3c Pink (64). Original
gum, lightly hinged, incredibly bright color in the true Pink shade, sharp
and detailed impression showing the finely detailed lines of the background
engraving, perfectly centered with wide even margins all around and long
full perfsEXTREMELY FINE GEM. THIS STAMP COMBINES EVERY DESIRABLE ELEMENT ONE COULD WISH FOR IN A CLASSIC STAMP. WE DARE SAY THIS IS THE FINEST ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE 1861 3-CENT PINK IN EXISTENCE.
The 3c 1861 Pink (Scott 64) is one of the most difficult stamps of the 1861-66 Issue to find in sound, well-centered, original-gum condition with fresh color. The nature of the ink used to print the 3c Pink shade is such that over the course of time, with exposure to light and other adverse elements, the color tends to oxidize or lose its vibrancy. The stamp offered here is an extraordinary exception. It possesses a remarkable degree of color fidelity. There is no hint of any oxidation, and it is as fresh as the day it was issued.
Collectors who have searched in vain for a 3c Pink in such condition will appreciate the rarity of this stamp in such a remarkable state of preservation. Others who may be less familiar with the rarity of this early 1861 Issue -- and perhaps deceived by the abundance of common 3c 1861 shades (Scott 65) -- are urged to consider the extreme rarity of Scott 64 in Extremely Fine original-gum condition. In several recent auctions, we have offered well-centered original-gum examples of the 1861-66 Issue, and the record realizations at large multiples of Scott value demonstrate the rarity of these stamps. We expect the 3c Pink offered here to achieve a final bid that bears little relation to Scott Catalogue value.
With copies of 1966 and 1978 P.F. certificates (Image)
3c Pink (64). Fresh and
bright color, tied by neat strike of blue "Cincinnati O. Oct. 15"
double-circle datestamp and grid on small orange piece, trivial toned perf
at top right, still Extremely Fine (Image)
3c Rose Pink (64b). Pastel
shade, superb centering, neat strike of town datestamp, Extremely Fine,
with 2000 P.F. certificate (Image)
3c Rose (65). Mint N.H.,
rich color, fresh and Very Fine, with 2000 P.S.E. certificate, Scott Retail
as hinged (Image) 
3c Rose (65). Original
gum, brilliant color, choice centering with evenly-proportioned margins,
Extremely Fine, with 1996 P.F. certificate
(Image)
3c Rose (65). Ten used
singles and one used rejoined vertical strip of three, all with straddle
margins on one side showing portions of adjoining stamps, most with
different cancels incl. grids, "Paid 3" in circle, cogwheel, strip with
blue "Balto Paid" double-circle cancels, few with small faults, Very Fine
strikes, strip ex Eno (Image) 
3c Lake (66). Original
gum, lightly hinged, brilliant color and impression on bright paper,
phenomenally wide margins all aroundEXTREMELY FINE GEM. THE 3-CENT LAKE RARELY COMES WITH WIDE MARGINS -- THIS SPECTACULAR STAMP COULD WELL BE THE FINEST EXAMPLE OF THE LAKE SHADE IN EXISTENCE.
With 2000 P.F. certificate (Image)
3c Lake (66). Original
gum, intense color and impression on bright paperVERY FINE AND FRESH EXAMPLE OF THE 3-CENT LAKE SHADE. ONE OF THE RAREST OF THE 1861 TRIAL COLORS.
With copy of 1977 P.F. certificate (Image)