Lot 2205 o
1857, 1¢ blue, type Ia, Position 99R4, outstanding centering with design only being just touched by perf holes at top and bottom, beautiful deep rich color enhancing a crisp detailed impression on fresh bright paper, light target cancel leaving all characteristics of the rare type clearly visible, Extremely Fine to Superb, ex-Ishikawa, V. Morris & Twigg-Smith; with 1972, 1993 P.F. and 2008 P.S.E. certificates, the latter Graded (XF-Superb 95, SMQ $85,000).Scott No. 19 $10,000.
WITHOUT QUESTION ONE OF THE FINEST USED EXAMPLES OF THE RARE 1857 1¢ TYPE IA PERFORATED ISSUE. ONE OF THE TREASURES OF THE GRASSI COLLECTION AND OF ALL UNITED STATES PHILATELY.
The example offered here, with perforations completely clear of the design and showing the full type characteristics at bottom, is a true condition rarity.
Only one has graded higher (the wide-setting copy, graded 98J) and one other shares this grade.
Realized: $42,500