1c Blue, Ty. IIIa (22). Plate 11, brilliant color and paper, gorgeous centering with well-proportioned margins, light cancel leaves entire design clearly visible

EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB EXAMPLE OF THE PERFORATED 1857 ONE-CENT TYPE IIIa, GRADED XF-SUPERB 95 BY P.S.E.

Plates 11 and 12 were probably made in June 1860, with less than six months left in Toppan, Carpenter's contract. The earliest known use from either plate is January 1861, a relatively short time before the stamps were demonetized. As illustrations of stamps from Plates 11 and 12 in the Neinken book show, the centering and impressions of stamps from these plates were rather poor ("Poor perforating was the rule rather than the exception" -- Neinken book, p. 473). The stamp offered here, with bright color, balanced margins and a light cancel, is truly remarkable.

Ex Merlin. With 2005 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $5,550.00). Only two have graded higher (both 95J).

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