10c Black (2). Unused (no gum), phenomenally huge and balanced margins all around, intense shade and proof-like impression

EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SPECTACULAR UNUSED EXAMPLE OF THE 10-CENT 1847 ISSUE, WHICH HAS BEEN GRADED SUPERB 98 BY P.S.E. -- THIS IS THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED TO AN UNUSED EXAMPLE OF THIS ISSUE, AND ONLY THIS STAMP HAS ACHIEVED THIS GRADE.

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.

With 1970 P.F. and 2009 P.S.E. certificates (Superb 98; unpriced in SMQ above the grade of 90 in No Gum condition (and unpriced above the grade of 85 with gum), SMQ $21,500.00 as 90). This is the highest grade awarded to date to any unused example of this issue -- the next highest grade is an 85.

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