Lot 188 (C) Canada #85, 85i, 86, 86b 2c Lavender, Aniline Red & Black - Light Prussian Blue, Aniline Red & Black Mercator's Projection, 1898 Imperial Penny Postage Issue, 4 Good/Very Good/Fine Used Singles, All With Muddy Oceans

4 good/very good/fine used singles of the 2c lavender, aniline red & black - light prussian blue, aniline red & black Mercator's Projection from the 1898 Imperial Penny Postage Issue, all with muddy oceans.

The muddy oceans are due to oxidation of the inks in the ocean. These have become sought after due to their dramatic appearance. The prussian blue & gray ocean both have small tears.

Unitrade doesn't list these varieties, so we estimate them at $20. The stamps offered here grade 51, 60, 66 & 70 as follows:

Centering/Margins: 25/60, 30/60, 35/60, 40/60

Paper Freshness: 0/5, 5/5

Colour: 5/5

Impression: 5/5

Absence of Visible Paper Flaws: 5/5

Perforations: 6/10, 10/10

Cancellation: 10/10

Adjustment for mentioned faults: -10 points.