3c Rose Pink (64b). Mint
N.H., fresh color on bright paper with long full perfs, Very Fine and
choice, a challenging stamp in Mint N.H. condition, with 1987 P.F.
certificate for block of four, this being the top right stamp, Scott Retail
as hinged (Image) 
3c Rose (65). Mint N.H.,
fresh color on bright white paper, wide margins, Extremely Fine Gem, with
copy of 1991 P.F. certificate for block of four, Scott Retail as hinged (Image) 
3c Rose (65). Mint N.H.,
almost perfectly centered, bright shade on fresh paper, Extremely Fine, a
pretty stamp, with 1984 P.F. certificate, Scott Retail as hinged (Image)
10c Yellow Green, "TAG" Double
Transfer (68 var). Original gum, lightly hinged, remarkably bright
shade on fresh paper, unusually wide marginsEXTREMELY FINE. A BEAUTIFUL ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE 10-CENT 1861 WITH DOUBLE TRANSFER IN "TAG" OF "POSTAGE". AN EXTREMELY SCARCE STAMP IN THIS QUALITY.
The increased awareness of the rarity of 1847 to 1879 issues in superb original-gum condition has elevated many valuations for issues with modest Scott values. The 1861-66 issues are prime examples of this trend. This 10c 1861 has a Scott value of $925. yet one would be challenged to locate more than a few examples with original gum, choice centering and rich color, the characteristics that make this stamp so extraordinary.
With 1978 P.F. certificate (not noting double transfer) (Image)
12c Black (69). Original
gum, lightly hinged, almost perfectly centered with wide margins, sharp
proof-like impression on remarkably fresh paperEXTREMELY FINE. A SUPERB ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE 12-CENT 1861 ISSUE.
Knowledgeable collectors recognize and appreciate the great rarity of well-centered, original gum classics. In particular, the 1861-66 Issue has been "discovered" as one of the most challenging of all. As recent auction realizations show, collectors ignore Scott values in pursuing these elusive examples.
With 1982 P.F. certificate (Image)
24c Brown Lilac (70a).
Original gum, lightly hinged, choice centering, deep dark shade and
detailed impressionEXTREMELY FINE. A STUNNING ORIGINAL-GUM COPY OF THE 1861 24-CENT BROWN LILAC IN A REMARKABLE STATE OF FRESHNESS.
This stamp ranks highly among the finest original-gum examples of the 24c Brownish Lilac we have ever encountered. The color is a deep brownish shade, which is quite distinctive and much different than the Red Lilac (1862) or later Lilac (1863-66) printings.
With 1983 P.F. certificate (Image)
24c Steel Blue (70b).
Original gum, lightly hinged, well-centered with full
perforationsVERY FINE. AN EXTREMELY RARE SOUND ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE 1861 24-CENT STEEL BLUE.
The Steel Blue shade was produced early in the series of 24c 1861 shades, and it is scarce in any condition. Examples with original gum are rare, and those with Very Fine or Extremely Fine centering are of tremendous rarity, probably numbering no more than ten.
With 2000 P.F. certificate (Image)
90c Blue (72). Original gum
in Mint N.H. state, brilliant color and crisp impression on bright
paper with long full perfs all aroundVERY FINE. AN EXTRAORDINARILY RARE MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 90-CENT 1861 ISSUE.
Like the other high value 1861 issues, the 90c is usually available in unused no-gum condition or low grades of original-gum condition. Fresh Mint Never-Hinged examples are great rarities.
With 1998 P.F. certificate. Scott Retail as hinged (Image)
2c Black (73). Mint N.H.,
choice centering, handsome charcoal shade and sharp proof-like impression
on brilliant white paperEXTREMELY FINE. AN OUTSTANDING MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 2-CENT BLACK JACK.
With 1995 P.S.E. certificate. Scott Retail as hinged (Image)
5c Brown (76). Original
gum, lightly hinged, deep rich color and proof-like impression, remarkably
fresh paper with long full perfs all aroundEXTREMELY FINE ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE 1863 5-CENT BROWN. A REMARKABLE STAMP.
The 5c 1861-68 Issue was printed from plates with closely-spaced subjects that left little room for the large 12-gauge perforations. The Brown shade, No. 76, is scarce in original-gum condition and truly rare in this high grade.
With 1994 P.F. certificate (Image)
15c Black (77). Original
gum in Mint Never-Hinged state, sharp proof-like impression on
bright and fresh paper, wide marginsEXTREMELY FINE. AN UNBELIEVABLY RARE MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 15-CENT 1861-66 ISSUE IN THE FINEST CONDITION ATTAINABLE. WITH THE EXCEPTION OF SOME SHADE VARIETIES, THE 15-CENT LINCOLN IS PERHAPS THE RAREST OF THE 1861-66 SERIES STAMPS IN SUCH CHOICE ORIGINAL-GUM CONDITION.
Throughout recent Siegel sales that have contained 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 Lincoln is the most difficult stamp to obtain in sound, choice original-gum condition. It is most often found without gum or with disturbed gum. Examples with full original gum are frequently 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. As a Mint Never-Hinged stamp, it should be considered an even greater rarity.
With 1999 P.F. certificate, Scott Retail as hinged (Image)