5c Black Brown, F. Grill (95a). Deep rich color in this distinctive shade, remarkably detailed impression showing the subtle details of the lathework engraving, choice centering and balanced margins, neat central strike of cork cancel

EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1868 5-CENT F GRILL IN THE BLACK BROWN COLOR. ONE OF THE FINEST EXAMPLES OF THIS RARE SHADE WE HAVE ENCOUNTERED AND CONFIRMED BY P.S.E. IN GRADING THIS STAMP XF-SUPERB 95, THE HIGHEST RECORDED.

The 5c F Grill is known in Brown, Dark Brown and Black Brown. The first two are in the same color family (listed as Scott 95). The Black Brown is distinctly darker and is given its own sub-letter designation, Scott 95a. The Dark Brown is sometimes mistaken by collectors for the Black Brown shade, but a side-by-side comparison illustrates the significant difference between the two. On the Black Brown the engraved lines are especially clear, it has a proof-like appearance, and is significantly scarcer than the other shades.

Ex Blocker. With 1993 P.F. and 2016 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $6,000.00 as a 90, unpriced in any higher grade). This is the highest grade awarded and the only example to receive this spectacular grade, with the next highest at XF 90 (ex Hansen and "Natalee Grace").

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