5c Blue (179). Original gum, lightly hinged, perfectly centered with wide and balanced margins all around, incredibly rich color on bright white paper, sharp and detailed impression

EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB EXAMPLE OF THE 1875 5-CENT TAYLOR CONTINENTAL ISSUE. AN EXTREMELY DIFFICULT STAMP TO FIND IN SUCH EXCEPTIONALLY CHOICE ORIGINAL-GUM CONDITION.

The addition of a 5c value was made necessary by the creation of the General Postal Union in 1874, which specified a rate of 5c between member countries, effective July 1, 1875. Of the two regular-issue 5c Taylor stamps -- Scott 179 (Continental) and Scott 185 (American) -- the former is much more difficult to obtain in this superb original-gum condition because comparatively few multiples have ever been available to feed the demand for singles.

Ex Wingate. With 2000 P.F. certificate

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