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3c Orange Brown, Printed on Both Sides (10Ab; formerly 10a). Printing on back with same orientation as the front, rich color, large margins to just in, bold small Boston "Paid" grid cancel, back of stamp with clear impression of Washington's head facing left as in printed stamp and also offset of lettering at bottom, tiny thin spot at top

VERY FINE APPEARANCE. THE ONLY RECORDED EXAMPLE OF THE 3-CENT 1851 ISSUE PRINTED ON BOTH SIDES. ONE OF THE RAREST OF ALL IMPERFORATE UNITED STATES STAMPS.

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.

Our list of printed-on-both-sides stamps is included as an appendix to this catalogue. 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 3c 1851 design printed on both sides.

Ex Alexander. Illustrated in Chronicle Vol. 123, p. 164. With 1975 and 2001 P.F. certificates

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3c Orange Brown, Printed on Both Sides (10a). Rich color, large margins to just in, bold small Boston "Paid" grid cancel, back of stamp with clear impression of Washington's head facing left as in printed stamp and also offset of lettering at bottom, faint crease at top left not mentioned on accompanying certificate

VERY FINE APPEARANCE. THE UNIQUE EXAMPLE OF THE 3-CENT 1851 ISSUE PRINTED ON BOTH SIDES.

With 1975 P.F. certificate. Listed but unpriced in Scott

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