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 — 12c-90c 1857-60 Issue (Scott 36-39)
24c Gray Lilac (37). Perfectly centered with unusually choice centering for this difficult issue, extra wide margins at sides, bright color, light strike of red grid cancel leaves the entire design clearly visibleEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB USED EXAMPLE OF THE 24-CENT 1860 ISSUE, WHICH HAS BEEN GRADED SUPERB 98 BY P.S.E. -- THIS IS THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED TO DATE. THIS ISSUE IS RARELY ENCOUNTERED WITH SUCH SUPERB CENTERING.
The 24c stamps were not printed and put into use until July 1860 (earliest documented use is July 7). The issue was demonetized thirteen months later. The 24c denomination matched the U.S.-G.B. treaty rate, and the stamp was primarily used on letters to England. These circumstances of a short life and limited use, combined with Toppan Carpenter's typically erratic perforating, are the reasons why superb used examples of the 24c 1860 are so difficult to find.
With 1999 P.F. and 2007 P.S.E. certificates (Superb 98; SMQ $8,500.00). This is the highest grade awarded to date and only three others share this grade.
