2c Black, Atherton Shift (73 var). Showing clear major double transfer at top, grid cancel, reperfed at left (as usual for this straight-edge position), purple backstamp just shows thru on forehead

FINE APPEARING EXAMPLE OF THE RARE ATHERTON SHIFT, THE MOST PRONOUNCED OF THE BLACK JACK DOUBLE TRANSFERS.

Concerning this double transfer, Ashbrook wrote: "Here we have one of the most remarkable double transfers on U. S. stamps that I have ever seen. I have for years classed the One Cent 1851, Type II, 89R2, as the No. 1 among remarkable examples of this variety and in my opinion this 2c Black Jack could well rank as No. 2. Perhaps some would even rank it equal to the 1c..."

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