Maxime Citerne
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Russia #1 - Offset Center
Here are the front and back scans of a Russian #1.
Look carefully at the back. The blue center is much more pronounced than usual.
I have seen quite a number of Russia #1, and I clearly remember having seen a few times the blue center LIGHTLY appearing on reverse ... but never
with such a pronounced imprint (I admit that the appreciation of the subtle shade's variations is a matter of personal preference -- therefore you
might well disagree with me).
Would you consider this to be an Offset variety? Have you already seen other examples?
By the way, this stamp is in my collection and is not for sale 
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Maxime Citerne
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Here is the front. Taurrogen dotted cancel.
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Maxime Citerne
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Another thought:
the paper's intrinsic quality seems to have allow the ink from the cancel to permeat on the reverse as well. Which is nevertheless not the case of
the Brown printing...
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GregMirsky
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It does look like offset variety of Russia #1. "Center Offset" on Russia #1 it is a listed variety. It is at least in Zagorsky Standard
Collection(Imperial Russia Specialized) and Liapin Catalog. Is it on thin or thick paper?
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Maxime Citerne
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Thank you for your reply
The stamp is on relatively thin paper.
I have the Liapin catalogue but I may have misread it because I couldn't find the offset variety inside.
What do the catalogues say about the estimation/scarcity of this offset?
Have you already seen other copies elsewhere?
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GregMirsky
Rossica Librarian
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See references below:
I am including references for #1 and #2 since the only difference is - perforations - all varieties related to paper (ink penetration, etc.) should be
the same.
1. Standard Collection (Zagorsky)Specialized Imperial Russia, 2006:
Page 12: #1Tb (imperf)- Offset of the Center (Used) - $750 US.
(for reference #1 (standard used #1) - $350 US
so - it is 200%
Page 13 2Tb (perf 14.5 x 15)- Offset of the Center (Used) - $800 US.
(for reference #2 (standard used #2) - $180 US
so - it is 400% premium
2. Liapin 2010:
Page 3:
(listed after list of the varieties (P..(...)
#2 offset center (used) - $1,500 US (regular #2 (used) - $200 US) - so it is 750% premium.
NOTE: Liapin specifically does not list #1 with offset, but only #2.
I did not see other copies, but mainly because frankly did not pay enough attention and I do not have significantly large number of #1s or #2s to have
personal statistics.
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Maxime Citerne
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Dear Mr Mirsky,
sorry for the late reply, I have been very busy lately.
First of all, a big thank you for taking the time to search and answer ... this dedication is MUCH appreciated.
Back to the stamp - I contacted some time ago Paul Buchsbayew (from Cherrystone, for those who don't know) about Russia 1 offset centers. His answer
was quite similar to yours, i.e he didn't spent so much time looking at the back of the stamps.
I will therefore make further research.
It is interesting to note that one catalogue does not list this variety on Russia 1 (only #2), while the other values the #2 more.
Thanks again!
I wish everybody here a nice day
Maxime
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