15c Black (77). Original gum, lightly hinged, intense shade and proof-like impression on crisp paper, unusually wide and balanced margins for this difficult issue

EXTREMELY FINE. A RARE CENTERED ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE 15-CENT 1866 ISSUE. A DIFFICULT ISSUE TO FIND IN SUCH PRISTINE CONDITION.

Throughout years of Siegel sales, we have made frequent reference to the rarity of certain 1861-66 Issue stamps in choice original-gum condition. With the exception of the rare 5c and 24c shades, our experience shows that the 15c Lincoln is the most difficult stamp to obtain in sound, choice original-gum condition. It is most often found without gum or with disturbed gum. Examples with full original gum are frequently off-center. The block of six (straight edge at left), ex Caspary, Lilly and Ishikawa, is well-centered with original gum, but our search of numerous other major auction sales produced few other examples apart from the block. Therefore, this stamp could be the rarest face-different design of the 1861-66 series in choice original-gum condition.

Ex McKinney. With 1999 and 2012 P.F. certificate.

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