2c Black, Die I, Large Die Proof on India (73P1). 45 x 57mm, removed from original card but not thinned, showing albino impression of die no. 1030 and imprint at bottom, small inclusion at bottom well clear of design

VERY FINE. AN EXTREMELY RARE DIE I LARGE DIE PROOF OF THE 1863 2-CENT BLACK JACK ISSUE.

The original state of the Black Jack die, or Die I, does not show the star on Jackson's right cheek or the dots in the upper left scroll. Proofs pulled from this first die date to the issuance of the stamp in 1863. Die II proofs, showing the star on cheek and dots in upper left scroll, were pulled later, including probably at the time of the 1875 Re-Issue (which also shows Die II characteristics).

The Die I Black Jack large die proof is extremely rare in any size. There is only one recorded full-size non-hybrid example (ex Metzger and Faust). There are probably fewer than five total in existence in any size and none are die sunk.

Ex Finkelburg and Fosdyke-Ray. With 2018 A.P.S. certificate.

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