1c Blue, Ty. Ib (5A). Position 3R1E, large margins to full all around, beautiful bright Plate 1 Early color, clear strike of Boston large "Paid" grid cancel

EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A STUNNING EXAMPLE OF THE 1851 IMPERFORATE TYPE Ib, GRADED XF-SUPERB 95 BY P.S.E. — A REMARKABLE STAMP IN EVERY RESPECT.

Type Ib was produced only as an imperforate stamp from Plate 1 Early. Six positions on Plate 1E furnished stamps qualifying as Type Ib—Positions 3-6R and 8-9R—distinguished by the complete design at top and nearly complete design at bottom. When first entered on the plate, these six positions (as well as 7R1E) had the complete design at top and bottom. However, unlike 7R, small portions of the bottoms were ironed out when the entries were made below them. These top-row positions usually have an ample top margin, but frequently the margins are close or cutting into the sides or bottom. A Type Ib stamp with large margins all around is a great rarity, particularly in sound condition.

With 1989 P.F. and 2008 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95). Only one grades higher (last offered by us in our 2012 Kirke sale) and three others share this desirable grade.

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