Germany Mi#42Iaa (SC# 40a) 20pf Lively Gray Ultramarine 1880-1889 Numeral & Shield Issue Without Final E In Pfennig, Aug 8, 1885 Hannover CDS, A Very Fine Used Single, Click on Listing to See ALL Pictures, Estimated Value $10

A very fine used example of the 20pf lively gray ultramarine from the 1880-1889 Numeral & Shield Issue Without Final E In Pfennig. Aug 8, 1885 Hannover CDS. 2023 Michel cat. €15. Our estimate of the value based on the condition is $10.

On this issue Michel lists two different classes of varieties that can be found on all the stamps, and which are all very scarce to rare. The first varieties are the thick and thin papers. The normal paper does vary in thickness, but in all cases, the design is not visible through the back, and there is a ping when the stamp is flicked. The thin paper does not ping, and the design can be partially seen through the back oftentimes. The thick paper is highly opaque and will feel thick and stiff bu comparison to the normal paper. The second variety are wide and narrow prints with 14 or 12 perforation teeth instead of the usual 13. These stamps are generally either more than 21 mm wide, or 19mm or narrower.