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10 cent Z Grill stamp highlights Natalee Grace Collection at $260,000
The first sale of the Natalee Grace Collection saw a used 10c Z Grill stamp sell with sterling results
Paul Fraser Collectibles, Friday 8 June 2012
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The first part of the Natalee Grace Collection was highlighted by an 1868 10 cent Z-Grill in New York yesterday (June 7).
 One of just four available examples |
The collection, which is to be sold in several parts, is widely considered the greatest extant collection of used US stamps and is home to the finest examples of every 19th and 20th century stamp in the Scott Catalogue.
The Z-Grill, so-called due to the variety of grill used to press the stamp, is one of the rarest series in US philately; the Z-shaped grill was replaced after just a few months of use in 1868.
There are just four of the 10 cent Z-Grills available to collectors, with a fifth currently held in the Miller collection at the New York Public Library. A sixth stamp is thought to exist, but has not appeared at auction since November 1958.
The stamp at auction is a fine, well-centred example in a deep shade of green. It boasts a bold quatered cork cancel and a strong grill impression, marred only by a small thin spot and a slight corner margin crease. It sold for $260,000.
Closely following this impressive sale was a 30c A-Grill at $240,000. The stamp is considered to be the finest of the eight recorded examples and features full perforations on all sides, an attribute not shared by the other specimens.
Paul Fraser Collectibles is proud to offer a truly unique stamp that should require no introduction to discerning philatelists, The Black Empress.
Click here to see our full collection of investment-grade rarities.
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