CANADA, 1851, 12p Black, Laid Paper (3; SG 4). Original gum, lightly hinged, large balanced margins all around, intense shade and superbly detailed impression on crisp paper, clearly visible laid lines

EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A PRISTINE ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE 1851 12-PENCE BLACK ON LAID PAPER - A FABLED RARITY AND ONE OF THE WORLD'S MOST DESIRABLE CLASSIC STAMPS.

The first Pence Issues of Canada were printed by the New York firm of Rawdon, Wright, Hatch & Edson, the same firm that printed the New York Postmaster's Provisional and United States 5c and 10c 1847 Issue. The Pence issues, and particularly the 12-pence, show the same fine quality of engraving that distinguishes the U.S. 1847 Issue. The original die was engraved by Alfred Jones based upon the Chalon portrait - which was also used on stamps of the Australian States Queensland and Tasmania, Bahamas, New Zealand among other British colonies. The stamps were printed early in 1851 (12p issued June 14), at the same time that RWH&E's contract for providing United States stamps was coming to an end.

A total of 50,000 stamps were printed from 250 sheets of 200 subjects (two panes of 100). Only 1,450 examples were sold with the balance being destroyed. Our Census records a total of eighteen original gum singles and four pairs (another pair is thought to possibly exist). While others may have similarly large margins, few compare to the incredible depth of impression this stamp exudes.

Census No. 3-OG-10. From Weill Stock and ex Sir Gawaine Baillie. With 1959 R.P.S. certificate. SG £200,000. Unitrade C$300,000.00

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