15c Dark Blue (259). Mint N.H., deep rich color on bright paper, Jumbo margins and outstanding centering

EXTREMELY FINE GEM. ONE OF THE TWO FINEST MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLES OF THE 1894 15-CENT UNWATERMARKED BUREAU ISSUE, GRADED XF-SUPERB 95 JUMBO BY P.S.E.

The 1894 Unwatermarked issue was the first U.S. postage issue to be printed by the Bureau of Engraving & Printing, after the contract with American Bank Note Co. expired. The first stamps printed by the Bureau are notoriously difficult to find well-centered, as production was marred by initial problems as they geared up to meet the needs of the public for stamps. Often the perfs are choppy and rough, and very rarely are the stamps found with huge margins, perfect centering and well-defined perfs. This stamp is a wonderful exception. In addition, the Dark Blue color and distinguished portrait of Henry Clay make this design among the most striking of the series.

From the Nathanael Greene collection. With 2014 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95 Jumbo). This is the only Scott 259 at this grade and only one grades higher — a Superb 98 graded back in 2004.

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