15c Black, F. Grill (98).
Well-centered, detailed impression, light cancel, Extremely Fine example of
this challenging issue, with 1988 and 2002 P.F. certificates (Image)
24c Gray Lilac, F. Grill
(99). Original gum, precise centering, clear grill impression on fresh
white paperEXTREMELY FINE ORIGINAL-GUM 1868 24-CENT F GRILL. AN OUTSTANDING EXAMPLE OF THIS CHALLENGING ISSUE.
The high value F Grill stamps are scarce in original-gum condition and rarely seen with the centering of this superb example.
With 2003 P.F. certificate (Image)
24c Gray Lilac, F. Grill
(99). Perfectly centered with wide even margins all around, bright
shade and fine impression on brilliant white paper, neat strike of town
datestamp, long and full perforations all aroundEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB EXAMPLE OF THE 1868 24-CENT F GRILL. AN EXCEEDINGLY RARE STAMP IN SUCH CONDITION.
The higher-denomination F Grills were produced in limited quantities and are often found either off center or with choppy perforations. This stamp is a true condition rarity.
With 1988 and 2001 P.F. certificates (Image)
24c Gray Lilac, F. Grill
(99). Deep rich color and proof-like impression, clear grill
impression, bright red circle of V's cancel, small faults not
visible on face, Extremely Fine appearance
(Image)
30c Orange, F. Grill
(100). Superb centering, intense shade and impression, strong grill,
neat strikes of circle of wedges and "Yokohama, Japan" circular
datestampEXTREMELY FINE. A REMARKABLY CHOICE 1868 30-CENT F GRILL AND VERY RARE USE FROM THE UNITED STATES POST OFFICE IN JAPAN.
With 2000 P.F. certificate (submitted as "Hiogo, Japan" in error) (Image)
30c Orange, F. Grill
(100). Brilliant color, well-struck quartered cork and part of blue
French transit cancel, reperfed at right, Extremely Fine appearance,
with 2004 P.S.E. certificate (Image)
90c Blue, F. Grill (101).
Perfectly centered, gorgeous intense blue shade and impression, blue and
red cancels, grid in blue and part of red foreign transit in red, very
freshEXTREMELY FINE GEM. THIS STAMP IS BREATHTAKINGLY BEAUTIFUL -- A COMBINATION OF PERFECT CENTERING AND FLAWLESS CONDITION, THE STRIKING PORTRAIT OF A YOUTHFUL GENERAL WASHINGTON AND COLORFUL CANCELLATIONS -- UNLIKE ANY OTHER 90-CENT F GRILL WE HAVE ENCOUNTERED.
The 90c stamps used to make grilled issues were printed on a thick stock of paper. It is likely that sheets remaining from the pre-grill period were used and that the thinner paper introduced in 1868 had not been used for the 90c value. Two characteristics of 90c F Grill stamps are poorly punched perforations and generally bad centering. This stamp is a remarkable exception. The perfs are much better formed than usual (although they show the genuine characteristics) and the centering is mathematically precise. In this stamp there is the added feature of color. Red cancellations are sometimes seen on the 90c, applied at New York City to supplementary mail, but blue is an extremely unusual color.
With 1992 P.F. and P.S.E. certificates. (Image)