10c Black (2). Original gum, lightly hinged at top, huge to large margins, detailed impression clearly showing every detail of the engraving, fresh deeply blued paper

EXTREMELY FINE GEM AND EASILY ONE OF THE FINEST ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLES OF THE 10-CENT 1847 ISSUE IN EXISTENCE. THIS IS ONE OF THE MOST DIFFICULT STAMPS TO OBTAIN IN COMPLETELY SOUND ORIGINAL-GUM CONDITION WITH FOUR LARGE MARGINS. THIS SUPERB STAMP IS A TRUE CONDITION RARITY AND A MARVELOUS EXAMPLE OF THE FIRST UNITED STATES GENERAL ISSUE.

The Act of March 3, 1847, signed by President Polk, specified that Postmaster General Cave Johnson "be authorized to prepare postage stamps, which when attached to any letter or packet, shall be evidence of the payment of the postage..." The law's effective date was July 1, and the Post Office acted immediately to secure a contract with Rawdon, Wright, Hatch and (the new partner) Edson, so that stamps could be distributed by that date. The Washington vignette is based on the iconic image painted by Gilbert Stuart.

With 2011 P.F. certificate. With 2011 P.S.E. certificate (OGph, XF 90; unpriced in SMQ above an 85, SMQ $70,000.00 as 85). This is the highest grade awarded to date and the only example to achive this grade.

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