24c Blackish Violet (78c). Original gum, deep rich color in the true Blackish Violet shade, sharp proof-like impression on crisp paper, exceptional centering for this difficult issue with long and full perforations all around

EXTREMELY FINE. THIS IS THE EX CASPARY-LILLY-SEYMOUR-CHAPIN COPY OF THE 1863 24-CENT BLACKISH VIOLET. WIDELY REGARDED AS ONE OF THE TWO FINEST EXAMPLES OF THIS SHADE, WHICH IS ARGUABLY THE MOST DIFFICULT OF THE 1861-66 ISSUE SHADES TO FIND IN SOUND, CENTERED AND ORIGINAL-GUM CONDITION.

The Blackish Violet is a distinctive shade, which due to its intensity can sometimes be confused by the uninitiated with the 24c First Color, Scott 60. However, when one sees the true Blackish Violet, such as the example offered here, the differences become more manifest. Even though both printings have the same intensity, the Blackish Violet is significantly darker. Less distinct examples do not show this difference to such great effect.

Our records of the 24c Blackish Violet contain only two other unused examples of this shade. One stamp, ex Wunderlich and Zoellner, was last offered in our 1998 Zoellner sale and now resides in an important private collection. The third stamp has original gum; it has a straight-edge at right and is centered to top.

Ex Caspary, Lilly, Seymour and Chapin (acquired privately). With 1967 and 2003 P.F. certificates. Footnote in Scott Catalogue states “Only three examples are recorded of No. 78c unused with original gum. No. 78c unused with and without gum are valued in the grade of Fine-Very Fine”

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