2c Black (73). Block of
nine, original gum, proof-like impression on bright paper, some perf
separations at bottom left as expected, Very Good-Fine and rare block with
original gum, Scott Retail as block of four, two pairs and one single (Image)
5c Red Brown (75). Fiery
shade, well-centered with margins clear all around, target cancel,
Extremely Fine and choice, a beautiful stamp, with 1987 P.F. certificate (Image)
5c Red Brown (75). Fiery
shade, incredibly intense color on bright white paper, well-centered
leaving white around the complete design, very lightly canceled at bottom,
tiny tear at bottom, otherwise Extremely Fine, a sound copy with similar
centering realized $2,000 in our September auction
(Image)
5c Brown (76). Original
gum, exceptionally wide margins with choice centering, dark shade and
proof-like impressionEXTREMELY FINE GEM. MAGNIFICENT QUALITY FOR THE 5-CENT 1863 ISSUE, WHICH IS RARE WITH SUCH WIDE MARGINS AND FULL ORIGINAL GUM.
This is yet another stamp in the 1861-66 series that challenges collectors who demand choice original-gum examples. The vast majority of 5c Brown stamps is off center or faulty.
With 1956 P.F. certificate (Image)
15c Black (77). Original
gum, extraordinary margins and centering, fine impression on bright
paperEXTREMELY FINE AND CHOICE. WITH A FEW EXCEPTIONS FOR RARE SHADES, THE 1866 15-CENT LINCOLN COULD WELL BE THE RAREST OF THE 1861-66 SERIES IN CHOICE ORIGINAL-GUM CONDITION.
Throughout this section of the catalogue, comprising a remarkable group of original-gum 1861-66 Issues, we have made frequent reference to the rarity of these stamps in choice condition. With the exception of the rare 5c and 24c shades, our experience shows that the 15c Black is the most difficult stamp to obtain in sound, choice original-gum condition. It is most often found without gum or disturbed gum, or the fully-gummed examples are off center. The block of six (straight edge at left), ex Caspary, Lilly and Ishikawa, is well-centered with original gum, but our search of numerous other major auction sales produced few other examples apart from the block. Therefore, this stamp could be the rarest face-different design of the 1861-66 series in choice original-gum condition.
With 1999 P.F. certificate (Image)
15c Black (77).
Well-centered, proof-like impression on bright paper, gorgeous blue
cancel, Extremely Fine, a spectacular example, with 1994 P.F. certificate
(Image) 
24c Lilac (78). Original
gum, well-centered with long full perfs, attractive deep shade and
proof-like impression on bright fresh paperEXTREMELY FINE AND CHOICE. A RARE SOUND AND WELL-CENTERED EXAMPLE OF THE 24-CENT LILAC. A TRUE CONDITION RARITY.
This is yet another in the group of 1861-66 Issues with original gum. As previously noted, the modest Scott values are irrelevant in the current market for original-gum classics.
With 1998 P.F. certificate (Image)