Lot
1709 
Vatican, 1934, 1.30l on 1.25l Provisional Surcharge, "30" in small figures, o.g., lightly hinged, rich color, slight paper crease at lower left which is only visible from reverse, otherwise Very Fine, an attractive example of this extremely rare essay that where mistakenly release at the Vatican Post Office, the illustrated example in the 2012 Scott catalog; with 1976 A. Diena certificate and signed. Sassone No. 36A. Scott No. 36a $22,500.
When it was decided there would have to be a postal rate increase and new stamps would require months to prepare, it was suggested that some of the current stamps be overprinted. Two sheets of 100 were prepared of each value, with a thin essay surcharge. These essays were rejected by the postal authorities because the surcharge was not sufficiently visible. The printers were told to use a larger, bolder type which they did. One sheet of the 1.30 on 1.25 essay was mistakenly included among those intended for sale and was release to the public at postal station No. 1 of the Vatican City Post Office on June 18, 1934. This essay offered here is one of the few mint examples that exist, as most were used to send mail of the first day of issue.
Realized: $6,750