1c Blue, Type III (21), virtually perfectly centered, clearly showing the wide break in the top outer line and a clear break at the bottom, stunning, rich color beautifully enhanced by a bright red carrier cancel, crisp impression, full intact perforations, Extremely Fine to Superb. Scott $2,750. SMQ $16,500 Expertization: PSE Encapsulated graded 95 AN ABSOLUTE GEM WITH GREAT EYE-APPEAL AND THE HIGHEST GRADE YET AWARDED TO A PERFORATED TYPE III 1 CENT. Because the design of the 1¢ stamps of 1857 was a trifle too large for the plate from which they were printed, it is a rare occurrence when both the top and the bottom of the design are visible as they are with the present example. The rich color and the lovely red cancel add an element of beauty that cannot be expressed by the grade.