8c Trans-Mississippi (289). Mint N.H., absolutely eye-catching color in a soft shade, unusually choice centering for this difficult issue with well-proportioned margins

EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A STUNNING MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 8-CENT TRANS-MISSISSIPPI ISSUE, IN A DISTINCTIVE SHADE. TRULY A CONDITION RARITY.

The two most challenging Trans-Mississippi denominations to obtain in Extremely Fine grade are the 8c and the $2.00. The spacing between horizontal rows on the sheet is narrower than the spacing between vertical columns, making it difficult to obtain stamps with balanced margins.

The stamp offered here is likely from the fourth and final printing in October 1898 as identified by Randy Neil in his book on the Trans-Mississippi Issue. He identifies the color as Dull Brownish Purple, which is not listed as a sub-shade in Scott Catalogue.

With 2010 P.S.E. certificate as normal shade (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $5,750.00). Only eight have graded higher to date and only three others share this grade.

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