1c Blue, Ty. II (7). Positions 63/73/83L3, vertical strip of three, unused (no gum), large to huge margins showing parts of adjoining stamps at right, clear at bottom, deep rich Plate 3 color, top stamp tiny toned spot (utterly inconsequential), center stamp light horizontal crease

VERY FINE-EXTREMELY FINE APPEARANCE. AN EXTREMELY RARE UNUSED MULTIPLE OF THE 1851 ONE-CENT TYPE II FROM PLATE THREE.

According to Ashbrook and Neinken, Plate 3 is believed to have been made in March or April 1856, possibly to replace the defective Plate 2 and/or to meet the increased demand for stamps concurrent with the April 1855 change in postal regulations requiring prepayment of postage. For an unknown reason -- possibly a severe defect that arose in the plate -- very few stamps were printed from the new Plate 3 before it was retired. All positions on Plate 3 are Type II and were entered from the same T-A-B Relief roller used for Plates 1 and 2. Plate 3 stamps bear a close resemblance to those from Plate 2. Surviving Plate 3 examples are rare, and unused examples or multiples of any kind are exceedingly rare.

Scott Retail $27,000.00 as three singles with gum

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