Sale 1024 — The Natalee Grace Collection of Used Stamps of the United States, Part One: 1847-1868 Issues
Sale Date — Thursday, 7 June, 2012
Category — 2c-24c 1863-68 Issue (Scott 73-78)
5c Brown (76). Gorgeous centering with Jumbo margins, rich color and proof-like impression, long and full perforations all around, bold strike of segmented cork cancel and also part of red circular datestamp at lower leftEXTREMELY FINE GEM. THIS IS THE FINEST EXAMPLE OF THE 1863 5-CENT BROWN WE HAVE EVER ENCOUNTERED. THIS MAGNIFICENT STAMP HAS BEEN AWARDED THE GRADE OF XF-SUPERB 95 JUMBO BY P.S.E. -- THIS IS THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED TO DATE AND THE ONLY EXAMPLE TO ACHIEVE THIS GRADE.
Brookman notes "it is far from easy to find a copy that is well-centered". We agree. Most copies, even those with high grades, tend to have small margins. This is due to a combination of factors, including the design of the stamp, which has an outer frameline and corner ornaments that project outwards, and the spacing of subjects on the plate, which left little room for the perforations.
With 2003 P.F. and 2009 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95 Jumbo; SMQ $1,300.00 as 95, unpriced in SMQ as 98). This is the highest grade awarded to date and the only example to achieve this grade.
