Census of 1c Blue, Type I (Scott 5)

Notes:

In its original condition: Small surface scrape at right. Creased and toned. The scrape appears along the right margin to the right of Franklin’s chin. The crease breaks the paper and is visible in photographs, extending down the U of U.S. and along the blue background of the vignette portrait to the left of Franklin’s head.
After cleaning: Toning removed and other improvements to paper. In my opinion, the paper has been affected by chemicals, becoming dull yellowish white and with an abraded appearance, particularly at bottom. The color, which was a typical Plate 1 Early Blue, is now somewhat dull and faded.
The recent sales history of this stamp shows the market effect of careful restoration work. After improvement to lessen toning and hide the vertical crease, the stamp realized $25,000 more than the hammer price just two years earlier.

Provenance:

PFC 326495 (1988) “small surface scrape at right and is creased and toned”.
9/28/1998, As reported in Linn’s, p. 24, this stamp was discovered in May 1998 in an album of otherwise negligible worth by an unnamed dealer who had it verified by Stanley Richmond, proprietor of the Kelleher firm in Boston. Richmond had the stamp submitted to the PF and then offered it for sale.
11/10/1998, Kelleher, Lot 339, realized $55,000 vs. $175,000 Scott value.
11/7/2000, Bennett, Lot 68, realized $80,000 vs. $175,000 Scott value, described as dramatically improved since its discovery.
4/11-12/2018, The David Wingate Collection, Siegel Auction Galleries, The David Wingate Collection of United States Stamps, Sale 1180, Lot 31, Realized $90,000

Certificates: