Sale 1090 — United States, Possessions and Confederate States Stamps and Postal History
Sale Date — Wednesday-Friday, 17-19 December, 2014
Category — 1870-71 National Bank Note Co. Issues (Scott 134-155)
6c Carmine, I. Grill (137A). Part original gum (called "small part o.g." on certificate), beautifully centered within wide margins, attractive rich colorEXTREMELY FINE. AN OUTSTANDING ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE RARE 1870 6-CENT I GRILL.
The Scott Specialized Catalogue elevated the I Grills to major catalogue numbers beginning with the 2013 edition. For years we have differentiated between the two grill types in our auctions and pointed out the rarity of many of the I grills -- especially in original gum condition. Now, with major catalogue listings, the I Grills have taken their rightful place alongside the 1867-68 Grilled Issues, which have long been differentiated in the Scott Catalogue. The 6c I Grill is rare in original-gum condition. We have offered only two other unused examples.
With 2010 P.S.E. certificate (POG XF-Superb 95), SMQ does not price higher than 90. This stamp is still listed in the P.S.E. Population Report as No. 137 (in the NG/RG/D-POG category), but it should actually be moved to No. 137A, where it will be the only example to reach the grade of XF-Superb 95.
