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Auction: 170 - The Iconic Inverted Jenny Unique Centerline Block of Four
Lot: 1

#C3a, 24c Carmine rose and blue, Center Inverted, positions 45-46 and 55-56, being the block of four with vertical and horizontal guide lines crossing at the center, beautiful centering, with the left pair being especially choice, disturbed original gum, which it has away been since in Col. Green's possession, very fine; 1991 and 2019 PF certificates.




This magnificent and unique centerline position block from the original sheet of 100 is clearly ranked as one of the greatest items in world philately not only in terms of its unique status but also for its tremendous eye-appeal. In the 24th Col. Green sale conducted by Eugene Costales in 1946 it sold to dealer Y. Souren for $22,000.00, who in turn sold it to John Stilwell. It was described as being the "gem" of the entire Green collection. Upon Stilwell's passing it was next presented on the front cover of the first ever Robert A. Siegel Rarities of the World auction in 1964, where it sold to the Weill brothers for $67,000.00. Its next public appearance was in a 1991 Christies auction where it sold for $550,000.00 against a then catalog value of $575,000.00. It has not been offered in public auction since that time, but it has been sold privately a number of times. It was exhibited at AMERIPEX 1986 by the Weill brothers. It has been owned by Benjamin D. Phillips twice, Arthur J. Kobacker and of course William Gross.

Offered with a very modest opening bid of $1,000,000.00


Sold for
$1,450,000

Sale 170 Notices
This lot is designated as a "Premium Lot", which means a deposit might be required before placing a bid as per the Terms and Conditions for Buyers.