Lot 3110 E
1861, 1¢ Franklin, N.B.N.C. "Premiere Gravure" essay, in black, trial color large die proof on India paper (formerly No. 55TC1), on thick card (40x39mm), showing light early horizontal layout lines at left and very minor differences in leaf scrolls at top than other die essays, small portion "440" die number at bottom edge, Very Fine.Scott No. 63-E11a $4,000.
MOSTLY LIKELY THE EARLIEST DIE ESSAY OF THE 1861 1¢ "PREMIERE GRAVURE" ISSUE PRODUCED BY BY NATIONAL BANK NOTE COMPANY.
This early die essay, showing three light horizontal layout lines on the die, does not show on any other of the known examples from die "440". Also, only one other example shows the slight difference in the leaf scrolls at top (likely unique printing on glazed card sold in the 2018 Siegel sale of the Richard Drews Collection of United States 1861-68 Issues). This combination of layout lines and unfinished leaf scrolls most likely makes this essay unique.
Realized: $4,750