Insider Highlights

1857, 1¢ blue, type Ia, wide spaced perforation at top and bottom. Position 92L4, perfect centering amid uncommonly wide margins even at sides, beautiful rich vibrant color on bright paper, a Superb jumbo gem, ex-Eno, Zoellner, Hinrichs & Tahoe, with 2004 P.F. & 2008 P.S.E. certificates, the latter Graded (Superb 98J, SMQ $330,000).Scott No. 19; $10,000.A TRULY OUTSTANDING USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1857 1¢ TYPE 1A PERFORATED ISSUE - CONSIDERED TO BE THE FINEST KNOWN EXAMPLE OF THIS ISSUE AND ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT 1¢ FRANKLIN ISSUES IN EXISTENCE. According to Neinken, the Type IA stamps were only produced from 18 of the 20 positions from the bottom row of Plate 4. For some months prior to the manufacture of Plate 4, Toppan, Carpenter & Co. had been making experiments with a machine to perforate sheets of stamps. When Plate 3 was made in the spring of 1856 their experiments had not advanced to the state where they considered the new method practical, because Plate 3 was not made with spacings large enough to permit the inclusion of perforations. In contrast, when they made Plate 4, their experiments had reached the practical stage, and consequently Plate 4 was made with spacings large enough to introduce perforations in the vertical and horizontal spacings.The plate four designs of the six reliefs on the roller were approximately of the same length but the short transferring on the plate, combined with the erasures in the horizontal spacings, made the designs in the 2nd to 9th rows inclusive, somewhat shorter than the designs of the top and bottom rows. As a result, when the sheets were perforated, if the perforations did not touch the top part of the designs in the top row, the perforations did cut into the bottom of the designs of these top row stamps. And in addition, it was found that the perforations, with the machine so set, cut into the tops and across the bottom of the stamps in the bottom row. To correct this defect, the machine was reset for the perforating of the top and bottom rows for the first lot of sheets run through the perforating machine. This accounts for stamps from these two rows which show the horizontal perforations farther apart than found on any stamps coming from the body of the plate. This practice of resetting the machine was not continued for any length of time, but the resetting gave us what we refer to as the "wide spaced perforations", the only fine copies that are known of the scarce Types II, IC and IA from Plate Four. The length of the design of a IA stamp is 26mm whereas the normal perforations measure between 25 and 25½mm apart, top to bottom, on stamps from the body of the plate. A short temporary resetting of the machine to 27 to 27½mm was necessary to produce a perforated Type IA stamp not cut into by the perforations.The perforated Type IA stamps that are not touched by perforations as the rarest stamps in the 1857 perforated issue. This example offered here not only exhibits this quality, but is superbly centered making this the finest example known. US$0

1863, 2¢ black. O.g., exceptional centering amid uncommonly large margins, deep rich color enhancing a wonderful proof-like impression, Extremely Fine to Superb, one of six example to receive this lofty grade with no other examples higher, With 2004 P.F. and P.S.E. certificates, the latter Graded (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $3,000).Scott No. 73; $350.ONE OF FINEST MINT ORIGINAL GUM EXAMPLES OF THE 1863 2¢ BLACK JACK ISSUE. US$0

1894, $2 BRIGHT BLUE UNWATERMARKED USED GRADED '95', #262, exceptionally well-centered on bright paper with a light strike of an oval registry cancel, extremely fine - superb, with 1979 P.F. and 2008 PSE certs., the later graded '95', only one used stamp grades higher and two share this grade, extremely rare in this superior condition, SMQ $8,350.00

Canada, 1853, Beaver, 3d brown red. top left sheet margin single, deep rich color, large margins including huge sheet margins, bold "21" four-ring cancel of Montreal, an Extremely Fine gem, ex-Reford, with 1964 Diena, 1965 & 1966 Bolaffi, 2016 Eichele & 2017 P.F. certificates. Scott No. 4a.Unitrade No. 4a; Estimate $1,000 - 1,500.THE FINEST 3D 1853 BEAVER CORNER MARGIN SINGLE RECORDED. Illustrated in Robson Lowe Encyclopedia on page 167. US$1,000-1,500

