10c Green, Ty. II (14). Position 51L1, double transfer and with left sheet margin with "ENGRAVERS, Phila. New York, B" portion of imprint and "No. 1" plate number, full margins to ample other sides, deep rich color, double-struck circular datestamp cancel, faults including thin spot, creases and sealed tear -- none of which are readily apparent on an album page

AN EXTREMELY RARE 10-CENT 1855 PLATE NUMBER SINGLE. VERY FEW ARE KNOWN.

Plate 1 was the only plate used for imperforate 10c stamps issued in 1855 and 1856. It was also used for all 1857 perforated stamps until Plate 2 was created, which produced Type V perforated stamps exclusively (Scott 35). Examples of classic imperforate stamps with intact sheet margins are scarce, since the excess margin was normally trimmed off during distribution and use. Stamps showing any part of the imprint are much rarer, and those with the plate number intact are exponentially rarer. We have encountered only a few others on the 10c 1855, including the iconic unused strip of three (ex Gross).

Ex Neinken.

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