$200.00 Red, Blue & Black,
Second Issue, "Small Persian Rug" (R132). Well-centered with
complete sheet margins surrounding entire design and with full imprints
at sides, deep rich colors and crisp impressions, manuscript "E.C. July
7th 1872" cancellation, stamp retains its full original gumEXTREMELY FINE GEM. THIS UNIQUE SHEET-MARGIN STAMP IS WITHOUT QUESTION THE FINEST KNOWN EXAMPLE OF THE CELEBRATED $200.00 "SMALL PERSIAN RUG" IN EXISTENCE.
The initials "E.C." on the stamp belong to Erastus Corning. Illustrated on the front cover of Introduction to United States Revenue Stamps by Richard Friedberg and described by him on page 21 as "The most spectacular example of the $200 Small or "Baby" Persian Rug".
With 1986 P.F. certificate (Image)
$500.00 Red Orange, Green &
Black, Second Issue, "Large Persian Rug" (R133). Well-centered, deep
rich colors and sharp proof-like impressions, light strike of circular
handstamp with integrated cut cancel which just barely breaks
paperEXTREMELY FINE AND CHOICE. A SUPERB SOUND AND WELL-CENTERED EXAMPLE OF THE CELEBRATED $500.00 LARGE PERSIAN RUG. A RARE STAMP IN SUCH OUTSTANDING CONDITION AND ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL STAMPS IN ALL OF PHILATELY.
Only 204 were issued, and it is safe to say that most examples are faulty to some degree. Ex Joyce. (Image)