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#17 - 1851 12¢ Imperf

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Basic Info

12¢
Black, intense black or gray black

Printing Method: Die-to-relief-to-plate transfer process
Plate: plate 1
Printer: Toppan, Carpenter, Casilier & Co.
Subject: George Washington
Number issued:
2,500,000
Perforations: Imperforate
Watermark:
Unwatermarked
Scott #:
17
Issued:
August 4th, 1851

Value

Used
$50 - $100 (four margins)
No postmark with gum (MH)
$1,200 - $2,000 (four margins)
Full perfect gum, no postmark
no trace of stamp hinge mark (MNH)

No sales recorded

Inspiration for the Design

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The 12¢ portrait of George Washington differs slightly from the 10¢ portrait as it was based off Durand's engraving (shown above) and not the original painting. The result was a more clearly defined portrait, this despite the fact that the 12¢ was designed after the 10¢. The 10¢ portrait is more faithful to the original, keeping more of the 'wood teeth' smile that Gilbert captured so well.

The Imprint

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Along the side margin of the sheet can be found the Printers imprint along with the plate number. A plate 2 was probably created, but it was never used on the imperforate stamp. There was a plate 3, however this was only used for proofs.

#17a

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17a
Bisect

#17a on a California cover

#17a, is the 12¢ bisected, commonly diagonally and rarely vertically. It only has value if on cover, tied to the cover by a post mark, sometimes it can have value on piece but those are best accompanied by a certificate.

The bisect is found mostly on covers originating from California to pay the 6¢ paid rate. These covers were often rejected by post offices in the east who considered these bisects illegal stamps and the 10¢ due added to the cover.

The Varieties

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An interesting variety is the stamp printed on both sides. The above image shows an example of the back of one such stamp.

Fakes

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A perforated 1857 12¢ (#36) with perforations removed. A particularly dangerous forgery as the forger has used a #36 with a natural straight edge to add to the deception.

Notable Sales

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Blocks of #17 are scarce. Top stamps with diagonal crease and right stamps with vertical crease

Sold March 2023 for $4,000 (MH)

Explore Cherrystone Auctions

Essay's and Proofs

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17-E1
Large die essay on India, die sunk on card and then cut down

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17-E2
Large die essay on India, die sunk on card

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17-P1
Large die proof on India

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17-TC
Trial color proof

The 1851 3¢ TO 12¢ Imperf

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10
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10A
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11
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11A
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12
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13
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14
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16
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17
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