1c Blue, Ty. III (8). Plate 4, huge Jumbo margins showing bits of adjoining stamps top and right and trace at left, magnificent deep shade typical of Plate 4 printings, lightly struck circular datestamp

EXTREMELY FINE GEM. AN ABSOLUTELY BREATHTAKING EXAMPLE OF THE IMPERFORATE 1851 ONE-CENT TYPE III. THIS STAMP'S ENORMOUS MARGINS AND LIGHT CANCEL HAVE EARNED IT THE COVETED P.S.E. GRADE OF SUPERB 98 JUMBO -- THE FIRST AND ONLY SCOTT 8 TO ACHIEVE SUCH SUPERIORITY.

Type III stamps have breaks in both the top and bottom outer lines (the break is usually wider at the top). This used single stands out among the examples of Scott 8 we have sold over many years. Using Power Search on our website, the extraordinary character of this stamp is demonstrable. Even the wonderful copy in our recent sale of the Tahoe Collection, which graded XF-Superb 95 and realized $21,000 hammer, falls short of this fantastic stamp. We would not be surprised to see this stamp realize a multiple of the SMQ value for 98.

With 2008 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98 Jumbo; SMQ $27,700.00 as 98, unpriced in higher grade). According to the P.S.E. Population Report, this is the only used No. 8 to have been awarded the grade of Superb 98 Jumbo (one 98 is reported, and none graded higher).

Image Magnifier / Download

PSE Population Report

Market data

Power Search for Comparables