Sale 958 — 2008 Rarities of the World
Sale Date — Saturday, 7 June, 2008
Category — 1867-68 Grilled Issue, 1861 Re-Issues
3c Black, Vignette Map of the United States on Thick White Paper (79-E7 var). The unique block of nine with selvage equal to the size of the design at left, bright shade, faint creases do not detractVERY FINE APPEARANCE. THE UNIQUE BLOCK OF NINE OF THE 3-CENT ESSAY DEPICTING A MAP OF THE UNITED STATES.
This essay by an unknown author depicts a map of the United States with the words "United States" superimposed. The borders of the country are as they were established in 1867, and the remarkable detail even depicts mountain ranges. Scott Catalogue lists this essay as rouletted, in Green, with a gold "3" on the map. This is evidently a precursor to that submitted design, which catalogues $2,500.00 apiece.
15c Black, F. Grill (98). Block of four, intact perfs at top with large part of adjoining pair, neat segmented cork cancels, sharp impression on bright paper, unusually choice centeringEXTREMELY FINE. UNDOUBTEDLY THE FINEST USED BLOCK OF THE 1868 15-CENT LINCOLN WITH F GRILL.
As an indication of rarity, the Twigg-Smith collection of used blocks lacked a block of Scott 98. Considering the centering of this block and the fact it is sound, we have no hesitation describing this as the finest used block extant.
With 2002 and 2008 P.F. certificates. In our opinion, Scott Catalogue value does not adequately reflect the rarity of this block.
10c Green, Re-Issue (106). Original gum, deep rich color on bright paper, gorgeous centering with Jumbo marginsEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE 10-CENT 1861 RE-ISSUE. SCARCE IN SUCH BEAUTIFUL CONDITION.
Only 451 sold.