15c Black (77). Original gum, lightly hinged, sharp proof-like impression, wide margins

EXTREMELY FINE. WITH A FEW EXCEPTIONS FOR RARE SHADES, THE 1866 15-CENT LINCOLN COULD WELL BE THE RAREST OF THE 1861-66 SERIES IN CHOICE ORIGINAL-GUM CONDITION.

In our catalogue descriptions, we have emphasized the rarity of 1861-66 stamps in choice original-gum condition. With the exception of the rare 5c and 24c shades, our experience shows that the 15c Black is the most difficult stamp to obtain in sound, choice original-gum condition. It is most often found without gum or disturbed gum, or the fully-gummed examples are off center. The block of six (straight edge at left), ex Caspary, Lilly and Ishikawa, is well-centered with original gum, but our search of numerous other major auction sales produced few other examples apart from the block. Therefore, this stamp could be the rarest face-different design of the 1861-66 series in choice original-gum condition.

With 1979, 1997 and 2004 P.F. certificates.

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