5c Blue (179). Original gum, almost perfectly centered with wide margins all around, deep rich color on crisp paper

EXTREMELY FINE EXAMPLE OF THE 1875 5-CENT TAYLOR CONTINENTAL PRINTING. AN EXCEPTIONALLY DIFFICULT STAMP TO FIND IN SUCH CHOICE ORIGINAL-GUM CONDITION.

The addition of a 5c value was made necessary by the creation of the General Post Union in 1874, which specified a rate of 5c between member countries, effective July 1, 1875. Of the two regular-issue 5c Taylor stamps -- Scott 179 (Continental) and Scott 185 (American) -- the former is much more difficult to obtain in this superior original-gum condition. The P.S.E. Population Report does not record an example above the grade of 90J and SMQ does not even price the stamp above the grade of 90.

With 1999 P.F. certificate

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