30c Blue & Carmine (121). Perfectly centered with balanced Jumbo margins, rich colors and remarkable proof-like impression, perfect strike of quartered cork cancel and part of Washington D.C. circular datestamp

EXTREMELY FINE. THIS FAMOUS STAMP IS CONSIDERED TO BE THE FINEST USED SINGLE OF THE 30-CENT 1869 PICTORIAL ISSUE AND COULD WELL BE THE TOP-RANKED EXAMPLE IN A CONDITION CENSUS OF ALL NON-ERROR 1869 PICTORIAL STAMPS. IT IS THE QUINTESSENTIAL SUPERB STAMP BY ASHBROOK'S STANDARDS — GRADED SUPERB 98 JUMBO BY P.F. AND SUPERB 95 JUMBO BY P.S.E. — BOTH ARE THE HIGHEST GRADES AWARDED.

Ex Lehman, Haas, Grunin, Klein (where it realized the then-record price of $4,180) and Dr. Morris. With 1988, 1994 and 2014 P.F. certificates (last graded Superb 98 Jumbo). With 2016 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95 Jumbo). Looking at the P.S.E. Population Report, the highest grade awarded is 95J (four total). We have offered one other, and it is significantly smaller than the stamp offered here. We think P.S.E. disrespected this stamp with its 95J grade (in 2016) and wonder what a 98J is supposed to be in their view.

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