Sale 973 — 2009 Rarities of the World
Sale Date — Saturday, 13 June, 2009
Category — 1861-66 Issue
3c Pink (64). Original gum, lightly hinged, bright color in the true Pink shade, choice centering with well-proportioned marginsEXTREMELY FINE 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 2002 P.F. and 2009 P.S.E. certificates (OGph, XF 90; SMQ $26,400.00). This is the highest grade awarded to date and only one other shares this grade.
