30c Orange, F. Grill (100). Original gum, a small patch of uneven brownish gum on the left side of the stamp is noted as "an area of disturbed o.g." on accompanying certificate, but the P.F. is wrong -- having handled the original-gum blocks of this issue, we can state with experience that original gum on this issue is applied a bit irregularly -- clearly-defined grill with all points easily visible, vibrant color and beautifully balanced margins

EXTREMELY FINE. AN EXCEPTIONALLY RARE RARE SOUND AND CENTERED ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE 1868 30-CENT F GRILL.

There are several reasons why the 30c 1861-68 Issue stamps -- Scott 71 (to a lesser extent) and Scott 100 -- rank as two of the most difficult classic U.S. stamps to find in sound, centered original-gum condition. Due to narrow spacing of the plate, the 30c 1861-68's are usually found with narrow margins, especially at sides. When one margin is large, it usually means that the other side will have perforations impinging on the design. Due to certain elements in the inks used to print the 30c, the stamps are prone to sulphurizing and color-change over time. This stamp is infrequently found with original gum and a Power Search review of examples we have sold reveals that when it is found, more often than not it has faults, poor centering or both. The P.S.E. Population Report also bears this out as only one Scott 100 is graded with original gum -- at a lowly 50. This example is an exceptional condition rarity. If anyone has the strength to argue with the P.F., perhaps a new certificate with an accurate "previously hinged" opinion can be procured.

With 2020 P.F. certificate

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