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<B>GERMAN STATES – BADEN [M] Scott #4b, 9kr Black on blue green instead of lilac rose</B><P>Unusuall

Currency:USD Category:Everything Else / Other Start Price:NA Estimated At:300,000.00 - 500,000.00 USD
<B>GERMAN STATES – BADEN [M] Scott #4b, 9kr Black on blue green instead of lilac rose</B><P>Unusuall
<B>GERMAN STATES – BADEN [M] Scott #4b, 9kr Black on blue green instead of lilac rose</B><P>Unusually large margins all around with original gum except in two small areas where the gum was presumably removed to better examine the color of the paper. This unique stamp first appeared in a 1919 public auction in Berlin, where it was described as having full original gum and a tiny "pinhead" sized hole. Later, while stored in a safe, it was believed to have been affected by a fire, accounting for the slight variation in color between it and the three used copies. At one time there was controversy as to whether this unused example is the same error as the three previously documented used examples (two on cover, one on small piece) because the shade of the paper varies slightly from those three. Subsequently, a number of European experts have satisfied themselves that this example is, indeed, the same error and have issued certificates to that effect. The stamp is accompanied by recent certificates of opinion from seven European experts, all of whom pronounce the stamp genuine, albeit with a slight divergence of opinion as to the quality; Brettl mentions two small repairs and partial regumming, while none of the others, Brun, Calves, Dreyfus, Richter, Roumet, and Soluphil, mention any faults (in fact, Dreyfus, Roumet, and Soluphil specifically state "without repairs.") and only Richter mentions partial regumming. The condition, on the other hand, is arguably irrelevant, since this is the only known unused example in existence. The stamp was sold at auction in 1991 for $600,000, was reportedly sold again, privately, in 1995 for $950,000, and most recently, was sold in Ivy & Mader's Pacific '97 auction for $603,750. (Michel #4F, unpriced by both Scott and Michel; Scott's price for the stamp on cover is $1 million, while Michel's is €1.5 million). Estimate upwards of $300,000.00