1c Blue, Ty. IIIa (8A). Plate 4, original gum, lightly hinged, huge even margins all around with wide break at top and showing part of adjoining stamp at top, deep rich Plate 4 color and proof-like impression

EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A MAGNIFICENT ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE 1851 IMPERFORATE ONE-CENT TYPE IIIA. SUPERB IN EVERY RESPECT.

Stamps printed from Plate 4 were issued in April-June 1857 before perforations were introduced. The relatively small number of imperforate Plate 4 stamps issued during this period explains the rarity and desirability of any of the imperforate stamp types produced from this plate.

The Type IIIa from Plate 4 with original gum is extremely rare. We have offered only a handful in similar condition over the past 15 years. A look at the P.S.E. Population Report also gives an indication of its rarity in better condition -- only one has graded higher than 50 (graded 90 and offered in our 2015 European Connoisseur's Collection, realized $17,500 hammer)

Ex "Scarsdale". With 2002 P.F. certificate

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