The Hanover Collection, Part 2: 20th Century and Back of Book Issues continued...

EXTREMELY FINE. A SUPERB LIGHTLY-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE ONE-CENT PAN-AMERICAN INVERT WHICH IS GRADED XF 90 BY P.S.E. THIS IS THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED TO DATE.

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.

With 2012 P.S.E. certificate (OGph, XF 90; SMQ $32,500.00). This is the highest grade awarded and only four others share it. (Image)

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EXTREMELY FINE GEM. THE FINEST RECORDED EXAMPLE OF THE 2-CENT PAN-AMERICAN INVERT WITH ORIGINAL GUM AND THE ONLY COPY CERTIFIED SUPERB 98 BY PROFESSIONAL STAMP EXPERTS.

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. There is no other stamp in the Levi records that we think would achieve a grade of Superb 98 or better. Therefore, it is our contention, backed by the P.S.E. Population Report, that the stamp offered here is the finest original-gum example of the 2c Pan-American Invert extant.

Ex "Beverly Hills". With 2013 P.F. certificate as Genuine, previously hinged” with a grade of Superb 98. With 2013 P.S.E. certificate (1201453), which states genuine unused, o.g., previously hinged” with a grade of Superb 98, Mint OGph.

The grade of Superb 98 is the highest for Scott 295a in the P.S.E. Population Report, and this is the only stamp to receive it. The next highest grade awarded to Scott 295a in any category is Extremely Fine 90 (three stamps, all OGph).

SMQ values $220,000.00

Click here for an introduction to the 1901 Pan-American Issue: http://siegelauctions.com/2013/1052/1901_Intro.pdf (Image)

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EXTREMELY FINE GEM. THIS IS WITHOUT QUESTION ONE OF THE FINEST EXAMPLES OF THE 4-CENT PAN-AMERICAN INVERT IN EXISTENCE. THIS REMARKABLE STAMP IS GRADED EXTREMELY FINE 90 BY THE PHILATELIC FOUNDATION. THE 4-CENT IS BY FAR THE MOST DIFFICULT OF THE PAN-AMERICAN INVERTS TO OBTAIN IN SUCH CHOICE SOUND CONDITION.

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

Ex Drucker. With 1987, 2002 and 2012 P.F. certificates (XF 90) (Image)

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