3c Rose, D. Grill (85). Original gum, choice centering for this difficult issue with unusually wide margins, deep shade, prominent grill with full width visible

EXTREMELY FINE EXAMPLE OF THE RARE 1868 3-CENT D GRILL. ONE OF THE FINEST OF THE FEW KNOWN WITH ORIGINAL GUM.

It is our hypothesis that two grilling machines were used to make regular-production grilled stamps, beginning in January 1868. Based on our analysis of grill production, the D Grill machine was refitted with the E Grill on or about February 2, 1868. Based on the earliest known usages of the 3c D Grill (2/2/68) and 3c E Grill (2/12/68), it is our theory that the conversion from the D to E Grill took place very soon after sheets of 3c stamps were first run through the D-equipped machine. This would explain the scarcity of 3c D Grill stamps.

To determine the rarity of Scott 85 in original-gum condition, we surveyed a series of major United States collections, as well as conducting a Power Search review of our auction records. The results of our survey are as follows: Caspary--none; T. Charlton Henry--none; Concord (1994 Rarities)--unused (no gum); "Connoisseur" (Superior 1992)--this choice original-gum stamp; Cole--unused (no gum); Grunin--unused (no gum); Ishikawa--unused (no gum); Klein-none; Lilly--off-center block (no gum); Seymour--none; Sinkler--Fine block (no gum); Weisman--unused (no gum); West--none; Zoellner--used only; Power Search -- three unduplicated copies (the last was offered in 1999). A total of eight sound original-gum stamps in Very Fine (5) or Extremely Fine (3) grades have been certified by the Philatelic Foundation. Therefore, although the Scott Catalogue values an original-gum example at $6,750.00, in real terms the rarity of a sound well-centered 3c D Grill with original gum puts it on a par with the major A and Z Grill rarities (2-8 recorded for each).

Ex "Alford", Connoisseur and Morris. With 1980 and 1994 P.F. certificates

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