National Bank Note Co., 10c Dark Green, Progressive Die Essay on India (68-E2). India paper cut to stamp size and mounted on 41 x 49 card -- in this early state of Die 443 numerous design elements are missing and the absence of the curved line above "U.S. Postage" puts it in the First Design category -- small sealed tear at top is visible only with cross-lighting

VERY FINE APPEARANCE. THIS IS ONE OF ONLY TWO RECORDED EXAMPLES OF THIS 10-CENT 1861 ISSUE ESSAY. A GREAT RARITY.

There are only two vignette and frame essays listed in Scott for the 10c 1861 Issue (there is also a vignette-only essay). The other listed essay (68-E3) differs from the issued design only in the absence of a thin line at the top of the design -- without close comparison it looks the same as the issued design. This early progressive die essay is very desirable, as it shows dramatic design differences, including substantially incomplete engraving.

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10c Black, Large Die Trial Color Proof on India (68TC1a). 41 x 49mm, on original card with die no. 443 at bottom, strong die layout lines, this die state shows the Type II characteristics of Scott 68, Very Fine, a very scarce trial color proof, we have not encountered a full-size example in Black

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10c Dull Rose, Large Die Trial Color Proof on India (68TC1a). Die sunk on 73 x 85mm card with full die sinkage, albino impression of die no. 443 and imprint at bottom, brilliant color, Very Fine, a rare trial color proof and unlisted in this color, the full die sinkage makes it particularly desirable

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10c Dark Green, Large Die Proof on India (68P1). Die sunk on 79 x 87mm card with full die sinkage, deep rich color, faint horizontal scored line at left, otherwise Very Fine

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