1c Blue, Type IV, Printed on Both Sides (9a). The back has an impression of the top part of the design printed inverted relative to the normal impression on the other side, normal side with large margins to just touched with part of adjoining stamps at top and left, rich color, neat strike of large Boston "Paid" grid cancel, light corner crease at top right

VERY FINE. THE ONLY RECORDED EXAMPLE OF THE ONE-CENT 1851 ISSUE PRINTED ON BOTH SIDES. A PHENOMENAL RARITY.

Engraved stamps printed on both sides usually have a poor impression on one side and a second, complete impression on the other. They probably occurred when a sheet was printed without proper moistening, which prevented the paper from picking up the ink in the recessed lines of the engraved plate. If the sheet was turned 180 degrees before being put on the press a second time, the two impressions will be inverted in relation to each other. The variety is known on the three denominations issued in 1851--1c, 3c and 12c--but not on the imperforate stamps issued in 1855 (10c) and 1856 (5c). This is the only recorded example of the 1c 1851 design printed on both sides.

Ex Wagshal and "Natalee Grace". With 1977 P.F. certificate.

Image Magnifier / Download

Power Search for Comparables