Lot
3112 
1861, 1¢ indigo, First Design, o.g., very lightly hinged, deep rich indigo shade characteristic of the "August" Issue, very well centered for this rare issue (all known examples are centered slightly into the top perforations, but unlike most others, this stamp has fully intact perforations), deeply etched impression, exceptionally fresh, Very Fine and choice, with Scott catalog value for examples with perfs cutting slightly into design at top, ex-Isleham, Weissman, & Floyd; with 1992, 2002 P.F. & 1992 P.S.E certificates.Scott No. 55 $50,000.
THERE ARE ONLY NINE MINT SINGLES IN SOUND CONDITION AND THIS IS CERTAINLY ONE OF THE FINEST. ONE OF THE GREAT RARITIES OF UNITED STATES PHILATELY.
There are 26 recorded examples of the One Cent First Design or so-called "August" Issue (as per Siegel Census). Of this total, three are canceled and another is housed in the New York Public Library collection, leaving only 22 mint copies available to collectors. Thirteen of the mint examples are found faulty leaving only nine that exist which are both completely sound and still retain their original gum, with this example being among the finest of this elite group.
Certificate(s):
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Realized: $23,000