Sale 1034 — The Merlin Collection of Superb United States Stamps
Sale Date — Wednesday-Thursday, 28-29 November, 2012
Category — 1867-68 Grilled Issue (Scott 79-101)
90c Blue, F. Grill (101). Perfectly centered with wide margins, beautiful shade and impression, red cork cancel, much better formed perfs than typically encounteredEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SPECTACULAR USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1868 90-CENT F GRILL, COMBINING FLAWLESS CENTERING, PERFORATIONS, COLOR AND A PREMIUM CANCEL.
The 90c stamps used to make grilled issues were printed on a thick stock of paper. It is likely that sheets remaining from the pre-grill period were used and that the thinner paper introduced in 1868 had not been used for the 90c value. Two characteristics of 90c F Grill stamps are poorly punched perforations and generally bad centering. This stamp is a remarkable exception. The perfs are much better formed than usual (although they show the genuine characteristics) and the centering is precise. In this stamp there is also the added feature of a striking red cancel.
With 1969 P.F. and 2010 P.S.E. certificates (XF 90; SMQ $5,000.00). Only three have graded higher and three others share this grade, but the red cancel on this stamp adds considerably to its appeal and value.
