United States Stamps continued...

EXTREMELY FINE GEM. THE 12-CENT 1861 IS ONE OF THE MOST DIFFICULT DENOMINATIONS OF ANY ISSUE TO OBTAIN WITH A GREEN COLORED CANCEL.

Green cancels are generally very scarce, and most examples are found on 3c values of classic issues used from small post offices. Because the 12c was typically used to pay the U.S-British treaty rates on mail from large cities, examples cancelled in green are extremely rare. A collector looking for a green cancel on a 12c 1861 in any condition would experience great difficulty. A condition-conscious collector who asked a professional for a superb 12c 1861 with a green cancel would be considered slightly mad. The stamp offered here answers that call, and we must emphasize that all attempts to value this stamp -- using Scott, SMQ, Siegel estimate, etc. -- are pointless exercises. The auction will be the deciding event. Whatever the outcome, the winner of this lot will have a unique stamp, and the price paid will be soon forgotten.

With 2006 P.F. certificate (XF 90 -- if this is a 90, then what is a 100? This stamp is a good example of why numerical grading is not always pertinent) (Image)