EXTREMELY FINE GEM. THIS IS WITHOUT QUESTION ONE OF THE FINEST USED EXAMPLES OF THE 1868 5-CENT F GRILL IN EXISTENCE. A SUPERB STAMP IN EVERY RESPECT -- COLOR, CANCEL, STRENGTH OF GRILL, CENTERING AND PERFORATIONS.
The statement that followed the Scott 67 in the Kirke collection about the rarity of choice grades with the 5c issue due to the spacing and layout on the plate can be underscored and boldfaced for the 1868 5c F Grill. The stamp offered here defies the norm, possessing wide margins all around and a lightly struck brownish-black target cancel.
Ex Hinrichs and Scarsdale. With 1999 P.F. and 2007 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $8,000.00). This is the highest grade awarded and it is shared by only one other