1852, 1¢ blue, type IV. Top margin single, blue face free town cancels, large to enormous margins showing portions of adjacent stamps on three sides with wide sheet margin at top, rich color enhancing a sharp detailed impression on bright fresh paper, a Superb jumbo gem, one of eleven examples to receive this ultimate grade, with 2015 P.S.E. certificate Graded (Gem 100J, SMQ $2,750 for 100).Scott No. 9; $100.A MAGNIFICENT JUMBO MARGIN EXAMPLE OF THE 1852 1¢ TYPE IV IMPERFORATE ISSUE BEARING A COMPLIMENTARY COLOR CANCELLATION. US$0

1879, 90¢ carmine, A.B.N.C. printing. Extraordinarily well centered within beautiful large and balanced margins, deep rich color on bright paper, bold oval cancel, an Extremely Fine gem, ex-Bowman, Morton, with 1992 and 2001 P.F., 2008 and 2020 P.S.E. certificates, both P.S.E. Graded (XF-S 95, SMQ $3,500).Scott No. 191; $375.A STUNNING USED EXAMPLE OF THE 90¢ AMERICAN BANK NOTE CO. ISSUE THAT IS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO FIND IN SUCH PRISTINE CONDITION. Only three examples graded higher by the P.S.E., with one sole example graded 98. US$0

1857, 1¢ blue, type IIIa. Plate 11 (relief B), near perfect centering amid evenly balanced margins all around, deep rich color and bright paper, central strike of "Paid" in lozenge cancel, Extremely Fine to Superb, ex-Dr. Grassi, with 2005 P.S.E. certificate Graded (XF-Superb 95, SMQ $5,550).Scott No. 22; $525.A WONDERFUL GEM FOR THE FINEST COLLECTION WITH ONLY TWO EXAMPLES GRADED HIGHER BY THE P.S.E. US$0

1867, 1¢ blue, E. grill. Wonderful strike of fancy "OK" in grid, well centered with large margins, bright color, Extremely Fine, ex-Haas, Grunin, Hansen & Dr. Grassi, with 2008 P.F. certificate.Scott No. 86; $450; Estimate $1,000 - 1,500.A MAGNIFICENT 1868 1¢ FRANKLIN E GRILL WITH "OK" FANCY CANCELLATION, WHICH IS UNDOUBTEDLY UNIQUE ON THIS ISSUE. US$1,000-1,500

Supplementary Mail Type A. Clear strike of red cancel on 1857 3¢ Dull Red, Type III (rich color on bright paper), Extremely Fine, a gorgeous stamp with an extremely rare cancel, ex-Gorham, with 2000 and 2008 P.F. certificates.Scott No. 26; $510; Estimate $300 - 400. US$300-400

Postage Due, 1895, 50¢ deep claret (Scott J37), o.g., hinged, fresh and sound with bold color and clear lines, cleanly centered amid near-jumbo margins, Very Fine to Extremely Fine, with 2001 P.F. certificate.Scott $1,800.

1861, 24¢ violet, thin paper. Bold red grid cancel, perfectly centered amid beautifully balanced margins, strong vibrant violet color and a deep detailed impression, Extremely Fine to Superb, a striking gem, with 2009 P.S.E. certificate, Graded (XF-Sup 95, SMQ $9,000).Scott No. 70c; $2,250.A REMARKABLE EXAMPLE OF THE RARE 1861 24¢ VIOLET SHADE. THIS IS ONE OF FIVE RECORDED IN THIS GRADE, WITH NONE GRADED HIGHER. US$0

1847, 10¢ black, "stick pin in tie" variety. Position 52L1, neat blue circular grid cancel leaving plate flaw fully visible, large to huge margins showing small portion of adjacent stamp at top, strong color and a crisp detailed impression, Extremely Fine to Superb, ex-Rust & Wall, with 2000 P.F., 2009 & 2024 P.S.E. certificates, the latter two Graded (XF-Superb 95).Scott No. 2 var.; $3,000.A REMARKABLE STAMP AND WHICH IS FINEST RECORDED EXAMPLE OF THE 10¢ 1847 "STICK PIN" VARIETY. A search of our records and of the Siegel's site, shows that only four examples have been offered since keeping computerized records. US$0

