24c Violet, Thin Paper (70c). Original gum with slight disturbance from previous hinges, extraordinary rich color and proof-like impression on bright paper, remarkably choice centering for this difficult issue, negligible corner perf crease, red swan-shaped handstamp on back does not show thru

EXTREMELY FINE CENTERING AND ESSENTIALLY SOUND. AN EXCEEDINGLY RARE ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE 1861 24-CENT VIOLET ON THIN PAPER WITH THE COLOR BEAUTIFULLY PRESERVED.

The 24c 1861 exists in four basic shades of Violet: Dark Violet (August 1861 trial printing, formerly Scott 60); Violet on Thin Paper (August-September 1861 regular issue, Scott 70c -- the shade offered here); Pale Gray Violet (1861 regular issue, Scott 70d) and Blackish Violet (ca. 1863 printing, Scott 78c). All four are rare, especially in sound original-gum condition.

The ink used to print the 24c 1861 stamps in Violet is prone to change with continued exposure to light. Because the European Connoisseur's collection was never exhibited, and the stamp has been in an album since the 1950's, this example of Violet has extraordinary color. We urge the next owner to put it away, in order to preserve the true Violet color, which is rarely encountered with the vibrancy seen in this stamp.

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