24c Pale Gray Violet, Thin Paper (70d). Large part original gum which covers the majority of the back, and which accompanying P.F. certificate calls "part o.g., redistributed", radiant color and proof-like impression from an early printing, outstanding centering with beautifully balanced margins for this impossible issue, small thin spot at center visible in fluid, small fiber particles adhering to gum at top

EXTREMELY FINE APPEARANCE. THE 24-CENT 1861 ISSUE IN THE PALE GRAY VIOLET SHADE ON THIN PAPER IS ONE OF THE MOST DIFFICULT SHADES TO OBTAIN IN ORIGINAL-GUM AND CENTERED CONDITION. A GREAT RARITY OF THE 1861 ISSUE.

The 24c 1861 exists in four basic shades of Violet: Dark Violet (August 1861 trial printing, formerly Scott 60); Violet on Thin Paper (August-September 1861 regular issue, Scott 70c); Pale Gray Violet (1861 regular issue, Scott 70d -- the shade offered here) and Blackish Violet (ca. 1863 printing, Scott 78c). All four are rare, especially in original-gum condition.

A review of our computerized records shows we have only offered three other original-gum examples of Scott 70d in the past 20 years, each of which had certificates noting various problems. The ex-Whitman copy, sold in our recent auction of the Petersen collection (Sale 1234, lot 94) is certified as disturbed original gum with light overall gum staining -- with Very Fine and choice appearance it still realized $57,500 hammer. Scott 70d may well be the rarest of the 1861 Issue shades to obtain with original gum.

With 2020 P.F. certificate

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