Hawaii, 1857, King Kamehameha III, 5¢ blue on thin white wove paper. Slight tear, used on buff cover to Miss C.C. Murdock in Brooklyn, N.Y., in combination with U.S. 1851, 12¢ black (17), small corner crease and tiny nick at top, the Hawaiian stamp with traces of manuscript strokes, tied together with red "Honolulu, U.S. Postage Paid, Oct 3" cds (242.03) and "San Francisco, Cal., Oct 24" cds, with both postmarks repeated at lower left (S.F.) and upper right (Honolulu), carried by the American bark Yankee (dep. Oct. 3, arr. Oct. 21)., Very Fine, ex-Risvold.Scott No. 8; Estimate $10,000 - 15,000.ONE OF THE FIVE EARLIEST RECORDED COVERS MARKED "OVERLAND" AT SAN FRANCISCO. The 'OVERLAND' handstamp was applied by the San Francisco post office to indicate onward transmission by the Butterfield Southern Route, as opposed to the Panama route. Fourteen Hawaii covers are recorded by Frajola with the 'OVERLAND' marking, starting in October 1859, with the latest usage at San Francisco being February 13, 1860. The cover offered here shows pre-payment of postage by stamps of both Hawaii and the U.S., 5¢ Hawaiian and 12¢ U.S for the 10¢ transcontinental rate and 2¢ for the ship fee.References: Frajola Overland census no. SFC1-4. US$10,000-15,000

1870, 6¢ carmine, H. grill, N.B.N.C. printing (Scott 137), a top-tier stamp, with captivating color, exquisite centering, and incredibly luminous white paper; a must-have for the quality-conscious collector, Extremely Fine to Superb, only a single 98 grades higher in PSE's Population Report, with 1984 & 2000 P.F. and 2009 P.S.E. certificates, the last graded XF-SUP 95.SMQ XF-SUP 95; $3,000. Scott Stamp Values $2,750.

1893, 6¢ Columbian. O.g., never hinged, perfect centering amid uncommonly large and beautifully balanced margins, rich radiant color and Post Office fresh, a Superb jumbo gem, the only example to receive this lofty grade by the P.S.E. with only one grading higher (a 100), with 2012 P.S.A.G. (Gem 100), 2012 P.F., 2025 P.F. & 2025 P.S.E. certificates, the latter two Graded (Superb 98J, SMQ $9,500).Scott No. 235; $150.ONE OF THE FINEST MINT NEVER HINGED EXAMPLES OF THE 6¢ COLUMBIAN ISSUE. US$0

1847, 5¢ reddish brown (Scott 1 var.), in the family of Ridgway's dark russet, a beauty with alluring color and clarity, fresh and bright with red circular grid cancel, Very Fine to Extremely Fine, with 1998 P.F. certificate noting shade.Scott $425 for normal.

1867, 10¢ blue green, E. grill (Scott 89 var.), gorgeous example of this shade, Post Office fresh with razor-sharp detail and exceptional centering; New York steamship cancel adds to the appeal; couple shortish perforations at left, bottom left corner long perforation tooth weak, otherwise Extremely Fine, ex Morris, with 1980, 1992 and 2004 P.F. certificates.Scott $400.

1847, 5¢ red orange, dot in "S" in upper right corner. Bottom left corner margin single, light blue grid cancel, large to huge margins, strong bright color on strong blued paper, Extremely Fine to Superb, one of only two examples to grade as such with no examples higher, with 2007, 2002 P.F. & 2008, 2020 P.S.E. certificates, all Graded (XF-Sup 95, SMQ $15,000).Scott No. 1c; $8,500.ONE OF THE FINEST EXAMPLES OF THE 1847 5¢ RED ORANGE ISSUE - THE RAREST OF ALL 1847 5¢ ISSUE SHADES. US$0

1847, 5¢ red orange, dot in "S" in upper right corner. Bottom left corner margin single, light blue grid cancel, large to huge margins, strong bright color on strong blued paper, Extremely Fine to Superb, one of only two examples to grade as such with no examples higher, with 2007, 2002 P.F. & 2008, 2020 P.S.E. certificates, all Graded (XF-Sup 95, SMQ $15,000).Scott No. 1c; $8,500.ONE OF THE FINEST EXAMPLES OF THE 1847 5¢ RED ORANGE ISSUE - THE RAREST OF ALL 1847 5¢ ISSUE SHADES. US$0

Agriculture Dept., 1873, 3¢ yellow (Scott O3), o.g., very lightly hinged, pristine with radiant color and exceptional centering; as pretty as they come, Extremely Fine to Superb, a Top of the Pop; only two stamps attain this highest grade in PSE's Population Report, with 2008 P.F. certificate graded XF-SUP 95 XQ.SMQ XF-SUP 95; $875. Scott Stamp Values $875.

