1c Blue, Ty. Ib (5A). Position 5R1E, based on our familiarity with Plate 1 Early singles and multiples with original gum, we are confident that the gum on this stamp is original -- it is described on 1988 and 1989 P.F. certificates as regummed and as original gum on 2000 P.S.E. certificate -- large margins to in at top including part of adjoining stamp at left, crisp early shade and impression

A RARE ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE 1851 ONE-CENT TYPE Ib IMPERFORATE. THIS IS WITHOUT QUESTION ONE OF THE RAREST OF ALL UNITED STATES CLASSICS TO OBTAIN IN UNUSED CONDITION.

Type Ib was produced only as an imperforate stamp. Six positions on Plate 1 Early furnished stamps qualifying as Type Ib--Positions 3-6R and 8-9R--distinguished by the complete design at top and nearly complete design at bottom. When first entered on the plate, these six positions (as well as 7R1E) had the complete design at top and bottom. However, unlike 7R, small portions of the bottoms were burnished away.

A thorough search of past auctions and our own extensive records produced a result that surprised us. The unique block of eight from Plate 1E contains Position 7R1E (Scott 5) and five Type Ib stamps (with faults). The famous ex-Waterhouse copy of Position 7R1E is joined with a pair of Type Ib stamps (this unused unit is currently owned by William H. Gross). The multiples, containing a total of seven Type Ib stamps, really do not fit the needs of collectors who want a single unused example of Scott 5A. We located only four other unused singles, and we were surprised at the conspicuous absence of any unused Scott 5A stamps in major name sales, including Wagshal. The last we offered before this was in our 2008 Hoffman sale.

Ex Hall. With 1988 and 1989 P.F. certificates as regummed. With 2000 P.S.E. certificate as original gum. Scott Retail $12,000.00 as no gum and $32,500.00 with original gum.

Image Magnifier / Download

Power Search for Comparables