5c Green & Black on Violet Paper, Center Inverted (RB5c). Unused (no gum), deep rich color and sharp proof-like impression, thin spot

VERY FINE APPEARANCE. THIS IS THE CELEBRATED UNIQUE 5-CENT PROPRIETARY INVERT. ONE OF THE GREATEST RARITIES OF UNITED STATES PHILATELY AND THE KEY TO ANY COMPLETE REVENUE COLLECTION OR COLLECTION OF INVERTS.

It is believed that this stamp was purchased from Hiram Deats by the noted Philadelphia stamp dealer, Philip H. Ward Jr., for his personal collection. The stamp then passed into the hands of famed New Orleans dealers Raymond and Roger Weill, who purchased Ward's collection intact from his estate. They retained the stamp for more than twenty years. The late Robert Zoellner acquired the stamp in the 1989 Weill Stock sale for $77,000 (including premium), which was the standing record price for a United States revenue stamp. That record held until this stamp was offered in our 2000 Zoellner sale, where it realized $120,000 hammer.

It is worth noting that the 5c Proprietary Invert is the only face-different postage or revenue stamp in United States philately (excluding Carriers and Locals, and the Thomas E. Wilson M.D. Private Die Medicine stamp). All other unique listings are varieties of a more common design.

Ex Deats, Ward, Weill Brothers (where illustrated on the front cover) and Zoellner. Illustrated in Linn's Philatelic Gems 5 on p. 140. With 1989 P.F. certificate.

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