5c Brown, Ty. II (30A). Original gum, lightly hinged, deep shade and proof-like impression, gorgeous centering for this difficult issue

EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB LIGHTLY-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 5-CENT TYPE II 1860 ISSUE. THIS STAMP IS GRADED XF-SUPERB 95 -- ONLY ONE HAS GRADED HIGHER AND ONLY ONE SHARES THIS DESIRABLE GRADE.

Unlike its Orange Brown counterpart, the 5c Type II in Brown was not on hand in post offices when the 1861 demonetization order took effect. Therefore, original-gum examples of Scott 30A are far scarcer than Scott 30. The narrow spacing between subjects on the plate, as well as Toppan Carpenter's imprecise perforating, leaves collectors with very few well-centered original-gum examples.

With 1996 P.F. and 2005 and 2016 P.S.E. certificates (OGph, XF-Superb 95; SMQ $11,500.00). Only one unused stamp in any gum condition has graded higher -- a single original gum example at 95J last sold by us in 2007. One other shares this grade -- it just brought $12,500 hammer in our 2018 Rarities sale.

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