US#278 / VF-XF 85, MINT OGh / PSE & PF CERTS

US#278 / VF-XF 85, MINT OGh / 1895 / $5 / DARK GREEN / P.S.E. & P.F. CERTIFICATES

US#278 was issued in 1895 in a $5.00 denomination with a portrait of John Marshall.  Only 27,000 were printed. 

This beautiful stamp comes with P.S.E. Certificate No. 01202909 (2009) certifying that it is Genuine, Unused, Original Gum, and Hinged.  P.S.E. has graded this stamp Very Fine-Extremely Fine 85, Mint OGh.  In addition, two P.F. Certificates authenticate this rare stamp, Certificate No. 49127 issued in 1975 certifies that it is "genuine," and Certificate No. 0351035 issued in 2000 certifies that it is "genuine, previously hinged."  All three certificates are reproduced below.

Mint examples of this issue are extremely rare.  Only six previously hinged stamps, including this one, have received a grade of 85, and there are only 18 known previously-hinged examples which are graded higher than 85.  Only one never-hinged #278 graded higher than 85 is known to exist.

Based on its excellent centering, bright color and crisp image the seller feels that this stamp should be graded 90 or better.

A unique opportunity to acquire an extremely rare and difficult stamp, and an American classic.