Toppan, Carpenter, Casilier & Co., 10c Black, Progressive Large Die Proof on India (13-E1). 32 x 36mm, "U.S. Postage" at top in pencil, also missing lines in leaf ornaments around top X's, intense shade, pencil "Pitcher" at bottom, an intriguing reference to the mysterious "E. Pitcher", who some have speculated was a female employee of bank note security firms

VERY FINE. AN EXTREMELY RARE PROGRESSIVE DIE PROOF OF THE 10-CENT 1855 ISSUE.

This is the only example we have encountered. Scott value of $3,000.00 is inexcusably out of date, as this proof last sold for $27,000 hammer in our Sale 1113 in 2015. The other similar example, without "U.S. Postage" at top and some additional shading, realized $10,500 hammer in the same sale and is offered in lot 325.

Illustrated in 2021 Scott Catalogue on p. 862

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