It is a perforated proof of what used to be called Scott 69 - the "August" version of Scott 69. It's now called 69E something.
There are 16 certified copies of the authentic perforated essay on stamp paper. This appears to be a perforated proof (the perforations were added later - they don't line up from side-to-side or top-to-bottom).
Also, none of the certified copies was cancelled and none of them have black ink spots at the bottom.
As a note, the printers were required in their contract to provide gummed and perforated examples of their work to the Post Office for acceptance. They produced the set known as the "August" designs. They were asked to make some additional changes to the designs of some of the denominations, such as adding ornaments to the corners of the 3c and the 12c. With some of the other denominations, such as the 10c and the 30c, they either placed these samples into the general stock, or continued to print from the unmodified plate for a while. The 12c received the greatest changes and this first design was not issued or used for postage. Hence, it's rarity.
C.
Posted 10/11/2013 03:56 am
