5c Brown (29). Original gum, lightly hinged, choice centering for this difficult issue with perfs clear of outer projections on all sides, rich color and detailed impression on bright paper, long and full perforations all around

VERY FINE AND CHOICE ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE 5-CENT BROWN 1857 ISSUE. AN EXTREMELY DIFFICULT STAMP TO FIND IN SUCH PRISTINE CONDITION. THIS IS ONE OF THE FINEST EXAMPLES IN EXISTENCE.

Due to the narrow spacing between subjects on the first 5c 1856 plate, many of the stamps have the outer projections touched or cut into by the perforations. A review of our computerized records shows that we have offered only eight other original-gum examples of this stamp since 1994. Of these, perhaps two would rate the grade of Very Fine or Extremely Fine. The example offered here, with full original gum, deep rich color, full perforations and with balanced margins, is a true condition rarity.

Ex Scarsdale. With 1969 and 1997 P.F. certificates. Aside from this stamp, the last well-centered original-gum example we offered was in Sale 902 and realized $24,000 hammer.

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