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New York, NY 10036
Sale 1234 — The Gary Petersen Collection of Important United States Stamps
Sale Date — Thursday-Friday, 29-30 April, 2021
Category — 1901 Pan-American Issue (Scott 294-299)
1c Pan-American (294). Mint N.H. bottom pane of 100 with bottom imprint and plate nos. 1116/1177 block of ten and bottom imprint and plate no. 1116 block of six, with two bottom imprint and plate nos. 1116/1117 blocks of ten, half-arrow selvage at sides, rich color, some perf separations including between plate blocksVERY FINE PANE OF 100 OF THE ONE-CENT PAN-AMERICAN ISSUE.
Scott value $4,960.00 as two Mint N.H. plate blocks and 84 Mint N.H. singles
1c Pan-American, Center Inverted (294a). Original gum, single hinge mark, deep rich colors and proof-like impressionsFRESH AND FINE ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE ONE-CENT PAN-AMERICAN INVERT.
According to Johl, 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, including Bessemer Ala., Richmond Va., Utica N.Y. and Connecticut.
1c Pan-American, Center Inverted (294a). Block of four, each stamp beautifully centered, rich color, original gum, lightly hingedEXTREMELY FINE. A SUPERB AND RARE BLOCK OF FOUR OF THE ONE-CENT PAN-AMERICAN INVERT, WITH WONDERFUL CENTERING AND FRESHNESS.
The Pan-American inverts were the first bicolored postage stamps produced by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing and the first invert postage errors issued by the Post Office since the 1869 Pictorial Issue. The 1c Pan American Inverts were found in several post offices around the country. Thirteen blocks of four, a block of six and a block of 20 are recorded in our Levi records -- the large block offered in our 2018 sale of the William H. Gross United States Stamp Treasures. Some of the blocks may have been broken into singles.
With 2006 P.S.E. certificate.
2c Pan-American, Center Inverted (295a). Slightly disturbed original gum, stitch watermark at top, superbly centered with wide and balanced margins, bright colors and clear impressions of vignette and frameEXTREMELY FINE. ONE OF THE FINEST ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLES OF THE 2-CENT PAN-AMERICAN INVERT.
A survey of the Levi records produced 64 single unused stamps (excluding the block of four and rejoined block of four). Many of these were described in auction catalogues more than 40 years ago; therefore, the determination of soundness is uncertain. However, assuming the old descriptions were reaffirmed today, approximately 45% of singles across all centering categories have faults. Of the single stamps with Extremely Fine centering (a minimum grade of 85), we counted 13 sound and 9 with faults. This Extremely Fine sound stamp with original gum that is only slightly disturbed from hinge removal is among the finest known examples.
Scott footnote states "Almost all unused copies of No. 295a have partial or disturbed gum. Values are for examples with full original gum that is slightly disturbed." With 2007 P.F. certificate (DOG, XF 90)
4c Pan-American, Center Inverted (296a). Part original gum, deep rich colors, detailed impressions, light corner creases at top left and top rightFINE APPEARING EXAMPLE OF THE 4-CENT PAN-AMERICAN INVERT.
The 4c stamp portrays an electric automobile, known at the time as the "Electric Vehicle Service," as depicted on the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad brochure from which the engraving was made. In the background one can see the dome of the Capitol. One of the two men seated at the front was Samuel B. Hege, B&O's passenger agent, so this stamp actually depicts a living person in violation of the law.
The 4c Pan-American Invert was a special printing and not regularly issued. Examples were distributed through two official channels, and the gum on the majority of stamps without "Specimen" overprint was disturbed. In fact, because 97 of the stamps were removed from an album page, they are generally thinned or have seriously disturbed or no gum.
With 1967 P.F. certificate
4c Pan-American, Center Inverted (296a). Block of four, slightly disturbed original gum as usual, bright colors, proof-like impressions, unusually choice centering throughout, top right and bottom left stamps have small thin spotsEXTREMELY FINE. A MAGNIFICENT BLOCK OF THE 4-CENT PAN-AMERICAN INVERT. ONLY SIX BLOCKS ARE RECORDED, AND THIS IS AMONG THE BEST-CENTERED. A FABULOUS 20TH CENTURY PHILATELIC RARITY.
The 4c Pan-American Invert was not regularly issued. According to Sloane, an erroneous report reached the Post Office department that the 4c had been discovered with inverted center. Edwin C. Madden, the 3rd Assistant Postmaster General, remarked that if any were found they should not be destroyed but kept for the archives. None was found, but two sheets of inverts (400 stamps total) were deliberately printed. This caused an uproar as it was not clear at first whether these had been deliberately ordered by Madden (in violation of his duties). He was later exonerated of any wrongdoing.
Examples were distributed through two official channels. One sheet was overprinted with "Specimen". A total of 106 copies, both with and without "Specimen", were distributed to friends and dignitaries. 197 were destroyed. One pane of 100 was retained by the Post Office Department and was stuck down on a ledger page in the Post Office archives. The sheet was broken up in about 1916 or 1917, and 97 copies were traded in exchange for material needed for the government collection. Since most of the stamps were removed from the mounting paper, they are generally thinned or have seriously disturbed gum.
Our records contain six blocks of four of the 4c Pan-American Invert. A seventh block that was offered in Part 17 of the Col. Edward H. R. Green auction series has since been divided into singles, two of which have been offered in our auctions. Most of the blocks have disturbed gum and minor flaws. Two of the blocks have perfs cutting into the design. Of the other two well-centered blocks, one has a thin spot, and the other has a small tear on the bottom left stamp.
Ex Whitman. With 1998 P.F. certificate
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