1851 (Aug 2) entire to Mexico bearing embossed 1s green in strip of four, two pairs and a single to form the 9s rate for up to 2oz by British Packet, tied by London inland numeral ''13'' cancels. Margins are touched in places, one pair with a reduced corner which slightly overlaps the strip. Additionally rated ''6'' (Reales) due from recipient for domestic postage (probably transited at Vera Cruz). A clean and attractive cover, very scarce and an important item of transatlantic maritime and GB postal history.

1857, 1¢ blue, type II. Light red town cancel, exceptional centering amid nicely balanced margins, beautiful deep rich color, full perforations, Extremely Fine to Superb, with 1995 & 2021 P.F. certificates, the latter Graded (XF-Superb 95, SMQ $2,400).Scott No. 20; $275.A WONDERFULLY CHOICE USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1857 1¢ TYPE II ISSUE BEARING A COMPLEMENTARY COLOR CANCELLATION. By way of comparison, the P.S.E. has graded only three stamps with the grade of "95", with none higher. US$0

1875, 10c YELLOW RE-ISSUE MINT GRADED '95', #127, impeccable stamp in superior centering, original gum, lightly hinged, extremely fine - superb, with 1982 & 1995 P.F. certs, in addition to 2007 PSE cert. graded '95', rare in this outstanding condition, SMQ $6,500.00

Newspaper, 1875, 72¢ pale rose, C.B.N.C. "Hard Paper" Special Printing. Without gum as issued, attractive centering with wide margins top and bottom, fresh color on crisp paper, Very Fine and rare, a rare stamp with only 174 sold, ex-Drucker & "Hope", with 1987 P.F. certificate.Scott No. PR45; $4,500.ONE OF ONLY A HANDFUL FOUND IN THIS CHOICE CONDITION. Complete images: View gallery or Download PDF (1.7MB). US$0

1861, 30¢ orange. Blue straight line "Registered" of Philadelphia, Pa. handstamp, perfectly centered with bright color, an Extremely Fine gem, ex-Dr. Grassi, with 2005 P.F. & 2017 P.S.E. certificates.Scott No. 71; Estimate $400 - 600.A WONDERFUL STAMP WITH THIS RARE HANDSTAMP CANCEL. US$400-600

1861, 1¢ blue, type I. Wonderful centering, intensely rich and deep color, attractive red New York Carrier date stamp cancel, Extremely Fine to Superb, ex-Grunin, V. Morris & Dr. Grassi, with 1991 P.F. & 2008 P.S.E. certificates, latter Graded (XF-Superb 95, SMQ $6,500).Scott No. 18; $595.A LOVELY GEM COMPLIMENTED BY THE RED CARRIER CANCEL. ONE OF EIGHT EXAMPLES TO GRADE AS SUCH WITH NO EXAMPLES GRADED HIGHER. US$0

1869, 15¢ brown & blue, type I. Target cancel, exceptional centering amid uncommonly large and well balanced margins, strong vibrant colors on bright paper, Extremely Fine to Superb, an extremely difficult issues to find so choice, with 2002 P.F. & 2005 P.S.E. certificates, the latter Graded (XF-Sup 95, SMQ $4,250).Scott No. 118; $900.AN EXCEPTIONALLY CENTERED USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1869 15¢ PICTORIAL TYPE II ISSUE. US$0

1852, 1¢ blue, type IV. Position 91R1L, recut once at top, bottom left corner margin straddle-pane single showing full centerline with guide dot at bottom, light town cancel, huge margin showing significant portions of adjacent stamps at top and right with wide bottom selvage and extraordinarily wide straddle pane margin at left, strong vividly bright color, a Superb gem, a truly remarkable corner margin plate position single, one of ten examples to receive this ultimate grade, with 2018 P.S.E. certificate Graded (Gem 100J, SMQ $2,750 for 100).Scott No. 9; $105.A MAGNIFICENT GEM USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1852, 1¢ TYPE II IMPERFORATE ISSUE FULLY CAPTURING THE CENTERLINE AND ELUSIVE GUIDE DOT AT THE BOTTOM OF THE PLATE. US$0

1891 £1 green used vertical strip of three (top stamp reattached) with "Lancaster Street / Hyde Park" cds and "G.P.O" boxed hs cancels, very fine (S.G. Concise 2025 £2'025).

