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1851, 12p Black, Laid (3; SG 4). Horizontal pair, large margins to just barely in at top right, intense color and proof-like impression, neat strike of target cancels, faint horizontal crease visible only in fluid

VERY FINE APPEARANCE. THIS IS THE FINER OF THE THREE RECORDED USED PAIRS OF THE CANADA 12-PENCE BLACK. ONE OF THE GREAT RARITIES OF CANADIAN PHILATELY.

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 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. The 12-pence plate proved difficult for RWH&E. Faulty impressions were laid out twice before the third and final entries, resulting in many positions showing re-entries. The stamp offered here is notable in that it does not show any signs of being re-entered.

The 1851 12-pence stamp was issued for prepayment of the basic letter rate to Newfoundland, Bermuda and the West Indies, but its value -- stated in pence rather than "one shilling" to avoid confusion -- also corresponded to the double 6p rate to the United States and certain other countries. However, its use was very limited and, according to Boggs, only 1,450 were sold. The balance of the 51,000 printed was destroyed.

The three used pairs known to us are: 1) the pair offered here; 2) horizontal pair, target cancels, in at bottom and at right, ex Pack, Hillmer and Foxbridge; and 3) horizontal pair, single target cancel, margin at right into design, ex Dale-Lichtenstein Sale 2, Nov. 18, 1968.

With 1961 and 1984 P.F. certificates. Scott Retail as singles.

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