2c Black, Z. Grill (85B). Clearly-defined grill, detailed impression and attractive shade, beautiful centering with balanced margins, bold strike of circle of V's cancel

EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A MAGNIFICENT USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1868 2-CENT Z GRILL, GRADED XF-SUPERB 95 BY P.S.E.

The plates used to print the Black Jacks did not provide enough space between subjects for the large 12-gauge perf holes. Consequently, most Black Jack stamps have perfs touching the design on one or two sides. This scarcity of four-margin copies multiplies exponentially when the Z Grill is factored into the equation. Only a small quantity of 2c sheets were grilled during the period when the Z device was active -- after the D Grill (Scott 84), the Z is the rarest of Black Jack grilled stamps.

Ex Merlin. With 2008 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $12,000.00). Only two grade higher (at 98).

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