EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A HUGE AND SUPERB USED EXAMPLE OF THE 12-CENT 1869 PICTORIAL ISSUE AND RARE WITH THE IOWA TOWN DATESTAMP.
With 2008 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95 Jumbo; SMQ $1,400.00)
EXTREMELY FINE GEM. THIS SUPERB 12-CENT 1869 PICTORIAL IS THE SOLE STAMP OF THE ENTIRE SERIES TO ACHIEVE THE ULTIMATE GRADE OF GEM 100 JUMBO FROM P.S.E. A PHENOMENAL STAMP.
The iconic S.S. Adriatic engraving by James Smillie, which is depicted on the 12c 1869 Pictorial Issue, served as a symbol of improved postal communications -- a theme continued from the 1869 2c (post rider) and 3c (train) denominations. The vignette was also used on a few broken bank notes of the period, stock certificates, Peru Postage Due stamps and famously on the Citizen's Bank of Louisiana $10.00 "Dix" note.
With 2019 P.S.E. certificate (Gem 100 Jumbo; unpriced in SMQ above the grade of 98). This is the sole 1869 Pictorial stamp of any denomination to achieve this highest of grades in any condition category (used or unused). There are not even any Gem 100s in the P.S.E. Population Report for any stamps from Scott 112-122.