5c Blue (179). Original gum, lightly hinged, rich color and detailed impression, choice centering with unusually wide margins

EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A BEAUTIFUL EXAMPLE OF THE CONTINENTAL 1875 5-CENT TAYLOR. AN EXTREMELY DIFFICULT STAMP TO FIND IN SUCH EXCEPTIONALLY CHOICE ORIGINAL-GUM CONDITION.

The addition of a 5c value was made necessary by the creation of the General Post Union in 1874, which specified a rate of 5c between member countries, effective July 1, 1875. Of the two regular-issue 5c Taylor stamps -- Scott 179 (Continental) and Scott 185 (American) -- the former is much more difficult to obtain in this superb original-gum condition because comparatively few multiples have ever been available to feed the demand for singles.

With 2000, 2009 and 2017 P.F. certificates (OGph, XF 90). By way of comparison, P.S.E. has only graded four higher than 85 (two at 90, one each at 90J and 95).

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