1861, 3¢ Indian red (Scott 65 var.), eye-catching with robust color and clean, crisp lines, large rimless grid cancel of New York, shade designated by Ashbrook on reverse, Very Fine, an extremely scarce shade, signed Stanley B. Ashbrook, with 2012 P.F. certificate.Scott $5,000.

1857, 10¢ green, type I (Scott 31), captivating with rich green on bright white, complemented by red Newark, NJ town cancel, Extremely Fine, only eight stamps grade higher in PSE's Population Report, with 1992 P.F. (as dark green), 2005 P.F. and 2022 P.S.A.G. certificates, the last graded XF 90.SMQ XF 90; $4,750. Scott Stamp Values $4,250.

1855, 10¢ green, type II. Horizontal pair with right interpane margin and centerline (positions 19-20L1), light unobtrusive cancel, huge margins showing portions of adjacent stamp at left and top, rich deep color, a Superb gem, a wonderful position pair, ex-Saadi & Eubanks, with 1983, 1989 P.F. & 2023 P.S.E. certificates, the latter Graded (Superb 98J, SMQ value for a single alone is $4,000).Scott No. 14; Estimate $3,000 - 4,000.A GEM LIGHTLY CANCELED JUMBO CENTERLINE PAIR OF THE 1855 10¢ TYPE II ISSUE. Complete images including certificate(s): View gallery or Download PDF (7.8MB). US$3,000-4,000

1861, 1¢ blue (Scott 63), o.g., lightly hinged, a spectacular stamp, flawlessly printed and centered on luminous paper; worthy of the finest collection, Extremely Fine to Superb, one of only five stamps grading thus, with just two 98s higher, in PSE's Population Report, with 2005 P.S.E. certificate graded XF-SUP 95.SMQ XF-SUP 95; $1,650. Scott Stamp Values $1,500.

Postage Due, 1884, 30¢ red brown (Scott J20), o.g., never hinged, a gorgeous stamp with sharp detail, lily-white paper and exceptional centering, Extremely Fine, with 2006 P.F. certificate.Scott $550.

Y&T. 5c. green-yellow. Block of 4. Superb.

Newspaper, 1895, $50 dull rose, Bureau printing, unwatermarked (Scott PR112), an exquisite stamp with eye-catching color and solid lines, bright and fresh with light cork cancel, Very Fine to Extremely Fine, with 2001 and 2014 P.F. certificates.Scott $950.

1851, 1¢ blue, type IIIa. Position 17R4, showing clear wide break in frameline at top, neat blue town corner cancel, full well balanced margins, deep bold color and strong detailed impression, Extremely Fine to Superb, signed Ashbrook, with 2012 P.S.E. certificate Graded (XF-Sup 95, SMQ $4,500) for any type IIIa, this is the scarcer Plate 4.Scott No. 8A; $1,250.AN OUTSTANDING USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1851 1¢ TYPE IIIA IMPERFORATE ISSUE FROM PLATE FOUR. US$0

Y&T. 5F. on 1F. Very Fine.

1879, 10¢ brown, A.B.N.C. printing, with secret mark. Neat face free blue target cancel, perfectly centered amid wide and beautifully balanced margins, gorgeous rich vibrant color, a Superb jumbo, one of three examples to receive this grade with two grading higher (at 100J), with 1997 and 2019 P.S.E. certificates, the latter Graded (Superb 98J, SMQ $2,000).Scott No. 188; $30. US$0

Supplementary Mail Type A. Clear strike of red octagonal handstamp on 1851 3¢ Dull Red, Type I (margins to just in), tiny edge thins, Very Fine strike, ex-Rohloff, Eubanks & Grassi, with clear 1980 P.F. certificate, plus 2021 P.F. certificate.Scott No. 11; $2,517; Estimate $750 - 1,000. An exceedingly rare find on an 1851 Issue stamp. It's highly probable that this represents an exceptionally early use of this marking. US$750-1,000

