5c Blue, Coil (317). Mathematically perfect centering with Jumbo margins, intense shade and impression on crisp paper

EXTREMELY FINE GEM. AN ASTONISHING EXAMPLE OF THE RARE 5-CENT VERTICAL COIL, SCOTT 317, WHICH HAS BEEN GRADED GEM 100 JUMBO BY P.S.E. A PERFECT STAMP IN THE FINEST ATTAINABLE CONDITION.

According to Johl, these first government coils were an experiment, and collectors and dealers were generally unaware of their existence. Regular sheets of 400 were printed and then perforated in only one direction. They were then cut into strips of 20. The strips were then hand pasted together to form rolls. As such, they are almost always strongly centered to one side. The futility of attempts to find sound and centered examples has resulted in very few even being considered for grading. The P.S.E. Population Report bears this out, as only three stamps have been submitted for grading, with the highest before this example a 90J (for a paste-up single). In fact, we were unable to find any other perforated stamps from any issue in the P.S.E. Population Report graded 100J (or even 100) even close to the rarity of Scott 317.

With 1976 P.F. certificate for a pair, this the top stamp. With 2016 P.S.E. certificate (OGph, Gem 100 Jumbo; unpriced in SMQ above the grade of 90)

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