Rare Stamps & Postal History of the World

1861 2c black (Jackson), faint cancel (appears unused), major double transfer at upper left corner (Atherton Shift), faint horizontal crease at top, ending in a small tear, usual centering, with 2002 PFC. A fine example of this rare variety, clearly showing the dramatic double transfer at top (the Atherton Shift got its name from Stanley B. Ashbrook, who first discovered it in the summer of 1923 in the collection of H. P. Atherton. Concerning this double transfer, Ashbrook wrote: "Here we have one of the most remarkable double transfers on U. S. stamps that I have ever seen. I have for years classed the One Cent 1851, Type II, 89R2, as the No. 1 among remarkable examples of this variety and in my opinion this 2c Black Jack could well rank as No. 2. Perhaps some would even rank it equal to the 1c")
Cat. Val. $12,500
Estimate: $2500