INCH BY INCH: VAN GOGH VS. JENNY

Created: 5/21/1990

OCR scan of the original document, errors are possible

nAT-i: 4

"CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENC""'-

WASH1NCI0N.

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Gene'et Counsel

^tneh by Inch: van Gogh vs. Jenny

' Well, yes. van Gogh's "Portrait of Dr. Cachet" was sold this week3ecordiece o( art The price was well above the previous record9 million, which was paid lor wan Gogh's "Irises" Inl this rate, the value ol art may well catch up with the value ol United Suites sumps.

"Portrait of Dr. Cachet"ynches,, square Inches. Soillion works out toquare inch. But If we're talking real money. wha< about the plole block from the sheet of airmail stamps known as the "Invertedith the upside-down biplane in the center? This block went for til million last falL It Is ly, bynches, or8 square Inches, and that works out! per square Inch.

Tbe most valuable United States stamp Is an hem most collectors have never heard of:cent black portrait of Lincoln fromCsrin on the paper, which absorbed cancellation ink to prevent re-use. The last timerill was sold, Itt is only Jlj square Inches, so lhat works out toa square inch. Keep plugging, art collectors! You may catch up!