1c Blue, Quasi-Type Ia (18 var). Position 56L12 which shows complete design at bottom and erasures of part of the design at top, also a double transfer, rich color nicely complemented by red New York City carrier datestamp

VERY FINE. A BEAUTIFUL USED EXAMPLE OF POSITION 56L12, WHICH PRODUCED A DESIGN TYPE THAT DEFIES CURRENT SCOTT CLASSIFICATION -- THE BOTTOM IS COMPLETE, BUT THE TOP IS PARTLY ERASED. WE REFER TO THIS AS A QUASI-TYPE Ia, BECAUSE IT COMES CLOSEST TO TYPE Ia FROM THE BOTTOM OF PLATE FOUR.

Position 56L12 was discussed in an article by Jerome S. Wagshal (“The One Cent Stamp of 1851-57: A Reconsideration of Types I Through IIIa”, 1973 Congress Book, pp. 113-115), in which he presented his case for reclassifying some of the 1c 1851-57 types. Regarding Position 56L12, Wagshal opined, “[it] requires separate recognition. Its characteristics are unlike those of any other position on any plate of the One Cent stamp. Judged by the standards which are the basis of the One Cent classification system, 56L12 must be given a separate status as a subtype of Type I.”

Ex Wagshal and Middendorf. With 2011 P.F. certificate as No. 18 var, describing the complete design at bottom and erasures at top

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