Sale 1362 — The El Dorado Collection of Superb United States Stamps
Sale Date — Tuesday-Thursday, 7-9 October, 2025
Category — 3c 1851-56 Issue (Scott 10-11A)
3c Plum, Ty. II (11A var). Position 40L2L noted on back, intense color in this rare and distinctive shade, huge margins all around including part of adjoining stamps on three sides and interpane margin at right, unobtrusive strike of circular datestamp cancel
EXTREMELY FINE GEM. THIS IS WITHOUT QUESTION ONE OF THE FINEST EXAMPLES OF THE 3-CENT 1851 ISSUE IN THE RARE PLUM SHADE. THIS MAGNIFICENT STAMP IS GRADED SUPERB 98 BY P.S.E.
Dr. Chase stated that the Plum shade was produced in early 1857, shortly before the introduction of perforated stamps. He also compared the shade to an intermediate shade of Scott 280 of the 1894 Issue. It is one of the scarcest and most desirable shades of the 3c. A Power Search review shows many tend to have small faults or have margins close or in.
With 2011 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98). P.S.E. does not break out shades in their Population Report, but we checked and only two are graded — the example offered here and one graded 50. Unpriced in SMQ in this shade, which does price the normal shade at $500. Scott value as Plum without premium for the grade.
(Image Magnifier)