1c Blue, E. Grill (86). Original gum, lightly hinged, bright color and proof-like impression on fresh paper, clear grill points

EXTREMELY FINE. THE 1868 ONE-CENT E GRILL IS FAR SCARCER THAN ITS F GRILL COUNTERPART, PARTICULARLY IN ORIGINAL-GUM CONDITION.

Some time ago we observed that the 1c E Grill appeared at auction very infrequently, in any form. After analyzing the early 1868 regular-production grills (Z, D, E and F), we concluded that grilling of the 1c 1861 issue with the E (and Z) Grill must have been short-lived, occurring sometime around February 28, 1868. Later grilling of 1c stamps was probably done with the F Grill. Relatively little of the 1c E Grill supply appears to have reached the philatelic market, as evidenced by the stamp's scarcity.

From our 2006 Rarities sale. With 1989, 1999 P.F. and 2014 P.S.E. certificates (VF-XF 85; SMQ $6,000.00). Only two original-gum examples have been graded higher (both at 90) and this is the only 85 grade in P.S.E.'s Population Report

Image Magnifier / Download

PSE Population Report

Market data

Power Search for Comparables