3c Ultramarine, Split Grill (114 var). Pane of 150, with imprint and plate no. 26 at top and bottom, two arrows at right and natural s.e. at left, approximately 136 stamps Mint N.H., others small h.r. where sensibly hinge reinforced, every stamp with the split grill, bright color, few flaws to be expected on such a large multiple incl. fourth row with crease, few natural gum bends and inclusions of little consequence, several with unusually choice centering incl. Position 150 with perfect centering and wide margins

AN INCREDIBLY RARE INTACT PANE OF 150 OF THE 3-CENT 1869 PICTORIAL ISSUE, WITH 136 MINT NEVER-HINGED STAMPS AND A LARGE NUMBER OF VERY FINE-EXTREMELY FINE STAMPS. ONE OF THE GREAT MULTIPLES OF THE ISSUE AND 19TH CENTURY UNITED STATES PHILATELY.

Most large multiples have been broken to feed the demand for well-centered singles. Typically what remains in panes are those not worth breaking due to centering or other condition issues. Not so the pane offered here. This pane, with several sections containing better-centered stamps, plus the overall pristine nature of the gum, is a true condition rarity. We wonder whether it will stay intact.

Scott Catalogue does not price anything earlier than Scott No. 182 in Mint N.H. condition. When Scott Catalogue does start pricing, they typically apply a multiplier of between 3-5 times the hinged price. Scott Catalogue as two plate blocks, two arrow blocks, 27 blocks of four and 14 singles (all hinged)

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