5c Blue (179). Original gum, beautiful rich color, Extremely Fine, the 5c 1879 Continental is seldom found in this choice original-gum condition, with 2007 P.F. certificate (VF-XF 85; SMQ $1,450.00)

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5c Blue (179). Original gum, lightly hinged, unusually deep rich color, almost perfectly centered with wide and even margins all around, most recent certificate states reperfed at right, Extremely Fine appearance, a beautiful stamp, with 2001 and 2007 P.F. certificates

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5c Blue, Continental Grill (179c). Original gum, clearly-defined grill with points that just barely pierce paper as is usual for this issue, deep rich color, faint horizontal crease at top not mentioned on earlier certificate

VERY FINE APPEARANCE. A SCARCE EXAMPLE OF THE 5-CENT 1875 CONTINENTAL GRILL.

It is believed that the Continental grills were made experimentally in 1876, after a stamp-cleaning court trial renewed fears of stamp re-use. The primary source of the rare J Grills was the Worthington collection, which was dispersed in 1917. It is believed that most or all examples in collectors' hands came from the archive of Charles F. Steel, who patented the grilling machines used between 1867 and 1873.

With 2001 P.F. and 2007 P.S.E. certificates

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