2c Black, Die I, Large Die Proof on India, "SPECIMEN" Overprint (73P1S). India paper mounted on 153 x 228mm card, overprint in vermilion, green "Specimen Postage Stamp from the National Bank Note Company No. 1 Wall Street New York" at bottom of card, trivial edgewear

VERY FINE. AN EXTREMELY RARE DIE I LARGE DIE PROOF OF THE 1863 2-CENT BLACK JACK ISSUE WITH "SPECIMEN" OVERPRINT.

The original state of the Black Jack die, or Die I, does not show the star on Jackson's right cheek or the dots in the upper left scroll. Proofs pulled from this first die date to the issuance of the stamp in 1863. Die II proofs, showing the star on cheek and dots in upper left scroll, were pulled later, including probably at the time of the 1875 Re-Issue (which also shows Die II characteristics). The Die I Black Jack large die proof is extremely rare in any format or size, with our without the "Specimen" overprint. There is only one recorded full-size non-hybrid example without "Specimen" overprint. (ex Metzger and Faust). This example with the "Specimen" overprint is also quite rare, and this proof is one of only three full-size examples we have offered in 30 years.

Scott value as normal Die I proof is $10,000.00.

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