1c Blue, Ty. IV (23). Original gum described on P.S.E. certificate as "slightly disturbed", but the earlier P.F. certificates state "original gum" -- in our opinion the gum is intact and does not deserve the "disturbed" qualifier -- recut once at top and bottom, brilliant color and proof-like impression on crisp paper

EXTREMELY FINE. A BEAUTIFUL AND EXTREMELY RARE SOUND AND CENTERED ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE 1857 PERFORATED ONE-CENT TYPE IV. A VERY DIFFICULT STAMP TO FIND WITH SUCH CHOICE CENTERING.

The Plate 1 Late sheets on hand in 1857 were perforated on the new equipment, but the spacing between subjects and Toppan Carpenter's generally poor perforating skills resulted in the majority being off center. Examples of Scott 23 with original gum and this grade of centering are extremely rare.

Ex Whitman. With 1967 and 2000 P.F. certificates as "previously hinged". With 2008 P.S.E. certificate stating "slightly disturbed original gum" (DOG, XF 90; SMQ $23,000.00). This is the highest grade awarded to an unused example of Scott 23. The P.S.E. Population Report records one other unused stamp graded XF 90, but we are not aware of the gum condition of that stamp. The only unused category P.S.E. uses for this stamp is "NG/RG/D-POG" (no gum, regummed, disturbed or part gum). This means that they have not graded any unused examples of Scott 23 in the OGph or OGh categories

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