Dr. M. A. Simmons, Iuka Miss., 1c Black, Watermarked (RS223d). Traces of original gum, intense shade and detailed impression, typical centering for this difficult issue, completely sound

FINE. ONLY SIX EXAMPLES OF THE SIMMONS IUKA ISSUE ON WATERMARKED PAPER ARE RECORDED, AND ONLY THREE ARE SOUND. ONE OF THE GREAT PRIVATE DIE MEDICINE STAMP RARITIES.

The Dr. Simmons stamps were originally engraved and printed with the Iuka inscription. After the firm moved to St. Louis, the inscription was changed. The "Iuka" stamps were normally printed on silk paper, and the "St. Louis" stamps on Bureau watermarked paper. The "Iuka "on watermarked paper is a great rarity. Richard Friedberg offers the theory that the first supply delivered by the Bureau was printed with the "Iuka" inscription, and that Simmons returned the stamps with a request to change the address to St. Louis.

The Aldrich book records six examples, of which three are potentially sound. We have offered only one other since keeping computerized records -- the ex-Lilly, Tolman and "Scarsdale" copy -- with similar centering and top left corner sheet selvage. The 1991 Joyce sale had one, with similar centering and a thin spot. We have been unable to locate any others in the past several decades of auctions.

Ex Joyce and Inman. With 1993 P.F. certificate

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