Sale 968 — The Alan B. Whitman Collection of Outstanding United States Stamps

Sale Date — Tuesday-Wednesday, 27-28 January, 2009

Category — 1861-66 Issue (Scott 63-72)

Lot
Symbol
Photo/Description
Cat./Est. Value
Realized
71
og
Sale 968, Lot 71, 1861-66 Issue (Scott 63-72)3c Pink (64). Original gum, lightly hinged, bright color in the true Pink shade, choice centering

VERY FINE AND CHOICE ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE 1861 3-CENT PINK. ONE OF THE RAREST 1861 ISSUE SHADES IN THIS CHOICE ORIGINAL-GUM CONDITION.

The 3c 1861 Pink (Scott 64) is one of the most difficult stamps of the 1861-66 Issue to find in sound, well-centered, original-gum condition with fresh color. The nature of the ink used to print the 3c Pink shade is such that over the course of time, with exposure to light and other adverse elements, the color tends to oxidize or lose its vibrancy.

Collectors who have searched in vain for a 3c Pink in such condition will appreciate the rarity of this stamp in such a remarkable state of preservation. Others who may be less familiar with the rarity of this early 1861 Issue -- and perhaps deceived by the abundance of common 3c 1861 shades (Scott 65) -- are urged to consider the extreme rarity of Scott 64 in sound original-gum condition.

With 1962 and 1994 P.F. certificates

14,000
7,500