Canada #595ivar 15c Multicoloured Mountain Sheep, 1972-1979 Landscape Definitive Issue, A VFNH Single Type 1, LF4/F Bluish White Smooth Paper, 3 mm OP-2 Tag, Solid Background

A VFNH single of the 15c multicoloured Mountain Sheep from the 1972-1979 Landscape Definitive Issue type 1, LF4/F bluish white smooth paper, 3 mm OP-2 tag, solid background. This is a scarce variation in that it is on fluorescent paper, whereas 595i, the smooth paper type 1 is normally on DF paper.

Unitrade value the DF paper at $2. Our estimate of the value for this paper is $10. The stamp offered here grades 75 as follows:

Centering/Margins: 45/70

Paper Freshness: 5/5

Colour: 5/5

Impression: 5/5

Absence of Visible Paper Flaws: 5/5

Perforations: 10/10

The landscape definitives of 1972-1979 are a particularly complex area, with many of the compexities not being listed in Unitrade. Unitrade's description of paper fluorescence is very oversimplified. We have described all the differences we see on these stamps, and in ascribing fluorescence levels we cross -referenced the stamps back to stamps of the Caricature issue that we had sorted into the various fluorescence levels earlier. As a result of this, some of my earlier descriptons have changed slightly, as I have made the determination of fluorescence more accurate. Another aspect that isn't covered in Unitrade, but which clearly differs is the appearance of the photogravure printed background on the 10c, 15c and 50c values. I have described them as "screened background", "semi-solid background", "nearly solid background" and solid background. Screened background, means that all the individual screening dots that make up the coloured area can all be clearly seen as individual dots. Semi-sold background refers to one where some dots are visible, but they are clearly merging into ine another. Nearly sold background means very few, individual dots are visible. Finally on stamps with solid background, the individual screening dots that make up the printing are not individually visible as dots.