ONE OF TWO RECORDED EXAMPLES OF THE 1860 5-CENT BROWN TYPE II PRINTED ON BOTH SIDES. THIS IS THE ONLY 5-CENT STAMP -- ACROSS ALL ISSUES -- WHICH IS KNOWN PRINTED ON BOTH SIDES. A PHENOMENAL RARITY.

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). Only one other example of the 5c Jefferson 1857-61 Issue is known printed on both sides. Both stamps are Type II perforated issues, Scott 30Ab. The other was in the Ishikawa collection and also has faults (shown at our website at http://www.siegelauctions.com/dynamic/census/30Ab/30Ab.pdf). No other 5c stamps -- across all issues -- are known printed on both sides.

Ex Col. Edward H. R. Green and Lake Shore. With 1974 P.F. certificate

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ONE OF TWO RECORDED EXAMPLES OF THE 1860 5-CENT BROWN TYPE II PRINTED ON BOTH SIDES.

The other known Scott 30Ab is the ex-Ishikawa stamp, which is also faulty.

With 1974 P.F. certificate

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