Census of 1c Blue, Type I (Scott 5)

Notes:

The top has been trimmed to remove a tiny tear in the ample top margin. Up to 1994 the stamp had been described as having a tiny tear at top right.
The last record of sale in this condition was by Superior on 6/28/1993. Thereafter, the stamp appeared with the top margin trimmed. No mention of the
tear was made in a subsequently-issued 1994 PFC.
Perhaps if the two original PFC’s had stated more explicitly that the tiny tear was not near the design, the reduction of the top margin would not have occurred.
Double strike of an indistinct black cds, showing four dots in the shape of a square on Franklin’s head.

Provenance:

Top margin trimmed after Superior sale.
2/27/1977, Metro, Lot 9A, realized $6,100 (possibly not sold) vs. $8,500?Scott value.
5/25/1977, Sotheby Parke Bernet, Lot 7A, realized $8,500 vs. $8,500?Scott value.
11/11/1987, James M. Welch Collection, Siegel Auction Galleries, The James M. Welch Collection of United States Stamps, Sale 683, Lot 18, realized $10,500 vs. $22,500 Scott value
6/28/1993, Superior, Lot 80, realized $7,100 vs. $17,500?Scott value.
12/17/1994, Ivy, Shreve & Mader, Lot 42, description notes “signed Raymond H. Weill”, realized $9,500 vs. $17,500 Scott value.
2/9/1997, Matthew Bennet Auctions, Lot 1047, realized $18,500 vs. $29,000 Scott value.
10/20/1998, Nutmeg, Lot 33, described “showing full scrolls, a sound copy”.

Certificates:

PF 12689 (1960) and 267318 (1992), both noting tiny tear at upper right in margin.
PF 283794 (1994) after top was trimmed, removing the tear.