2c Black (73). Dark color,
perfectly struck red 3-Leaf Clover fancy cancel, small corner crease
at top left, Fine (Image)
2c Black, Die II, Ungrilled
(73/93 var). Horizontal pair, light blue cancels, light creases visible
in fluid only, appears Fine, with letter from Maryette Lane arguing that
based upon the designs being Die II (Star on Cheek, produced grilled or as
the re-issue) and having the paper and grayish color of the F Grill issue,
the two stamps are, in fact, F Grills without the grill. Lane offers
two possible explanations: 1) too many sheets were placed on the grilling
machine at one time so that this sheet did not receive a grill impression,
or 2) the sheet was placed in the grilling machine carelessly so that only
some of the stamps received a grill. Worthy of further study. (Image)
2c Black, D. Grill (84).
Clearly-defined grill points, light strike of target cancel, thinned,
appears Very Fine (Image)
2c Black, D. Grill (84).
Proof-like impression, well-defined grill showing all of the points, small
internal crease, Fine (Image)
2c Black, Z. Grill (85B).
Large part original gum, sharp proof-like impression with clearly-defined
grill easily visible, expertly sealed tear at right, otherwise Very Fine
and choice, with 2000 P.S.E. certificate
(Image)
2c Black, Z. Grill (85B).
Unused (no gum), deep shade, sharp grill impression, Very Good (Image)
2c Black, Z. Grill (85B).
Beautifully centered with wide and well-balanced margins, full and
clearly-defined grill showing all of the points, clear strike of
distinctive cork cancelEXTREMELY FINE GEM. AN OUTSTANDING STAMP THAT RANKS AMONG THE FINEST USED EXAMPLES OF THE 1868 2-CENT Z GRILL.
The plates used to print the Black Jack stamps did not provide enough space between subjects for the large 12-gauge perf holes. Consequently, most Black Jack stamps have perfs touching the design on one or two sides. This scarcity of centered copies multiplies exponentially when the Z Grill is factored into the equation. Only a small quantity of 2c sheets were grilled during the period when the Z device was active -- after the D Grill, the Z is the rarest of Black Jack grilled stamps -- and discriminating collectors are well aware of the rarity of well-centered examples of 85B.
With 1983 P.F. certificate (Image)
2c Black, Z. Grill (85B).
Well-centered with remarkably wide margins for this issue, sharp grill,
light pen cancel, small corner crease at top right, otherwise Extremely
Fine, with 2000 P.S.E. certificate (Image)
2c Black, Z. Grill (85B).
Sharp grill impression, perfectly struck blood red quartered cork
cancel, long full perfs all around, light toning, otherwise Fine (Image)
2c Black, Z. Grill (85B).
Sharp impression, red New York Carrier cancel, reperfed at right,
Fine appearance, with 2001 P.F. certificate
(Image)
2c Black, Z. Grill (85B).
Crisp impression, bold rosette cancel, few small corner creases, otherwise
Fine (Image)