Sale 1315 — The Eugene L. Grace Collection of United States and Confederate States Stamps and Covers
Sale Date — Tuesday-Thursday, 12-14 March, 2024
Category — 1851-56 Issue
1c Blue, Ty. III (8). Position 61R4, showing wide breaks at top and bottom which is the defining characteristic of the type, unusually large margins all around including left interpane margin, face free strike of circular datestamp cancel
EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A STUNNING USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1851 ONE-CENT TYPE III, GRADED SUPERB 98 BY P.S.E. -- THIS IS WITHOUT QUESTION ONE OF THE FINEST IN EXISTENCE. ONLY TWO GRADE HIGHER AND TWO OTHERS SHARE THIS DESIRABLE GRADE.
Type III is defined by breaks in the outer lines at both top and bottom. Many Type III stamps have breaks that were created or enlarged by plate wear. Since the wear occurred over a period of time, a majority of stamps of this type (both unused and used) have small breaks in at least one line. The stamp offered here, with unusually wide breaks at top and bottom, is an especially good example of the type.
With 1979, 1994 P.F. and 2020 P.S.E. certificates (Superb 98). Only two grade higher (both 98J) and two others share this lofty grade.
