1c Blue, Ty. IV (23). Original gum described on new P.S.E. certificate as "slightly disturbed", but the earlier P.F. certificates states "original gum" -- in our opinion, the gum is intact and does not deserve the "disturbed" qualifier -- recut once at top and once at bottom, brilliant color and proof-like impression on crisp paper

EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A BEAUTIFUL ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE 1857 PERFORATED ONE-CENT TYPE IV. A DIFFICULT STAMP TO FIND WITH SUCH CHOICE CENTERING.

The Plate 1 Late sheets on hand in 1857 were perforated on the new equipment, but the spacing between subjects and Toppan Carpenter's generally poor perforating skills resulted in the majority being off center. Examples of Scott 23 with original gum and this grade of centering are extremely rare.

With 1967 and 2000 P.F. certificates as "previously hinged" and with 2008 P.S.E. certificate stating "slightly disturbed original gum" (DOG XF 90). This is the highest grade awarded to date to an unused copy.

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