1867 2c Z-Grill stamp set to auction with $17,500 valuation

The 2c Z-Grill stamp from the 1867 issue will lead US grills on August 16

An 1867 issue 2c black Z-Grill is set to see strong results in a Pennsylvania stamp auction on August 14-16.

Some of the Z-Grill stamps are among the rarest in US philately

The Z-Grill is so-called due to the variety of grill that was used to press the stamp, creating miniscule indentations in the paper that allowed cancelling ink to be more effectively absorbed. Thought to have been first issued on the classic US Benjamin Franklin stamp in 1967, the Z-Grill was gradually discontinued after 1970, when it proved to be impractical in the production process.

The 1c, 10c and 15c Z-Grills stand among the rarest United States stamps, with only two examples of the 1c and 15c, and six of the 10c ever certified as genuine. The Z-Grill stamps are notoriously hard to spot, being almost identical in size and design to the E-Grill series, which are considerably less valuable.

The example at auction is a fine example of the 2c stamp, which features the head of Andrew Jackson - the seventh US president. Graded fine, it is expected to reach its Scott Catalogue valuation of $17,500, despite being marred by poor centring and disturbed part original gum.

Also featuring is a used 1867 2c D-Grill, which is considered one of the rarest of the 1868 regular production grills. It is thought that two grilling machines were used during the first part of 1868, one fitted with a D-Grill and the other with a Z-Grill. The D-Grill was likely replaced with the more efficient E-Grill after a couple of days of printing 2c sheets, making this stamp one of the great rarities of the D-Grill series.

The stamp is in poor condition with a diagonal crease, several small thins, small foxing spots and a short perforation, yet is expected to bring $4,500.

Paul Fraser Collectibles specialises in sourcing the finest rare stamps from across the world - see our fantastic stock here. We also provide the latest stamp collecting news as well as expert investment tips and advice on how to improve your collection. Sign up to our free weekly newsletter for more.

Recent and related articles

·  The Morgan Collection of Australian Commonwealth Stamps | 1 August 2012

·  A 9% pa answer to failing mainstream investments | 1 August 2012

·  The secure way to make 13.4% in 2012 | 25 July 2012

Your collecting

View our stock items for sale  |  How to start a collection

Guides and analysis

Investing in Stamps  |  10 reasons to invest in collectibles  |  Market information & demographics

www.paulfrasercollectibles.com

Images: Earl P L Apfelbaum