Sale 1239 — 2021 Rarities of the World
Sale Date — Thursday, 24 June, 2021
Category — 1902 Pan-American Issue Stamps, First Day Covers and Inverts
1c Pan-American, Center Inverted (294a). Block of four, original gum, lightly hinged, deep rich colors and proof-like impressions, choice centering, bottom right stamp trivial crease not mentioned on accompanying certificateEXTREMELY FINE. A SUPERB BLOCK OF FOUR OF THE ONE-CENT PAN-AMERICAN INVERT, WITH EXTRAORDINARY CENTERING. RARE WITH SUCH CHOICE CENTERING
The Pan-American inverts were the first bicolored postage stamps produced by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing and the first invert postage errors issued by the Post Office since the 1869 Pictorials. According to Johl, the 1c Pan-American Inverts were found in at least four different post offices around the country soon after release of the issue in May 1901, including Bessemer Ala., Richmond Va., Utica N.Y. and Connecticut. Thirteen blocks of four, a block of six and a block of 20 are recorded in our Levi records -- the large block offered in our 2018 sale of the William H. Gross United States Stamp Treasures. Some of the blocks may have been broken into singles.
Ex Crocker. With 1989 P.F. certificate as sound. For a history of the 1c Pan-American inverts see https://siegelauctions.com/2018/1188/101.pdf
