$1.00 Black, Ty. II (261A). Mint N.H. with right part arrow selvage, intense shade and impression on bright paper, choice centering with wide and balanced margins

EXTREMELY FINE PART ARROW MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 1894 $1.00 UNWATERMARKED TYPE II BUREAU ISSUE.

The 1894 Unwatermarked issue was the first U.S. postage issue to be printed by the Bureau of Engraving & Printing, after the contract with American Bank Note Co. expired. The first stamps printed by the Bureau are notoriously difficult to find well-centered, as production was marred by initial problems as they geared up to meet the needs of the public for stamps. The designs through the $1.00 were kept the same from the 1890 ABN Co. issue, with the addition of corner triangles to distinguish the printings. The use of the same designs is another indication of the time pressure that may have caused some of the initial production problems.

Perhaps the two most difficult denominations to find in superb condition are the $1.00 Type II (Scott 261A), and the $5.00.. Examples with selvage are particularly desirable as the lack of watermark is far more obvious. We have not offered another Mint N.H. example graded 90 or higher since 2009.

With 2020 P.S.E. certificate (XF 90; SMQ $14,500.00). Only two Mint N.H. examples grade higher (at 95 and 95J) and only four others share this grade.

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