24c Green & Violet (120). Unusually choice centering with wide and balanced margins, deep rich colors and proof-like impressions on bright paper, unobtrusive strike of circle of wedges cancel leaves entire design clearly visible

EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A STUNNING USED EXAMPLE OF THE 24-CENT 1869 PICTORIAL ISSUE. A DIFFICULT ISSUE TO OBTAIN IN SUCH SUPERB CONDITION.

The vignette of this design is based on a famous painting by John Trumbull that hangs in the rotunda of the U.S. Capitol. This design has been widely used, including on the back of the 1976 $2.00 bill. The engraver of the stamp, James Smillie, was able to include all 42 people shown in the painting, no small feat when one considers the space is less than an inch wide and less than a half-inch tall. Surviving used examples also show the tendency of postal clerks to zealously cancel high-denomination stamps that were typically used on mail to foreign countries or on heavy registered letters. Not so the example offered here.

Ex Natalee Grace. With 2001 P.F. and 2009 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $3,500.00). Only five have graded higher (the highest at 98).

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