12c Black, F. Grill (97). Original gum, almost perfectly centered with remarkably wide margins all around, intense shade and impression, clearly-defined grill

EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE 1868 12-CENT F GRILL. AN EXTRAORDINARY STAMP AND CERTAINLY AMONG THE FINEST IN EXISTENCE. THIS STAMP HAS BEEN AWARDED THE GRADE OF XF-SUPERB 95 BY P.S.E., WHICH IS THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED TO DATE.

We acknowledge the past existence of original-gum 12c F Grill multiples, which in recent years have been broken to furnish choice singles. However, the quality of this particular stamp -- its centering and margins, shade and overall freshness -- qualify it as one of the finest in existence.

With 2011 P.S.E. certificate (OGh, XF-Superb 95; SMQ $17,600.00). This is the highest grade awarded to date and only three others share this grade.

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