1c Blue, Ty. Ib (5A). Position 3R1E, huge margins to full all around with portion of Position 2R1E (a Type II) at left, beautiful bright Plate 1 Early color, face-free blue circular datestamp cancel

EXTREMELY FINE GEM. AN ABSOLUTELY STUNNING USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1851 IMPERFORATE TYPE Ib, WITH A FACE-FREE BLUE TOWN CANCEL — GRADED XF-SUPERB 95 BY P.S.E.

Type Ib was produced only as an imperforate stamp from Plate 1 Early. Six positions on Plate 1E furnished stamps qualifying as Type Ib—Positions 3-6R and 8-9R—distinguished by the complete design at top and nearly complete design at bottom. When first entered on the plate, these six positions (as well as 7R1E) had the complete design at top and bottom. However, unlike 7R, small portions of the bottoms were ironed out when the entries were made below them. These top-row positions usually have an ample top margin, but frequently the margins are close or cutting into the sides or bottom. A Type Ib stamp with large margins all around is a great rarity, particularly in sound condition.

From the Nathanael Greene collection. Ex Dr. Grassi. With 2001 P.F. certificate. With 2008 and 2024 P.S.E. certificates (both XF-Superb 95). Only one grades higher (at 98, last offered by us in our 2012 Kirke sale) and three others share this desirable grade. We have offered at least three of the other four 95/98 stamps and this is the only one with both a blue and face-free cancel.

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