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EXTREMELY FINE. UNQUESTIONABLY ONE OF THE FINEST 1851 ONE-CENT TYPE IA SINGLES KNOWN ON COVER, AND ESPECIALLY DESIRABLE WITH THE "CURL ON SHOULDER" PLATE VARIETY.
Stamps printed from Plate 4 were issued in April, May and briefly in June 1857 before perforations were introduced. The relatively small number of imperforate Plate 4 stamps issued during this period explains the rarity and desirability of any of the imperforate stamp types produced from this plate (Types Ia, Ic, II, III and IIIa). The extremely rare Type Ia, showing the full design at bottom, was furnished only by 18 of the 200 subjects on Plate 4 (the remaining two bottom-row positions were sub-type Ic). The 97L4 "Curl on Shoulder" and 97R4 "Curl in C" plate varieties resulted from a tiny thread adhering to the relief during the transfer process. On this stamp it appears immediately to the left of the "8" of the May 8 datestamp.
The "YS" notation on back indicates this cover was acquired from Y. Souren. As far as we are aware, it has not been on the market for more than 60 years. Scott Retail for No. 6 on cover is $17,500.00. The No. 6 "Curl on Shoulder" variety is valued off cover at $13,500.00. (Image)