Lot 2056 o
1851, 1¢ blue, type II, big cracked plate flaw, plate 2, complete Reconstruction of the Major Crack Plate (Positions 2L2, 12L2-13L2 & 23L2), margins large to just touching, bold colors, neat unobtrusive town cancels, Very Fine, ex-Koppersmith; all except position 2L2 with P.F. certificate.Scott No. 7 var. Estimate $2,000 - 3,000.
A CHOICE RECONSTRUCTION OF THE 1851 1¢ TYPE II SHOWING THE "BIG CRACK" PLATE FLAW.
The exact cause of the defect is unknown. As the plate was used, the width of the crack expanded due to stress exerted on the plate. This flaw caused the plate to be retired a little over a year after it was made.