Sale 1138 — The Hanover Collection of Superb-Quality U.S. Stamps, Part 2
Sale Date — Thursday, 6 October, 2016
Category — 1912-23 Issues (Scott 426-440)
3c Deep Violet, Pink Back (426 var). Mint N.H., strong Pink Back, brilliant color, wide margins, Extremely Fine, with 2002 P.S.E. certificate not mentioning the Pink Back (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $325.00 as normal)
4c Brown (427). Mint N.H., bright shade, wide and balanced margins, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2003 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $650.00)
5c Blue (428). Mint N.H., radiant color on bright paper, unusually wide margins, Extremely Fine Gem, a beautiful stamp, with 2006 P.F. certificate (Superb 98)
7c Black (430). Mint N.H., intense shade and detailed impression, gorgeous centering with wide marginsEXTREMELY FINE GEM. AN ABSOLUTELY STUNNING MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 1914 7-CENT PERF 10 SINGLE-LINE WATERMARK ISSUE, SCOTT 430. THIS STAMP IS GRADED SUPERB 98 BY P.S.E. -- ONLY ONE HAS GRADED HIGHER AND ONE OTHER SHARES THIS GRADE.
With 2003 P.F. and 2006 P.S.E. certificates (Superb 98; SMQ $4,500.00). Only one grades higher (at 98J) and one other shares this grade. The highest grade we have offered in one of our sales is 95.
8c Pale Olive Green (431). Mint N.H., brilliant color on bright paper, wide and balanced margins, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2002 P.F. and 2006 P.S.E. certificates (Superb 98; SMQ $1,750.00), only two have graded higher (both 98J) and seven others share this desirable grade, this is the highest grade we have offered in one of our auctions
9c Salmon Red (432). Mint N.H., brilliant color, perfectly centered, long and full perforationsEXTREMELY FINE GEM. THIS IS WITHOUT QUESTION ONE OF THE FINEST MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLES OF THE 1914 9-CENT PERF 10 SINGLE-LINE WATERMARKED ISSUE, SCOTT 432. THIS REMARKABLE STAMP HAS ACHIEVED THE GRADE OF GEM 100 BY P.S.E., AND IT IS THE ONLY EXAMPLE TO DO SO. THIS IS THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED.
With 2014 P.S.E. certificate (Gem 100; SMQ $6,000.00). This is the highest grade awarded and the only example to achieve it.
12c Claret Brown (435). Mint N.H., deep rich color and proof-like impression, perfectly centered with Jumbo marginsEXTREMELY FINE GEM. THIS PHENOMENAL STAMP HAS BEEN GRADED GEM 100 JUMBO BY P.S.E. -- THIS IS THE HIGHEST GRADE POSSIBLE ON THE GRADING CHART AND NO OTHERS SHARE IT.
According to Johl, in 1914 the Bureau of Engraving and Printing had difficulty securing proper inks, and the red which was used as the basic color for the 12c (and also the 2c) was the most difficult to obtain. In August 1914 World War I was just getting under way, and Great Britain allowed all dies and chemicals not manufactured domestically for printing U.S. stamps to be shipped from Germany. The Copper Red shade (Scott 435a) was from the earlier printing before the inks were received.
With 2008 P.S.E. certificate (Gem 100 Jumbo; unpriced in SMQ above the grade of 100, SMQ $3,500.00 as 100). This is the highest grade possible on the grading chart and the only example to achieve it.
12c Copper Red (435a). Mint N.H., attractive shade, choice centering with wide and balanced margins, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2006 P.F. certificate (XF-Superb 95)
15c Gray (437). Mint N.H., intense shade and proof-like impression, choice centering with unusually wide marginsEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A STUNNING MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 1914 15-CENT GRAY PERF 10 SINGLE-LINE WATERMARKED ISSUE. WITHOUT QUESTION THIS IS ONE OF THE FINEST EXAMPLES IN EXISTENCE. IT IS GRADED SUPERB 98 JUMBO BY P.S.E. -- THIS IS BY FAR THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED AND ONLY ONE OTHER SHARES IT.
With 2014 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98 Jumbo; SMQ $6,500.00). This is the highest grade awarded and only one other shares it.
20c Ultramarine (438). Mint N.H., brilliant color on bright paper, choice centering with well-proportioned marginsFRESH AND EXTREMELY FINE MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 1914 20-CENT PERF 10 SINGLE-LINE WATERMARKED ISSUE.
With 2001 P.F. certificate
50c Violet (440). Mint N.H., radiant color, mathematically perfect centeringEXTREMELY FINE GEM. THIS MAGNIFICENT MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 1915 50-CENT PERF 10 SINGLE-LINE WATERMARKED FRANKLIN ISSUE IS GRADED GEM 100 BY P.S.E. -- THIS IS THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED AND THE ONLY EXAMPLE TO ACHIEVE THIS REMARKABLE GRADE.
According to Johl, this stamp was current for only a little over a year. Dealers at the time, who were already loaded to financial capacity, did not stock up on this stamp while it was current, probably due to its high face value, so less are available to collectors.
With 2008 P.S.E. certificate (Gem 100; SMQ $27,500.00). This is the highest grade awarded and no others share this grade. The next-highest grade is 98.