Sale 1144 — Smithsonian National Postal Museum Benefit Auction
Sale Date — Tuesday, 13 December, 2016
Category — 1c 1851-56 Issue, Types III-IIIa (Scott 8-8A)
1c Blue, Ty. III (8). Position 82L4, large margins all around, wonderful dark Plate 4 shade which is nicely complemented by red "U.S. Mail" New York carrier datestamp, clearly showing breaks at top and bottom (the defining characteristic of the type)EXTREMELY FINE. A STUNNING EXAMPLE OF THE 1851 IMPERFORATE ONE-CENT TYPE III WITH A RED CARRIER CANCELLATION.
Type III is defined by breaks in the outer lines at both top and bottom. Many Type III stamps have breaks that were created or enlarged by plate wear. Since the wear occurred over a period of time, the majority of stamps of this type (both unused and used) has small breaks in at least one line. This stamp is notable both for its overall condition and also for the clear breaks which are evident at both top and bottom. It should also be considered extremely rare with a red cancellation -- most have either black cancels or occasionally a blue cancel, neither of which stands out from the design as prominently as this red carrier datestamp.
Ex Dauer. With 2003 and 2008 P.F. certificates
