Canada #539i (SG#681) 6c Multicoloured 1971 Papineau Issue Kiss Print Single DF/DF-fl Matte Gum VF-84 NH

A very well centered and very fine NH single of the 6c L.J Papineau death Centenary Issue from 1971, showing weak kiss print in "Canada 6". The weak doubling is most apparent at the edges of the letters, where a weak shadow impression can be seen. Printed on horizontal wove paper showing no ribbing or mesh and giving a dull fluorescent light violet reaction under ultraviolet light on the face, and a dull fluorescent light violet reaction on the back, with a sparse concentration of low fluorescent fibres visible in the paper. Comb perforated 12.5 x 12.0. Smooth, colourless PVA gum with a matte sheen. It almost looks like the stamp has no gum, but I have tested selvage from this printing and can confirm that this is a distinct type of PVA gum that I have never seen before on this issue. Unitrade does not list this paper and gum type, but values a VF-75 NH single with the kiss print at $10. The stamp offered here grades 84 as follows:

Margins/centering: 54/70

Paper freshness: 5/5

Colour: 5/5

Impression: 5/5

Absence of visible paper flaws: 5/5

Perforations: 10/10