1c Blue, Ty. I (5). Position 7R1E, clear to large margins all around including small part of sheet margin at top, rich color in the distinctive bright Plate 1 Early shade, proof-like impression, neat strike of "New-York Nov." circular datestamp leaves design clearly visible, shallow filled thin at bottom, also a small slight crease not mentioned on accompanying certificate

EXTREMELY FINE APPEARANCE. POSITION 7R1E -- THE SEVENTH STAMP IN THE RIGHT PANE OF PLATE 1 EARLY -- IS THE ONLY ONE OF THE 1,000 POSITIONS USED TO PRINT IMPERFORATE ONE-CENT STAMPS THAT SHOWS THE COMPLETE DESIGN (TYPE I). ESPECIALLY DESIRABLE WITH THE MARGINS CLEAR OF THE DESIGN ALL AROUND.

The published census compiled by Jerome S. Wagshal contains at least 98 unduplicated records of Scott 5. There are probably no more than ten examples existing outside of the Wagshal census population. Therefore, the 1c 1851 Type I is the rarest of all United States stamps issued regularly prior to the 1868 Grills.

Because of the significance attached to the outer portions of the 1c 1851 design, rare types that have been carefully cut apart, so as not to impinge on any part of the design, are extremely desirable. The narrow spacing between stamps in the sheet and the users' indifference to the outlying ornamentation during separation are factors that contributed to the great rarity of four-margin examples. The example offered here, with margins clear of the design all around and with a light cancel not obscuring the characteristics of the type, is one of the best-appearing examples of this rarity.

Wagshal Census No. 5-CAN-043. With 1997 P.F. certificate stating "genuine with a thin spot"

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