10c Black (2). Full original gum, lightly hinged, mostly huge margins to full at lower left, bright shade and detailed impression clearly showing every detail of the engraving, remarkably fresh paper

VERY FINE AND CHOICE. THE 10-CENT 1847 ISSUE IS ONE OF THE MOST DIFFICULT STAMPS TO OBTAIN IN COMPLETELY SOUND ORIGINAL-GUM CONDITION WITH FOUR FULL MARGINS. A TRUE CONDITION RARITY AND A MARVELOUS EXAMPLE OF THE FIRST UNITED STATES GENERAL ISSUE.

The Act of March 3, 1847, signed by President Polk, specified that Postmaster General Cave Johnson "be authorized to prepare postage stamps, which when attached to any letter or packet, shall be evidence of the payment of the postage..." The law’s effective date was July 1, and the Post Office acted immediately to secure a contract with Rawdon, Wright, Hatch and (the new partner) Edson, so that stamps could be distributed by that date. The Washington vignette is based on the iconic image painted by Gilbert Stuart.

P.S.E. encapsulated (Mint OG, VF 80; SMQ $40,500.00). Only one other shares this grade and only one grades higher. A review using Power Search will display both of the other stamps -- the one graded higher (at 85) notes a light gum crease, while the only other example to achieve this grade was just offered in our 2009 Rarities sale.

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