Sale 1163 — The Clipper City Collection of Superb U.S. Stamps
Sale Date — Tuesday, 19 September, 2017
Category — 1870-71 National Bank Note Co. Ungrilled Issue (Scott 145-155)
1c Ultramarine (145). Original gum, vibrant color on fresh paper, Extremely Fine, ex Hall, with 1984, 1997 and 2015 P.F. certificates (XF 90), by way of comparison, the P.S.E. Population Report contains only one original-gum example graded higher than 90 (single stamp graded 95)
2c Red Brown (146). Original gum, lightly hinged, bright color and crisp impression, choice centering with wide and balanced margins, fresh and Extremely Fine, ex Curtis, with 2008 P.S.E. certificate (OGph, XF 90; SMQ $800.00), only four original-gum stamps are graded higher, we feel this issue is underpriced in SMQ as the last two times this stamp sold it brought more than 200% of SMQ each time
3c Green (Certified as 147, but sold as 158). Original gum which accompanying certificate calls "slightly disturbed", essentially perfect centering with wide margins, rich color and bright paper, Extremely Fine Gem, a superb stamp, with 1999 and 2012 P.S.E. certificates as No. 147 (DOG, XF-Superb 95), we think this stamp shows a clear secret mark (dark shading under left ribbon tail), so it will be sold as the 3c 1875 Continental, Scott Retail as No. 158
6c Carmine (148). Original gum, rich color, beautifully centered with balanced marginsEXTREMELY FINE. THE 6-CENT 1870 NATIONAL BANK NOTE ISSUE IS EXTREMELY RARE IN THIS CHOICE ORIGINAL-GUM CONDITION.
Unlike its counterparts in the Continental and American Bank Note Company issues, the 6c National is rarely found in choice grades with original gum.
With 2002 P.F. and 2005 P.S.E. certificates (OGh, XF 90; SMQ $3,250.00). Only one original-gum Scott 148 has been graded higher by P.S.E. (at 98). This is one of only two graded XF 90
7c Vermilion (149). Original gum, lightly hinged, radiant color, well-proportioned margins, Extremely Fine, a difficult stamp to find in such fresh and centered condition, ex "Scarsdale" and Curtis, with 2000 P.F. and 2007 P.S.E. certificates (OGph, VF-XF 85; SMQ $2,000.00)
10c Brown (150). Original gum, rich color and detailed impression, unusually choice centering with balanced marginsEXTREMELY FINE. A FRESH AND OUTSTANDING ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE 1870 10-CENT NATIONAL BANK NOTE COMPANY UNGRILLED ISSUE.
With 2009 P.S.E. certificate (OGph, XF 90; SMQ $4,100.00). This is one of only two examples of this issue graded XF 90, with only one slightly higher at 90J
12c Dull Violet (151). Original gum, incredibly deep color and detailed impression, wide margins and well-centeredVERY FINE AND CHOICE. A RARE SOUND AND CENTERED ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE 12-CENT 1870 NATIONAL BANK NOTE COMPANY ISSUE.
Collectors seeking to acquire sound and centered original-gum Bank Note stamps would be well advised to consider this example. It is scarce in unused condition and very rare in the quality offered here. P.S.E. has graded only nine original-gum examples of Scott 151, with two graded VF 80 and two graded VF-XF 85.
With 2000, 2010 P.F. and 2011 P.S.E. certificates (VF 80; SMQ $2,750.00).
15c Bright Orange (152). Original gum, vibrant color, choice centering with unusually wide marginsEXTREMELY FINE. A BEAUTIFUL ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE 1870 15-CENT NATIONAL BANK NOTE COMPANY UNGRILLED ISSUE. RARE WITH SUCH WIDE MARGINS.
The 15c 1870 National Grilled Issue (Scott 141) is widely recognized as an extremely rare stamp in choice original-gum condition. Less well known is the fact that its ungrilled counterpart -- Scott 152 -- is comparably challenging to find in such condition.
Ex Odeneal and Floyd. With 1972, 1991, 2000 P.F. and 2012 P.S.E. certificates
24c Purple (153). Original gum, lovely bright color on fresh paper, balanced marginsEXTREMELY FINE ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE 1870 24-CENT NATIONAL BANK NOTE COMPANY UNGRILLED ISSUE. A DIFFICULT ISSUE TO FIND IN SUCH CHOICE CONDITION.
With 2009 P.S.E. certificate (OGph, XF 90; SMQ $4,900.00). Only five have been graded higher (highest is 95J).
30c Black (154). Intense shade and detailed impression, choice centering with Jumbo margins, unobtrusive strike of cork cancelEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A BEAUTIFUL USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1870 30-CENT UNGRILLED NATIONAL BANK NOTE COMPANY ISSUE.
Ex Merlin. With 2002 P.F. and 2005 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95 Jumbo; SMQ $3,250.00). Only one has been graded higher (at 98, offered in our Kirke sale) and two others share this grade.
90c Carmine (155). Choice centering, brilliant color on bright fresh paper, light cork cancelEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1870 90-CENT UNGRILLED NATIONAL BANK NOTE COMPANY ISSUE.
Ex Kirke. With 2010 P.F. and P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $2,500.00). Only four have been graded higher (highest is 98)