1888, 5¢ indigo. Top margin single with part imprint, o.g., lightly hinged, perfectly centered amid uncommonly large and evenly balanced margins all around, exceptionally fresh with rich deep color, Superb Gem, one of two examples to receive this graded with no other examples grading higher, with 2013 & 2021 P.S.E. certificates, both Graded (Superb 98, SMQ $1,850).Scott No. 216; $220.WITHOUT QUESTION - ONE OF THE FINEST MINT EXAMPLES OF THE 1888 5¢ AMERICAN BANK NOTE CO. ISSUE IN EXISTENCE. US$0

1857, 1¢ blue, type III. Plate 4, town cancel, precision centering amid uncommonly wide margins and design completely clear perforation all around, beautiful rich deep color and proof-like impression on pristine and bright paper, Superb, one of nine examples to receive this graded with none higher, we believe this one is truly a bit undergraded, with 2018 P.S.E. certificate Graded (XF-Sup 95, SMQ $7,300).Scott No. 21; $1,350.A STUNNING GEM USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1¢ TYPE III 1857 ISSUE, GRADED XF-SUPERB 95 BY THE P.S.E. - THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED. Vertical spacing on plate 4 normally yields stamps with perforations cutting into the design. This stamp has such extraordinarily wide margins that not only the type characteristic breaks at both top and bottom are clearly visible, that the perforations are not into the design. Virtually all other examples we have seen with this grade from plate four have the perforations cutting into the design. US$0

1867, 10¢ yellow green, F. grill. Lightly canceled, choice centering amid large well balanced margins all around, rich color on bright paper, Extremely Fine to Superb, quite certainly one of the finest used examples extant, with 2019 P.S.A.G. certificate Graded (95, SMQ $2,000).Scott No. 96; $275.A STRIKING LIGHTLY CANCELED GEM EXAMPLE OF THE 1867 10¢ F. GRILL ISSUE. US$0

1851, 3¢ orange brown, type I (Scott 10), position 31R1i, left margin single, a beauty with deep, mesmerizing color and proof-like impression, sound and bright with blue Philadelphia Oct. 30 datestamp, Extremely Fine, with 2021 P.F. certificate graded XF 90 XQ.SMQ XF 90; $650.Scott $210.

1887, 2¢ green. Perfectly centered with huge jumbo margins all around, fresh color, bold neat numeral "1" barred oval cancel, a Superb Jumbo, ex-Dauer & Dr. Grassi, with 2000 & 2008 P.S.E. certificates, latter Graded (Superb 98 Jumbo, SMQ $1,500).Scott No. 213; Estimate $500 - 750.ONE OF THE FINEST KNOWN USED EXAMPLES OF THE 1887 2¢ GREEN BANK NOTE ISSUES GRADED SUPERB 98J BY THE P.S.E. - ONLY ONE GRADED HIGHER. US$500-750

Newspaper, 1875, $1.92 dark brown, C.B.N.C. printing (Scott PR24), a simply gorgeous stamp with proof-like presentation and blue brush cancels, Extremely Fine, with 2003 and 2014 P.F. certificates.Scott $850.

Y&T. Pioneer. 20c. and 40c. of the 4th issue of Sardinia. cancelled Post mark from MENTONE of 25 April 60 to the east of Scotland with transit to LOImperforateRES. Superberbe piece despite a small nick in the 40c.

1851, 1¢ blue, type II. Plate 3, 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. & 2016 P.S.E. certificates Graded (P.F. Sup Gem 100J & P.S.E. Gem 100, SMQ $18,000 for 100).Scott No. 7; $2,000.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. US$0

1857, 1¢ blue, type II. Plate 2, top margin single, no gum, well centered with rich deep color on bright fresh paper, Very Fine to Extremely Fine, a lovely unused single, with 2020 P.F. certificate Graded (VF-XF 85, SMQ $525).Scott No. 20; $375. US$0

Y&T. Handwritten letter from FoImperforates Core dated 10 August 1864 stamped with the Post mark of ST-PIERRE - MARTINIQUE of 10 August 1864 to MARSEILLE. Arrived on the 21st. Superb.