3c Rose, D. Grill (85). Perfectly centered with wide and balanced margins, brilliant color, clearly defined grill, grid cancel

EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1868 3-CENT D GRILL IN THE FINEST CONDITION ATTAINABLE. THIS REMARKABLE STAMP IS GRADED SUPERB 98 BY BOTH P.S.E. AND THE PHILATELIC FOUNDATION. THIS IS THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED.

It is our hypothesis that two grilling machines were used to make regular-production grilled stamps, beginning in January 1868. Based on our analysis of grill production, the D Grill machine was refitted with the E Grill on or about February 3, 1868. Based on the earliest known uses of the 3c D Grill (2/1/68) and 3c E Grill (2/12/68), it is our theory that the conversion from the D to E Grill took place very soon after sheets of 2c and 3c stamps were first run through the D-equipped machine. This would explain the scarcity of 3c D Grill stamps.

Ex Kirke. With 2006 P.F. certificate (Superb 98). With 2007 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98; SMQ $24,500.00). This is the highest grade awarded and only one other has achieved this grade. The other P.S.E. 98 was offered in our sale of the "Natalee Grace" collection (Sale 1024, lot 142)

Image Magnifier / Download

PSE Population Report

Market data

Power Search for Comparables