1851, 1¢ blue, type II, Plate 3, bottom margin single, o.g., lightly hinged, full bottom sheet margin with huge margins around encompassing portions of adjacent stamps at top and left, rich bold color and sharp detail impression, a Superb jumbo gem, awarded by the Philatelic Foundation the highest grade attainable; with 2011 P.F. Graded certificate (Sup Gem 100J). Scott No. 7  $9,000. A PHENOMENAL MINT ORIGINAL GUM EXAMPLE OF THE VERY SCARCE 1856 1¢ TYPE II IMPERFORATE FROM PLATE 3. WITHOUT QUESTION, THE FINEST MINT EXAMPLE IN EXISTENCE. The 1¢ stamps from Plate 3 where produced in the early spring of 1856, likely due to the compulsory prepayment of postage that was introduced after April 1st of 1855 and an increased demand for the 1¢ value. Also Plate 2, that was in production at the time, had a large plate flaw and there may have been concerns that the plate would deteriorate to a point that it would have to be withdrawn. There is no evidence why Plate 3 had a short life, but it assumed that due to numerous surface cracks developing during it's use that this was the main reason that the plate was deemed unfit for use. $0 (Image)