2c Carmine & Black, Pan-American, Center Inverted (295a). Original gum, single hinge mark, deep rich colors and detailed impressions, unusually choice centering

EXTREMELY FINE. A SPECTACULAR ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE 2-CENT PAN-AMERICAN INVERT. THIS MARVELOUS STAMP IS GRADED XF 90 BY BOTH P.S.E. AND P.F.

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. 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. This Extremely Fine sound stamp with original gum is the second-highest graded example in the P.S.E. Population Report.

Ex Hetherington. With 1962, 1983 and 2019 P.F. certificates (XF 90). With 2025 P.S.E. certificate (XF 90). Only one grades higher (at 98, realized $170,000 hammer in our 2016 "Hanover" sale). Only five others share this desirable grade. They rarely appear in this quality in the marketplace—we have offered only two others since 2010.

Image Magnifier / Download

PSE Population Report

Market data

Power Search for Comparables