12c Black (17). Original gum, large even margins all around including part of adjoining stamp at bottom, intense shade and proof-like impression

EXTREMELY FINE. A SUPERB ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE 12-CENT 1851 ISSUE. AN EXCEEDINGLY DIFFICULT ISSUE TO OBTAIN IN SUCH CHOICE CONDITION.

The 12c 1851 plate was laid down with very little room between stamps -- just barely one millimeter, to be exact. For this reason, collectors have a difficult time finding stamps with large margins all around. The original-gum example offered here is a true condition rarity.

Small red and blue backstamps. With 1999 P.F. and 2013 P.S.E. certificates (OGph, XF 90; SMQ $12,500.00). Only three have graded higher and two others share this grade.

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