30c Orange, F. Grill (100). Original gum, clearly-defined grill with all points easily visible, attractively centered, beautiful bright color

VERY AND CHOICE. THIS IS ONE OF THE FEW SOUND AND WELL-CENTERED ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLES OF THE 1868 30-CENT F GRILL IN EXISTENCE. ONE OF THE MOST DIFFICULT OF ALL CLASSIC UNITED STATES STAMPS TO OBTAIN IN SUCH SUPERB CONDITION.

There are several reasons why the 30c 1861-68 Issue stamps -- Scott 71 (to a lesser extent) and Scott 100 -- rank as two of the most difficult classic U.S. stamps to find in such pristine condition. Due to narrow spacing of the plate, the 30c 1861-68's are usually found with narrow margins, especially at sides. When one margin is large, it usually means that the other side will have perforations impinging on the design. Due to certain elements in the inks used to print the 30c, the stamps are prone to sulphurizing and color-change over time. The stamp offered here, with excellent centering and fresh color, is a condition rarity.

A careful review of auction catalogues in our extensive library and using Power Search produced no more than six other original-gum examples of the 30c F Grill in grades of Very Fine or Extremely Fine.

Ex Caspary. With 2015 P.F. certificate

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