Sale 1288 — The Nelson Berman Collection of Outstanding United States Stamps
Sale Date — Thursday, 22 June, 2023
Category — 1861 First Designs and Colors (Scott 55-62)
10c Dark Green, First Design (62B). Deep rich color and proof-like impression, gorgeous centering, "San Francisco Cal. Dec. 4, 1861" double-circle datestampEXTREMELY FINE. A STUNNING USED EXAMPLE OF THE 10-CENT 1861 ISSUE FIRST DESIGN.
The 10c is the only denomination of the 1861-66 Issue that was actually issued in two types. Type I, Scott 62B, was printed from Plate 4. Type II stamps -- Scott 68 and its grilled counterparts -- were printed from Plates 15 and 26. It has been surmised that Type I was pressed into service to help fill strong demand for 10c stamps after demonetization of the earlier issue. The 10c stamps paid the transcontinental rate, the ship-letter rate and certain rates to foreign countries. The Plate 4 Type I stamps left very little space between the stamps for the 12-gauge perforation holes. Examples of Scott 62B are rarely seen with margins framing the design on all sides.
With 1986 P.F. certificate.
