10c Yellow Green, F. Grill (96). Original gum, lightly hinged, well-defined grill, rich color, crisp impression, gorgeous centering with wide and balanced margins

EXTREMELY FINE GEM. THIS IS WITHOUT QUESTION ONE OF THE FINEST ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLES OF THE 1868 10-CENT F GRILL. A SURPRISINGLY DIFFICULT ISSUE TO OBTAIN IN SUCH SUPERB CONDITION.

Over the years several multiples have been broken to feed collector demand for singles, so the overall number of original-gum copies is relatively high. However, virtually all original gum-copies seem to have at least one margin that is larger than the others. The stamp offered here, perfectly centered with four wide and balanced margins, is a true condition rarity.

With 2005 and 2006 P.F. certificates, the latter graded (XF-Superb 95). By way of comparison, the highest grade in P.S.E.'s Population Report is 70.

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