Just receive this today. Have been looking for a few months and finally won a bid at a price that I was willing to pay.....lol Hope you enjoy the pics as much as I am enjoying the stamp. View attachment 2182 Here is the complete page. View attachment 2183 U.S. #1201869 24¢ Declaration of Independence PictorialG Grill Earliest Known Use: April 7, 1869Quantity issued: 248,925Printed by: National Bank Note CompanyMethod: Flat plateWatermark: NonePerforation: 12Color: Green and violet One of the finest examples of engraving, the center of the stamp consists of a miniature masterpiece. James Smillie engraved 42 persons, and the six principal figures can be recognized under a magnifying glass! The 1869 Pictorial Series The appearance of the 1869 Pictorials marked a significant change in U.S. stamp design. For the first time in American postal history, something other than portraits of national leaders was being pictured on a stamp. These were the first U.S. stamps to be printed using two colors. Printing with two colors required the stamps to be run through the press twice; once, to print the vignette (center design), and then again, to print the frame. Carelessness in merging the two impressions resulted in the rare inverts. Instead of an inverted center, the stamp actually has an inverted frame, since the center design was printed first. The 30¢ Shield and Eagle with inverted flags is the rarest of the 1869 inverts. The least obvious of the three, it was the last to be discovered. The pictorials were to be produced over a four-year period by the National Bank Note Company. When issued, however, the stamps were unpopular with the public. Within a year after their release, they were withdrawn from sale. Today, the pictorial issues are the most popular of the 1840 – 1870 Classic Stamps. Because the stamps were only in circulation for a year, they have become increasingly hard to find in both unused and used condition.
WOW! Got me drooling already this morning kacyds! I can absolutely NEVER, EVER, EVER seem to find a decent #120 I would be comfortable spending that type of money on. I will have one someday and a #122 to complete my set but it's got to be somewhat reasonable. Great Job buddy! it's a beautiful specimen!!!
look what I'm bidding on....mwa hahaha I cant afford it really so I'll post it. I won't normally do that if I really want it obviously...lol http://www.ebay.com/itm/280853797735?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649
