Sale 1376 — The Monterey Collection of Superb United States 19th and 20th Century Stamps
Sale Date — Wednesday, 22 April, 2026
Category — 1867-68 Grilled Issue (Scott 83-101
12c Black, F. Grill (97). Original gum, lightly hinged, almost perfectly centered with remarkably wide margins all around capturing the characteristic plate burrs of the 12c 1868 Grilled Issue, intense shade and impression, clearly defined grill
EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE 1868 12-CENT F GRILL. AN EXTRAORDINARY STAMP AND CERTAINLY AMONG THE FINEST IN EXISTENCE — GRADED XF-SUPERB 95 BY P.S.E., WHICH IS THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED.
We acknowledge the past existence of original-gum 12c F Grill multiples, which have been broken to furnish choice singles. However, the quality of this particular stamp — its centering and margins, shade and overall freshness — qualify it as one of the few finest in existence.
Ex Odeneal. With 2001 P.F. and 2007 P.S.E. certificates (OGph, XF-Superb 95). This is the highest grade awarded by P.S.E. to an unused Scott 97 in any gum category and it is equaled by only three others.
