1c Pan-American, Center Inverted (294a). Almost perfectly centered, deep rich colors and proof-like impressions, cancels at sides leave design clearly visible

EXTREMELY FINE GEM. THIS IS ONE OF ONLY SIX SOUND USED EXAMPLES OF THE ONE-CENT PAN-AMERICAN INVERT, AND OF THE SIX THIS IS ONE OF THE BEST-CENTERED COPIES.

The 1c Pan-American Inverts were found in at least four different post offices around the country, soon after release of the issue in May 1901. According to the revised Johl-King book (p.7) "The first known copies of this error were discovered at Bessemer, Alabama, by the Carrell Jewelry Company on some circulars just prior to mailing them. When they realized the find they had made they lost no time in removing the stamps from the circulars and thus saved them to philately."

The 1c Pan-American Invert in used condition is considerably scarcer than unused. Our updated census, available at our website at http://siegelauctions.com/dynamic/census/294a/294a.pdf , records 48 used examples plus three on cover, for a total of 51 copies. 39 off-cover stamps plus one on cover have faults ranging from corner creases to repairs.

Census No. 294a-CAN-05. Ex Twigg-Smith. With 2001 P.F. certificate

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