Robert A Siegel Auction Galleries will star the only recorded proof panes of the 1847 issue in a dedicated sale to be held on June 25 in New York.
 The two panes are proofs, showing a very early impression of the US' most iconic stamps |
The two panes of 100 are valued at $500,000-750,000 and form a single lot. They are the only recorded proof panes from the 1847 issue, as well as the largest known multiples from the United States' first general issue.
The first pane is a 5c Orange (later printed in brown) trial colour plate proof on India paper with a black "SPECIMEN" overprint. It is in fantastic condition, though there is a hint of oxidation along the right edge, with small pieces missing from the top left and bottom right.
The second pane is of the 10c Black, bearing a red "SPECIMEN" overprint. Positions 52L1 and 57L1 do not show the small plate flaws found on issued stamps, suggesting that this is a very early impression.
The second pane is in poorer condition than the first, with the corner of the stamp at position 100 missing. It also has some slight wrinkling and small flaws typical of India paper proof corners.
The sale is part of a trio of auctions on the same date, which are being held to celebrate the auction house's 50th Rarities of the World auction.
Other sales include the Steven C Walske Collection of Hawaiian Postal History, starring The Dawson Cover, and an auction dedicated to the Declaration of Independence, featuring the first newspaper printing of the declaration.
Paul Fraser Collectibles is pleased to offer the largest known multiple of Penny Blacks from Plate 3 of the legendary issue. A superb multiple of 12, it features the full deckle edge selvedge and sheet inscription.
