24c Brown Lilac (70a). Original gum, lightly hinged, deep rich color and proof-like impression on crisp paper, gorgeous centering with wide and balanced margins

EXTREMELY FINE GEM. THIS IS WITHOUT QUESTION ONE OF THE FINEST ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLES OF THE 1861 24-CENT BROWN LILAC SHADE IN EXISTENCE.

As noted in several of the descriptions of original-gum 1861's in our past sales, these stamps are available in unused no-gum condition or low grades of original-gum condition; however, the combination of original gum and choice centering is so rare that Scott values can be very misleading. In the case of this 24c, the unusually deep Brown Lilac shade adds another dimension of rarity -- perhaps comparable to the difference between a 5c Red Brown (75) and 5c Brown (76).

Ex Whitman. With 1993 and 2009 P.F. certificates (XF 90XQ). The "XQ" stands for "Extraordinary Quality". By way of comparison, P.S.E. has graded only one at 90 which is the highest grade awarded.

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