Sale 1334 — The Dr. George Haikel Collection: Stamps and Covers of Exceptional Beauty and Rarity
Sale Date — Tuesday, 12 November, 2024
Category — 1861-66 Issue thru 1875 Re-Issue of 1861-66 Issue
3c Rose, D. Grill (85). Lovely shade on bright paper, perfectly centered with wide and balanced margins, neat strike of radial cork cancel
EXTREMELY FINE GEM. THIS STUNNING USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1868 3-CENT D GRILL MAY WELL BE THE FINEST IN EXISTENCE. THIS PHENOMENAL STAMP IS GRADED SUPERB 98 BY P.S.E., 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 3c stamps were first run through the D-equipped machine. This would explain the scarcity of 3c D Grill stamps.
Ex Ishikawa, Hinrichs and "Natalee Grace". With 1993 and 2004 P.F. certificates. With 2009 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98). This is the highest grade awarded and only one other has achieved this grade.
