15c Black (77). Original
gum, extraordinary margins and centering, fine impression on bright
paperEXTREMELY FINE AND CHOICE. WITH A FEW EXCEPTIONS FOR RARE SHADES, THE 1866 15-CENT LINCOLN COULD WELL BE THE RAREST OF THE 1861-66 SERIES IN CHOICE ORIGINAL-GUM CONDITION.
In our catalogue descriptions, we have emphasized the rarity of 1861-66 stamps in choice original-gum condition. With the exception of the rare 5c and 24c shades, our experience shows that the 15c Black is the most difficult stamp to obtain in sound, choice original-gum condition. It is most often found without gum or disturbed gum, or the fully-gummed examples are off center. The block of six (straight edge at left), ex Caspary, Lilly and Ishikawa, is well-centered with original gum, but our search of numerous other major auction sales produced few other examples apart from the block. Therefore, this stamp could be the rarest face-different design of the 1861-66 series in choice original-gum condition.
With 2001 P.F. certificate (Image)
15c Black (77). Large part
redistributed original gum, h.r., crisp impression, Fine, with 2001 P.F.
certificate (Image)
24c Lilac (78). Brilliant
color, Jumbo margins all around, neat strike of San Francisco cogwheel
cancel, Extremely Fine Gem, a huge stamp
(Image)
24c Lilac (78). Fresh and
bright color, wide margins, neat cancel, Extremely Fine, with 2001 P.F.
certificate (Image)
24c Deep Lilac (78 var).
Intense color and sharp proof-like impression, neat grid cancel, Very Fine
and choice example of this scarce shade, with 2001 P.F. certificate (Image)