Scott 681A Lake Shade Used Or On Cover

Has anyone out there ever seen another PF/PSE certified example of Scott #681a (Ohio Canalization in rare Lake color) used or on cover? I just received this cover back from the PF: "genuine." Just curious.

Congratulations, nice find. Likely philatelic because of the 1c Kansas being used from Maryland, but still very scarce. I wonder if the sender knew he was using a rare shade or if it was just a coincidence. I keep an eye out for the Lake varieties in all the two cent reds I see, and have never found a convincing Lake. As you probably saw from the PF database 3/5 of the submitted 681a candidates came back as ordinary 681 in shades of dark carmine or darker carmine rose, not lake. Nice that you found a real one.

Thanks ZebraMan. Now I'm wondering if I should put this cover up for auction or keep it in my collection as my "greatest find in the field." Several of the big auction houses have expressed interest in placing this item in upcoming sales. I'll have to think about it. Thanks again for your reply. Murph.

Wow! Siegel has never sold one on cover let alone a pair.

I am a bit surprised since the right stamp appears to be a bit darker then the left stamp. One would think both would be the same shade.

That may just be an illusion caused by the cancel.

The right stamp also is inked slightly heavier, best seen in the "canal wall" engraving above the letters CE in Cents.