10c Green (68). Mathematically perfect centering with Jumbo margins, bright color and crisp impression, neat strike of grid cancel

EXTREMELY FINE GEM. THIS PHENOMENAL 10-CENT 1861 STAMP IS GRADED GEM 100 JUMBO BY P.S.E. -- THE HIGHEST GRADE POSSIBLE. THIS IS ALSO THE ONLY PERFORATED STAMP PRIOR TO THE 1869 PICTORIAL ISSUE TO ACHIEVE THIS PERFECT GRADE. A TRULY REMARKABLE STAMP IN EVERY RESPECT.

The 10c is the only denomination of the 1861-66 Issue that was actually issued in two types. Type I, Scott 62B, was printed from Plate 4. Type II stamps -- Scott 68 and its grilled counterparts -- were printed from Plates 15 and 26. It has been surmised that Type I was pressed into service to help fill strong demand for 10c stamps after demonetization of the earlier issue. The 10c stamps paid the transcontinental rate, the ship-letter rate and certain rates to foreign countries.

Despite the high production numbers this is a difficult denomination to obtain in superb quality. Of the 175 used copies sent to P.S.E. for grading, only six grade higher than 95 (including the stamp offered here). Another denomination produced in much greater quantity, the 3c, has failed to achieve the 100J grade despite almost 500 submissions.

Ex "Natalee Grace". With 1997 and 2019 P.F. certificates. With 2009 and 2013 P.S.E. certificates (Gem 100 Jumbo; SMQ $8,000.00 as 100, unpriced in the 100J grade). This is the earliest perforated U.S. stamp to achieve this highest of grades -- the next stamp to be graded 100J is the 12c 1869 Pictorial (one copy, used)

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