Sale 904 — Superb United States Stamps

Sale Date — Saturday, 10 December, 2005

Category — 1861-66 Issue

Lot
Symbol
Photo/Description
Cat./Est. Value
Realized
55
og
Sale 904, Lot 55, 1861-66 Issue3c Pink (64). Original gum, lightly hinged, bright color in the true Pink shade

EXTREMELY FINE ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE 1861 3-CENT PINK.

The 3c 1861 Pink (Scott 64) is one of the most difficult stamps of the 1861-66 Issue to find in sound, well-centered, original-gum condition with fresh color. The nature of the ink used to print the 3c Pink shade is such that over the course of time, with exposure to light and other adverse elements, the color tends to oxidize or lose its vibrancy.

Collectors who have searched in vain for a 3c Pink in such condition will appreciate the rarity of this stamp in such a remarkable state of preservation. Others who may be less familiar with the rarity of this early 1861 Issue -- and perhaps deceived by the abundance of common 3c 1861 shades (Scott 65) -- are urged to consider the extreme rarity of Scott 64 in sound original-gum condition. In several recent auctions, we have offered well-centered original-gum examples of the 1861-66 Issue, and the record realizations at large multiples of Scott value demonstrate the rarity of these stamps.

With 2002 P.F. certificate

9,500
12,500