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
88
24c Steel Blue (70b). Original gum, barest trace of hinging, remarkably deep rich color and proof-like impression in crisp paper, selvage at top, choice centeringEXTREMELY FINE. A STUNNING ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE 1861 24-CENT STEEL BLUE. THE STEEL BLUE IS ONE OF THE MOST DISTINCTIVE AND COLLECTIBLE OF ALL 24-CENT SHADES, AND THIS IS SURELY ONE OF THE FINEST IN EXISTENCE.
The Steel Blue is the most distinctive of all the shades. Unlike some of the others, it is rarely mistaken or misidentified, and as such has always been a favorite of collectors. Examples with original gum are rare, and those with Very Fine or Extremely Fine centering are of tremendous rarity, probably numbering no more than a dozen.
With 1988 P.F. certificate
16,500
29,000