5c Blue (304). Mint N.H. with wide left plate no. 1538 selvage with string of plate printers' initials, intense shade and impression, perfectly centered with Jumbo margins

EXTREMELY FINE GEM. THIS IS WITHOUT QUESTION ONE OF THE FINEST EXAMPLES OF THE 5-CENT 1903 ISSUE IN EXISTENCE. THIS MARVELOUS STAMP IS GRADED SUPERB 98 JUMBO BY P.S.E., AND IT IS THE ONLY EXAMPLE TO ACHIEVE THIS GRADE.

The 5c stamp was used to pay the U.P.U. rate to foreign destinations and so a large quantity was printed. Despite its large printing of just over 550 million (including the rare coils and imperfs), it is difficult to obtain in such superb condition. Only seven have graded higher than 95 (three each at 95J and 98), and this is the only example we have offered in one of our auctions graded higher than 95J.

Ex "Hanover". With 2008 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98 Jumbo; SMQ $4,250.00 is too low based on its realization of $7,500 hammer in the "Hanover" sale). This is the highest grade awarded and the only to achieve it.

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