Scott 3P2 Roosevelt Proof on Gray Card (Franklin) Superb Gem PF Cert E00

Description

Scott #3P2 Reissue
, Roosevelt Proof on Original Gray Backing, “
Doubling of the Design
”,
5c (Franklin),
Issued 1875,
Never Hinged, No Gum (As Issued).
XF/Superb Choice Gem
!
Exceptional item
!
Only 85 of the 1847 proofs were issued
making those available only to a limited number of collectors.  The Philatelic foundation mentioned some ridiculous little issue at the LL corner of the wove paper (no doubt it was produced that way as it is attached to the card consistent with the rest of the proof and not even noticed unless you pull out the 10X loupe).  Even with their mention, this item is a
Choice
example of an
exceptionally rare proof
.  The item is exquisite in its own right and worthy of placement in any serious Roosevelt and/or proof collection!  Original
2019 Philatelic Foundation Certificate
has been issued
confirming the doubling of the impression
.
The first stamps issued by the United States Post Office were produced by Rawdon, Wright, Hatch & Edison in 1847.  The Bureau of Engraving & Printing wasn’t established by congress until 1874.  In 1875 they issued reproductions of those first stamps from new dies.  They looked almost the same, however were not identical to the original stamps.  The reproductions were not valid for use as postage.  When the Roosevelt albums were constructed, it was only those reproduction dies that were available.  Collectors were well aware of the differences and so there was a dilemma regarding how to create proofs for the two sets of stamps.  There is conflicting information about this, however, the leading theory is the two stamps labelled 1847 were produced directly and as accurately as possible from the reproduction dies.  The 1875 labelled stamps were produced from those same dies but shifted so as to produce a fuzzier image resembling that of a double transfer – a stamp where parts of the image have been doubled or shifted in some fashion.  The Scott catalog does not distinguish between these two sets of stamps.  They are listed as 3P2 for the 5 cent and 4P2 for the 10 cent proof(s).  Nonetheless there are clearly differences between the two sets.  I couldn’t confirm the census on the 1875 reproductions but undoubtedly scarce since only 85 of the 1847 printings were issued.
This particular item displays a “doubling effect of the design” throughout the entire stamp – absolutely STRIKING!  Keep in mind several of the 3P2s have been
removed
from the gray card and usually have major faults as the result of the removal decreasing the number of those available to collectors on the original gray cards!  My initial opinion this is the second version of the 3P2, however, the Philatelic Foundation has confirmed a “
true doubling
” of the design listing it as the initial 1847 version of the proof – so take your pick!  Nonetheless anyone who exhibits the 1847 and/or 1875 reissues this item would be a “must have” for their exhibit of these classics!
2021 Scott Specialized Catalog Value:  5.00 (as a normal 3P2)
Estimated Retail/Cash Value:  00.00
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