90c Blue, F. Grill (101). Perfectly centered with wide margins, beautiful shade and impression, red cork cancel, much better formed perfs than typically encountered

EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SPECTACULAR USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1868 90-CENT F GRILL, COMBINING FLAWLESS CENTERING, PERFORATIONS, COLOR AND A PREMIUM CANCEL.

The 90c stamps used to make grilled issues were printed on a thick stock of paper. It is likely that sheets remaining from the pre-grill period were used and that the thinner paper introduced in 1868 had not been used for the 90c value. Two characteristics of 90c F Grill stamps are poorly punched perforations and generally bad centering. This stamp is a remarkable exception. The perfs are much better formed than usual (although they show the genuine characteristics) and the centering is precise. In this stamp there is also the added feature of a striking red cancel.

Ex Merlin. With 1969 P.F., 2012 P.F. and 2010 P.S.E. certificates (XF 90; SMQ $4,850.00 as normal cancel). Only two grade higher and four others share this grade, but the red cancel on this stamp adds considerably to its appeal and value, which has been reflected in its price the last two times we offered it -- $13,500 hammer in our Sale 997 in 2010 and $7,500 hammer in the 2012 Merlin sale

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