The Alan B. Whitman Collection of Outstanding U.S. Stamps, Part Two: 1870-1901 Issues continued...

EXTREMELY FINE GEM. THIS IS WITHOUT DOUBT ONE OF THE FINEST EXAMPLES OF THE ONE-CENT PAN-AMERICAN INVERT -- GRADED XF 90 BY P.S.E.

The 1c Pan-American Inverts were found in at least four different post offices around the country. Of the 600 to 700 known, most have disturbed gum and are off-center. The stamp offered here is remarkably fresh and certainly one of the best-centered examples known.

With 1974 and 1998 P.F. and 2008 P.S.E. certificates (OGph, XF 90). This is the highest grade awarded to date and only four others share this grade. In our opinion, this is a very strong 90, possibly crossing the border into 95 territory. (Image)

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EXTREMELY FINE GEM. ONE OF THE FINEST ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLES OF THE 2-CENT PAN-AMERICAN INVERT. THIS MARVELOUS STAMP HAS BEEN AWARDED THE GRADE OF XF 90 BY P.S.E.

The 2c is the rarest of the three Pan-American Inverts. It is surmised that approximately 200 were issued through the post office, with two distinct shades known. Estimates of surviving examples range from an early count (1945) of 55 unused and 2-3 used to the 1998 Datz estimate of 150 unused, 3-5 used and a block of four intact. Our Levi records contain the intact block offered in this sale (4), a reconstructed block offered in our Zoellner sale (4), 64 unused singles and 6 used singles, for a total of 72 unused and 6 used. Many of the unused singles have disturbed gum or no gum, and/or are off center to top or top left.

With 1976 and 1993 P.F. certificates and 2008 P.S.E. certificate (OGh, XF 90). The Scott Catalogue value is for a stamp with slightly disturbed gum. (Image)

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FINE. ONE OF THE FEW SOUND EXAMPLES OF THE 4-CENT PAN-AMERICAN INVERT WITH INTACT ORIGINAL GUM.

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 the stamps were removed from mounting paper, they are generally thinned or have seriously disturbed gum. This is a rare exception.

With 1976 and 1999 P.F. certificates and 2008 P.S.E. certificate (OGph, Fine 70). The Scott Catalogue value is for a stamp with slightly disturbed gum. (Image)

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