4c Pan-American, Center Inverted (296a). Original gum, lightly hinged, fresh and bright colors, nearly perfect centering with well-proportioned margins

EXTREMELY FINE GEM. THIS IS WITHOUT QUESTION ONE OF THE FINEST EXAMPLES OF THE 4-CENT PAN-AMERICAN INVERT IN EXISTENCE. THIS REMARKABLE STAMP IS GRADED EXTREMELY FINE 90 BY THE PHILATELIC FOUNDATION. THE 4-CENT IS BY FAR THE MOST DIFFICULT OF THE PAN-AMERICAN INVERTS TO OBTAIN IN SUCH CHOICE SOUND CONDITION.

The 4c stamp portrays an electric automobile, known at the time as the "Electric Vehicle Service," as depicted on the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad brochure from which the engraving was made. In the background one can see the dome of the Capitol. One of the two men seated at the front was Samuel B. Hege, B&O's passenger agent, so this stamp actually depicts a living person in violation of the law.

The 4c Pan-American Invert was a special printing and not regularly issued. Examples were distributed through two official channels, and the gum on the majority of stamps without "Specimen" overprint was disturbed. In fact, because the stamps were removed from mounting paper, they are generally thinned or have seriously disturbed gum. This is a rare exception.

Ex Drucker. With 1987, 2002 and 2012 P.F. certificates (XF 90)

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