1c Blue, Ty. IIIa (22). Plate 11, B Relief from the bottom row with intact bottom selvage, beautifully centered with margins clear of design on all sides, dark color on brilliant white paper, well-struck blue Batavia N.Y. circular datestamp

EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1857 ONE-CENT TYPE IIIa PERFORATED ISSUE CANCELLED IN BLUE. A TRUE CONDITION RARITY, GRADED XF-SUPERB 95 BY P.S.E. AND 95 XQ BY THE PHILATELIC FOUNDATION.

Plates 11 and 12 were probably made in June 1860, with less than six months left in Toppan Carpenter's contract. The earliest known use from either plate is January 1861, a relatively short time before the stamps were demonetized. As illustrations of stamps from Plates 11 and 12 in the Neinken book show, the centering and impressions of stamps from these plates were rather poor ("Poor perforating was the rule rather than the exception" — Neinken book, p. 473). The stamp offered here, with bright color, balanced margins and a clear blue cancel, is truly remarkable.

From the Nathanael Greene collection. Ex Dr. Hinrichs and Morton. With 1994, 2003 and 2025 P.F. certificates (XF-Superb 95 XQ). The "XQ" stands for "Extraordinary Quality". This is the highest grade awarded by the P.F. With 2016 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95). Only two examples grade higher at P.S.E. (at 95J, ex "Natalee Grace" and ex Kirke — both have black cancels).

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