3c Claret, Type II, Double Impression (11Ae). Very pronounced doubling of "U.S. Postage" at top, two large margins to in at right and bottom, rich color which takes on a blurry appearance from the doubling, town circular datestamp cancel

FINE. AN EXTREMELY RARE EXAMPLE OF THE 1851 3-CENT TYPE II IMPERFORATE WITH DOUBLE IMPRESSION. THE 3-CENT IS THE ONLY DENOMINATION OF THE 1851-56 ISSUE KNOWN WITH A DOUBLE IMPRESSION AND THIS IS ONE OF TWO OR THREE RECORDED EXAMPLES. AN IMPORTANT CLASSIC RARITY.

Most double impressions occur when the first impression is made and found to be inadequate. The paper is then put in the press a second time, where it receives the heavier impression (similar to the printed on both sides variety). It is a common misconception that the weaker impression is the second one. The newly certified example offered here is only the second we have offered. The other is ex Wagshal and was most recently offered in our 2012 sale of the "Natalee Grace" collection (Sale 1024, lot 41). That example realized $26,000 hammer despite small creases. Stanley M. Piller wrote that Dr. Carroll Chase stated that he was aware of an example from Marshall, Mich. (Chronicle 120, p. 257), but we cannot locate confirming evidence of that stamp.

With 2021 P.F. certificate

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