Lot
2732 
1860, 90¢ blue, o.g., never hinged, outstanding centering with large margins and perfs well clear of the design on all four sides, deep fresh Post Office color, full perforations all around, tiny natural paper inclusion at bottom left, an Extremely Fine gem; with 1989 P.F. and 2024 P.S.A.G. certificates, latter Graded 85.Scott No. 39; $3,000 for hinged Estimate $10,000 - 15,000.
THIS IS ONE OF THE FINEST KNOWN EXAMPLES OF THIS CLASSIC ISSUE IN NEVER HINGED CONDITION.
The 90¢ stamp was released in 1860. Once the Civil War broke out, the Federal government demonetized the entire 1857 Issue, the 90¢ stamp had only been in circulation for a year. Stocks from northern post offices were returned and destroyed, while stocks in southern post offices, if not completely destroyed, were often mishandled. Given the short life of the issue, it is a wonder that any of the scarce 1860 90¢ Blue have survived in this gem never hinged condition.
Realized: $9,000