The United States’ 1868 one-cent Z grill stamp achieved a historic milestone by selling for $4,366,000 US (about $5.9 million) during the first day of Robert A. Siegel Auction Galleries’ June 14-15 sale of William H. Gross’ complete collection of classic U.S. stamps. This sale set a new record for a single U.S. stamp, underscoring the extraordinary value and significance of Gross’ collection.
Gross’ comprehensive collection of classic-era United States stamps fetched a record-breaking $19,201,550 US (about $26 million) including the 18 percent buyer’s premium.
Only two examples of the famous Z grill stamp are known to exist. The other is part of the New York Public Library collection, on long-term loan to the Smithsonian National Postal Museum. This stamp has been held by the New York Public Library since 1925 as part of the Benjamin K. Miller collection.
The one-cent Z grill in the Gross collection was offered for bids for the first time in 26 years, making this sale a momentous event in philatelic history.