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Auction: 13USA - The Westchester Collection
Lot: 40

#209b, 10c Black brown, an extraordinary mint example of this very rare and distinctive Scott listed shade variety, possessing margins of incredible size and being marvelously well centered within them, gorgeous intense and unmistakable black brown color, plus its impression could not be more deeply etched on bright paper, o.g., lightly hinged, an extremely fine gem.[cr][lf][cr][lf]This striking shade variety is challenging to collectors in two ways. First, the vast majority which are submitted to the various expertizing services are rejected as being the shade variety, as most are determined to be nothing more than sub-shades of the normal stamp. So, any example which is ultimately certified as the black brown shade, Scott #209b, are automatically rare and desirable. Second, the scant few that are certified are almost always poorly centered, lack any sizable margins and many times are faulty to some degree. That is what makes the stamp offered here so remarkable. We have never encountered one with such magnificent centering and margins of extraordinary width, not to mention its amazing representation of the black brown shade. There is no doubt that this is the finest mint 1882 Ten Cent Black Brown American Bank Note in existence - the epitome of a condition rarity.[cr][lf][cr][lf]Accompanied by 1979 and 1998 PF certificates, as well as a 2008 PSE certificate (XF-Superb 95 Jumbo; unpriced in this grade, the highest price quoted is $4,600.00 for a 90); one of only two Scott #209s to have been certified and graded by the PSE, the other being only graded 70): ex-Parker.[cr][lf] Estimate US$ 5,500-6,500

Sold for
$11,500