1c Blue, Ty. IIIa (8A). Plate 4, huge margins, including sheet margin at left, wide break in outer line at top, deep rich color on bright paper, unobtrusive strike of circular datestamp leaves entire design clearly visible

EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A STUNNING SHEET-MARGIN EXAMPLE OF THE 1851 ONE-CENT IMPERFORATE TYPE IIIA, WHICH HAS BEEN GRADED SUPERB 98 JUMBO -- THIS IS THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED AND THE ONLY EXAMPLE TO ACHIEVE IT.

Type IIIa is defined as having a break in outer lines at either top or bottom. The example offered here, which clearly shows the bottom line complete and top line with wide break, is a superb example of the type. Stamps printed from Plate 4 were issued in April-June 1857 before perforations were introduced. The relatively small number of imperforate Plate 4 stamps issued during this period explains the rarity and desirability of any of the imperforate stamp types produced from this plate.

With 1996 P.F. and 2009 P.S.E. certificates (Superb 98 Jumbo; unpriced in SMQ above the grade of 98, SMQ $9,800.00 as 98). This is the highest grade awarded and the only example to achieve it.

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