1c Blue, Ty. Ic (19b). Position 47L4, E Relief, original gum, lightly hinged, deep Plate 4 shade and sharp proof-like impression on bright paper, remarkably precise centering

EXTREMELY FINE ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE 1857 ONE-CENT TYPE IC, SCOTT 19B, GRADED XF 90 BY P.S.E. — THIS IS THE ONLY GRADED UNUSED EXAMPLE OF SCOTT 19B. THIS IS WITHOUT QUESTION ONE OF THE FINEST IN EXISTENCE.

The defining characteristics of Type Ic (imperforate or perforated) are similar to that of Type Ia. In both the design is complete at bottom and partly complete at top. The difference between Type Ia and Ic is that the bottom right plume of Type Ic is not quite complete. This distinction was first made in the Ashbrook and Neinken books, and the Scott Catalogue recognizes Type Ic in the listings for Scott 6b (imperforate) and 19b (perforated).

Within the Type Ic listings, the "less distinct examples" on the plate—E Reliefs from eight positions in rows 1 through 9—are the primary listed stamps for Scott 6b and 19b. Down the column, the "best examples" on the plate—both F Reliefs from the bottom row, Positions 91R4 and 96R4—are listed and valued higher. This is somewhat confusing for collectors. In our opinion, the primary listing should be the best examples, the F Reliefs from the bottom row, where all Type Ia positions are located. The E Relief positions should be listed on the next line.

This stamp is far rarer than its catalogue value would suggest. Outside of this sale the last unused example we offered was in our 2016 "Hanover" sale (sound, realized $20,000 hammer). Prior to that, we offered one with original gum in 2002 with perfs trimmed at bottom. We offered one with part original gum and a tear in 2000. Those are the only three examples in unused condition, with or without gum, that we have offered since 1994. The P.F. has certified very few others, and most have faults.

With 1989 and 2004 P.F. certificates. With 2005 P.S.E. certificate (OGph, XF 90). This is the only graded example in the P.S.E. Population Report. SMQ as E Relief (which this is).

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