Lot
187 
1870, 15¢ orange, I. grill, o.g., never hinged, wide margins, breathtaking vibrant color on bright paper, fresh and Very Fine; with 2018 P.S.E. certificate. Scott No. 141A; $16,500 as o.g. Estimate $30,000 - 40,000.
THE ONLY RECORDED MINT NEVER HINGED OF THE ELUSIVE 15¢ "I" GRILL 1870 ISSUE, A TRUE CONDITION RARITY IN THIS PRISTINE POST OFFICE FRESH CONDITION.
Starting with the 2013 Scott U.S. Specialized Catalogue, the 1870 Issue "I" Grills were elevated to major catalogue number status. The "I" grills are far scarcer than the regular "H" grills, and collector demand has proved this to be true. Examples for every value up to the 90¢ have been certified, with the high value exceptionally rare. There are less than 10 unused examples of the 15¢ "I" grill, including a faulty block of four. This is the only recorded never hinged example.
Realized: $42,500