15c Red Orange (189). Mint N.H., vibrant color as fresh as the day it was printed, mathematically perfect centering with wide and balanced margins, long and full perforations all around

EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A STUNNING MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 1879 15-CENT AMERICAN BANK NOTE COMPANY ISSUE. THIS IMPRESSIVE STAMP HAS BEEN AWARDED THE GRADE OF GEM 100 BY P.S.E. -- THIS IS THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED TO DATE AND THE ONLY EXAMPLE TO ACHIEVE THIS PERFECT GRADE.

We acknowledge that several large multiples, including a pane of 100, have been broken in recent years to feed collector demand for singles, particularly in Mint N.H. condition. This has driven up the population of Mint N.H. singles. However, very few stamps out of those multiples are well-centered -- many are off to one or two sides and would not grade very highly.

The stamp offered here is the exception to the rule. It is mathematically centered. The color is as fresh as the day it was printed, without even a hint of the oxidation that can plague this issue. The impression is detailed, and the perfs are all long and well-formed. It truly deserves the Gem 100 grade it was given.

With 1990 and 1999 P.F. and 2008 P.S.E. certificates (Gem 100). This is the only example to achieve this grade to date, and this is the highest grade awarded.

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