5c Brown (76). Original
gum, lightly hinged, rich color and detailed impression, wide and
well-balanced margins which are completely clear of the design on all four
sidesEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A BEAUTIFULLY CENTERED AND UNUSUALLY FRESH ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE 1863 5-CENT BROWN. AN EXCEEDINGLY DIFFICULT STAMP TO FIND IN SUCH SUPERB CONDITION.
The 5c 1861-68 Issue was printed from plates with closely-spaced subjects that left little room for the large 12-gauge perforations. The Brown shade, Scott 76, is scarce in original-gum condition, and truly rare in this high grade.
With 1999 P.F. certificate (Image)
24c Lilac (78). Original
gum, lightly hinged, attractive deep shade and proof-like impression on
bright fresh paper, well-balanced marginsEXTREMELY FINE. THE 24-CENT 1861-63 ISSUE IS EXTREMELY RARE IN SOUND AND WELL-CENTERED ORIGINAL-GUM CONDITION. A FAR GREATER CHALLENGE TO ACQUIRE IN THIS GRADE THAN MANY COLLECTORS REALIZE.
Scott values, which are influenced by the quantity of poorly-centered copies extant, are irrelevant in the current market for choice original-gum classics.
With 2001 P.F. certificate (Image)