30c Orange, F. Grill (100). Original gum, lightly hinged, clearly-defined grill with all points easily visible, beautiful bright color, almost perfectly centered with well-proportioned margins

EXTREMELY FINE GEM. THIS IS ONE OF THE FINEST ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLES OF THE 30-CENT F GRILL IN EXISTENCE. A MAGNIFICENT STAMP IN EVERY RESPECT -- INCLUDING FRESHNESS OF GUM, FRESHNESS OF COLOR AND PAPER, CENTERING, AND PROMINENCE OF THE GRILL. ONE OF THE MOST DIFFICULT OF ALL CLASSIC U.S. STAMPS TO OBTAIN IN SUCH SUPERB CONDITION.

There are several reasons why the 30c 1861-68 Issue stamps -- Scott 71 (to a lesser extent) and Scott 100 -- rank as two of the most difficult classic U.S. stamps to find in such pristine condition. Due to narrow spacing of the plate, the 30c 1861-68's are usually found with narrow margins, especially at sides. When one margin is large, it usually means that the other side will have perforations impinging on the design. Due to high metallic content of the inks used to print the 30c, the stamps are prone to oxidization and color-change over time. The stamp offered here, with near-perfect centering and balanced margins on all sides, and with color as fresh as the day it was printed, is a condition rarity.

A careful review of auction catalogues in our extensive library produced no more than six other original-gum examples of the 30c F Grill in grades of Very Fine or Extremely Fine. With the exception of the stamp from the Dr. Vernon R. Morris Jr. collection (Shreve sale), they appeared in sales held during the 1940's and 50's. Whether any or all of them could pass today's more rigorous standards for condition and certification is unlikely.

Small "W.H.C." (Colson) backstamp. With 2001 P.F. certificate

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