3c Rose, Z. Grill (85C). Original gum, lightly hinged, clearly-defined grill, bright shade and crisp impression, well-balanced margins

EXTREMELY FINE FOR THIS IMPOSSIBLE ORIGINAL-GUM STAMP. THE 1868 3-CENT Z GRILL IS ONE OF THE RAREST OF THE REGULARLY-PRODUCED GRILLED ISSUES. THE RARITY OF THIS STAMP IN SUCH PRISTINE ORIGINAL-GUM CONDITION CANNOT POSSIBLY BE OVERSTATED.

The 3c Z Grill was in production for only a short period of time before the device was replaced with the F Grill. Only a small number of 3c sheets were fed thru the Z Grill, which accounts for the rarity of surviving examples, especially in sound, original-gum condition. Our review of past auctions, including Power Search, found precious few sound copies with Very Fine centering.

With 2006 P.F. and 2009 P.S.E. certificates (OGph, VF 80; SMQ $30,000.00). This is one of only two original-gum 3c Z Grill stamps to be graded VF 80, with none higher

Image Magnifier / Download

PSE Population Report

Market data

Power Search for Comparables