15c Black, Red Control Number "235" Ovpt. Ty. J (77S-J). Block of six, original gum, few h.r., lower left stamp showing substantial upward displacement of the overprint, choice centering, bright shade on crisp paper, some perf separations between pos. 1-2.

VERY FINE. THIS IS THE UNIQUE BLOCK OF SIX OF THE 15-CENT 1861 ISSUE WITH RED CONTROL NUMBER OVERPRINT. A BLOCK OF SIX IS ALSO THE LARGEST RECORDED MULTIPLE OF ANY DENOMINATION WITH CONTROL NUMBER OVERPRINTS.

The stamps of the 1861 Issue are known with sequential control number overprints, from the highest denomination to the lowest starting with the 90c "1234", 30c "2345", 24c "3456" and so on except for the 15c offered here, which has only three numbers -- "235". Research by Michael Plett and Ken Gilbart (Chronicle Aug. 2012, pp. 214-226) solved the long-standing mystery of these specimens and determined that the overprints were applied by a bond-numbering mechanical device. It is believed that only one-half pane of each were overprinted.

The largest multiples of any denominations are blocks of six, which were offered in one of the Hollowbush sales in the 1960s. Six denominations are believed to still exist as blocks of six -- the 1c, 2c, 3c, 10c, this 15c and the 90c. Apart from these six, the other denominations have been reduced in size. In addition to this block there are three blocks of four of the 15c in the Gilbart-Plett census.

Illustrated in Chronicle 235 (p. 35). Ex Hollowbush. Scott value as a block of four and two singles.

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