Sale 1199 — Gem-Quality United States Stamps
Sale Date — Wednesday-Thursday, 1-2 May, 2019
Category — 1861-66 Issue (Scott 67-78)
15c Black (77). Intense shade and proof-like impression on bright paper, unusually wide and balanced margins for this difficult issue, neat strike of segmented grid cancel and also trace of red transit cancel at bottomEXTREMELY FINE GEM. THIS IS EASILY ONE OF THE FINEST USED EXAMPLES OF THE 1866 15-CENT LINCOLN IN EXISTENCE. THIS STAMP IS GRADED SUPERB 98 BY P.S.E. -- THIS IS THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED AND IT IS SHARED BY ONLY ONE OTHER.
The 1866 15c Lincoln is one of the most difficult denominations to obtain in such choice used condition. The most common barrier to a high grade is the size of the side margins, which are often narrow. The stamp offered here is the exception. It has wide and balanced margins on all four sides, a strong impression, and a neat cancel which leaves the entire design clearly visible.
Ex Merlin. With 2010 P.F. and 2011 P.S.E. certificates (Superb 98; SMQ $3,900.00). This is the highest grade awarded and only one other shares this grade.
