12c Black, Z. Grill (85E). Intense shade and proof-like impression, perfect centering with wide margins, clearly-defined grill, red quartered cork cancel leaves design clearly visible

EXTREMELY FINE GEM. AN UNEQUALED USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1868 12-CENT Z GRILL, GRADED SUPERB 98 BY P.S.E. AN EXCEPTIONALLY DIFFICULT STAMP TO OBTAIN IN SUCH SUPERB CONDITION.

The 12c Z Grill stamps are often quite off-center. The example offered here, combining margins, centering, cancel and color is a true condition rarity. The red quartered cork cancel looks identical to the cancels found on New York Supplementary Mail covers of the period.

With 1994 P.F. and 2007 P.S.E. certificates (Superb 98; SMQ $39,000.00). This is the only Scott 85E graded Superb 98 in the P.S.E. Population Report and the highest grade awarded. Only two other stamps have graded above 90 (both at 95)

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