24c Violet, Thin Paper (70c). Original gum, lightly hinged, deep rich color and proof-like impression, remarkably choice centering for this difficult issue

EXTREMELY FINE GEM. THIS IS WITHOUT QUESTION ONE OF THE FINEST ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLES OF THE 1861 24-CENT VIOLET ON THIN PAPER WE HAVE EVER ENCOUNTERED. THIS IS ONE OF THE RAREST STAMPS IN SOUND, CENTERED AND ORIGINAL-GUM CONDITION.

The 24c 1861 exists in four basic shades of Violet: Dark Violet (August 1861 trial printing, formerly Scott 60); Violet on Thin Paper (August-September 1861 regular issue, Scott 70c -- the shade offered here); Pale Gray Violet (1861 regular issue, Scott 70d) and Blackish Violet (ca. 1863 printing, Scott 78c). All four are rare, especially in sound original-gum condition. We feel this is nearly as rare as the Blackish Violet, which has a catalogue value of $100,000.00.

With 2006 P.F. certificate. This stamp and the ex-Whitman copy (Siegel Sale 968, lot 89, realized $90,000 hammer) are the two finest we have encountered.

Image Magnifier / Download

Power Search for Comparables