1c Blue, Ty. Ib (5A). Position 6R1E, large part of top sheet margin, huge margins on other three sides, wonderful bright early shade and proof-like impression, cancelled by blue Philadelphia circular datestamp

EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SPECTACULAR COMBINATION OF CONDITION, COLOR AND RARITY. POSITIONS 6R AND 8R FURNISHED THE BEST TYPE Ib EXAMPLES, SHOWING THE COMPLETE DESIGN AT TOP AND NEARLY COMPLETE DESIGN AT BOTTOM. THIS IS EASILY ONE OF THE FINEST EXAMPLES OF THIS TYPE IN EXISTENCE. A REMARKABLE STAMP IN EVERY RESPECT.

Type Ib was produced only as an imperforate stamp and does not have a perforated counterpart. Six positions on Plate 1 Early furnished stamps qualifying as Type Ib -- Positions 3-6R and 8-9R -- distinguished by the complete design at top and nearly complete design at bottom. When first entered on the plate, these six positions (as well as 7R1E) had the complete design at top and bottom. However, unlike 7R, small portions of the bottoms were burnished away. Positions 6R and 8R had less of the bottom erased than the other Type Ib positions, and for this reason they are more desirable examples of the type.

All Type Ib stamps are very scarce, and the two best examples (6R and 8R) are rare. These top-row positions usually have an ample top margin, but frequently the margins are close or cutting into the sides or bottom. A Type Ib with large margins all around is a great rarity, particularly in sound condition.

Ex Zoellner and "Natalee Grace". With 1987 P.F. certificate for pair from which this single originates and 2009 P.F. certificate as single.

Image Magnifier / Download

Power Search for Comparables