation in 1991 as “Genuine, previously hinged” (certificate 241269, which no longer accompanies stamp). With 2013 P.F. certificate as “Genuine, previously hinged” with a grade of Very Fine 80. With 2013 Professional Stamp Experts certificate (1270177), which states “genuine unused, o.g., previously hinged” with a grade of Very Fine 80, Mint OGph.

The grade of Very Fine 80 is the second highest for Scott 296a in the PSE Population Report, and this is the only stamp to receive it. One higher grade (XF 90) has been awarded to a single without the plate number selvage. After the 80 and 90 point stamps, there are two stamps graded Fine 70.

The 2013 Scott U.S. Specialized Catalogue and Stamp Market Quarterly values for Scott 296a in Very Fine 80 are $75,000 and $270,000, respectively, but neither conveys the true value of this stamp, which has both philatelic significance, by virtue of the plate number selvage, and high-grade condition status.

Click here for an introduction to the 1901 Pan-American Issue: http://siegelauctions.com/2013/1052/1901_Intro.pdf

Click here for an introduction to the 4c Pan-American Invert: http://siegelauctions.com/2013/1052/296a_Intro.pdf

Image Magnifier / Download

PSE Population Report

Market data

Power Search for Comparables