Sale 1199 — Gem-Quality United States Stamps
Sale Date — Wednesday-Thursday, 1-2 May, 2019
Category — 1861-66 Issue (Scott 67-78)
5c Buff (67). Radiant color, gorgeous centering with wide and balanced margins all around, long and full perforations, neat strikes of grid cancel and circular datestampEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1861 5-CENT BUFF IN THE FINEST CONDITION ATTAINABLE.
Due to narrow spacing on the 5c 1861 plate, it is very difficult to find centered copies with the perforations clear of the design on all sides. The stamp offered here, with its choice centering and fresh color, may be considered a true condition rarity.
Ex Curtis. With 2009 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $6,500.00). This is the highest grade awarded and only four others share this grade.
5c Buff (67). Deep rich color, well centered, neat strike of San Francisco cogwheel cancel, fresh and Very Fine, with 1997 P.S.E. (as 67a, in error) and 2002 P.F. certificates
10c Green (68). Mathematically perfect centering with Jumbo margins, bright color and crisp impression, neat strike of grid cancelEXTREMELY FINE GEM. THIS PHENOMENAL STAMP IS GRADED GEM 100 JUMBO BY P.S.E. -- THIS IS THE HIGHEST GRADE POSSIBLE ON THE GRADING SCALE. THIS IS ALSO THE ONLY PERFORATED STAMP PRIOR TO THE 1870-71 NATIONAL BANK NOTE ISSUE TO ACHIEVE THIS PERFECT GRADE. A TRULY REMARKABLE STAMP IN EVERY RESPECT.
The 10c is the only denomination of the 1861-66 Issue that was actually issued in two types. Type I, Scott 62B, was printed from Plate 4. Type II stamps -- Scott 68 and its grilled counterparts -- were printed from Plates 15 and 26. It has been surmised that Type I was pressed into service to help fill strong demand for 10c stamps after demonetization of the earlier issue. The 10c stamps paid the transcontinental rate, the ship-letter rate and certain rates to foreign countries.
Despite the high production numbers this is a difficult denomination to obtain in superb quality. Of the 175 used copies sent to P.S.E. for grading, only seven have graded higher than a 95 (including the stamp offered here). Another denomination produced in even greater quantity, the 3c, has failed to achieve 100J and only one is graded 100, despite almost 500 submissions. Submissions tend to be skewed towards higher-quality stamps, so this statistic is even more significant.
Ex "Natalee Grace". With 1997 P.F. and 2009 and 2013 P.S.E. certificates (Gem 100 Jumbo; unpriced in SMQ above the grade of 100, SMQ $8,000.00 as 100). This is the highest grade possible. This is also the earliest perforated Scott number to achieve this grade -- none have graded 100J for the 1857-60 Issue, and this is the only example for the entire issue (plus the next two issues) to achieve this grade. The next perforated stamp to achieve this grade is the 6c Bank Note Issue, Scott 148.
12c Black (69). Choice centering with astounding Jumbo margins all around, crisp impression, cancelled by target and circular datestampEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB JUMBO USED EXAMPLE OF THE 12-CENT 1861 ISSUE, GRADED SUPERB 98 JUMBO BY P.S.E. -- THIS IS THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED.
Although the 12c 1861 plate provided ample space between the subjects, the 12-gauge perforation holes use up much of that space, and the lines of perforations were rarely applied in a way that created four balanced margins around the design. This stamp is a one-in-a-million example of perforating outside the normal boundary line on all four sides.
Ex Senchuk and Merlin. With 1980 P.F. and 2009 P.S.E. certificates (Superb 98 Jumbo; SMQ $4,500.00). This is the highest grade awarded and only three others share it.
12c Black (69). Gorgeous centering with wide and balanced margins, crisp impression nicely complemented by red grid cancelEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A BEAUTIFUL USED EXAMPLE OF THE 12-CENT 1861 ISSUE, GRADED SUPERB 98 BY P.S.E.
With 2002 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98; SMQ $2,750.00). Only four have graded higher (all at 98J) and only six others share this grade
24c Red Lilac (70). Rich color on bright paper, light strike of red Supplementary Mail Ty. B cancel, choice centering with balanced marginsEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1861 24-CENT RED LILAC ISSUE. ESPECIALLY DESIRABLE WITH THE RED SUPPLEMENTARY MAIL CANCEL. THIS STAMP IS GRADED XF-SUPERB 95 BY P.S.E. -- THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED.
With 2015 P.S.A.G. and 2015 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $4,750.00). This is the highest grade awarded.
24c Brown Lilac (70a). Perfectly centered with immense margins, light blue grid cancel, deep shade and sharp impressionEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1861 24-CENT BROWN LILAC FEATURING HUGE EVEN MARGINS, FRESH COLOR, SHARP IMPRESSION AND A COLORED CANCEL. THIS MAGNIFICENT STAMP IS GRADED XF-SUPERB 95 JUMBO BY P.S.E., WHICH IS THE SECOND-HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED.
Ex "Tahoe" and Merlin. With 2002 P.F. and 2008 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95 Jumbo; SMQ $5,150.00). Only one has graded higher (Superb 98, offered in our Kirke sale), and this is the only example to achieve this grade. This stamp appears to us to be the equal of the 98 ex-Kirke stamp.
24c Brown Lilac (70a). Bright color, attractive centering and margins, neat strike of San Francisco cogwheel cancel, Very Fine, with 2000 P.F. certificate
24c Brown Lilac (70a). Horizontal pair, warm color, unusual 7-ring target cancels, couple minor perf separations at top, Fine and attractive, with 1999 P.F. certificate, Scott Retail as singles
24c Steel Blue (70b). Gorgeous centering with wide and balanced margins, beautiful true Steel Blue color on bright paper providing contrasting background to vivid red grid cancelEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB USED EXAMPLE OF THE 24-CENT 1861 STEEL BLUE, GRADED XF-SUPERB 95 BY P.S.E. -- THIS IS THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED AND IT IS SHARED BY ONLY ONE OTHER.
The Steel Blue is the most distinctive of all the 24c shades. Unlike some of the others, it is rarely mistaken or misidentified, and as such has always been a favorite of collectors. It is extremely rare in this superb used condition.
With 2014 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $9,000.00). This is the highest grade awarded and only one other shares it (ex Kirke).
24c Steel Blue (70b). Striking color in the true Steel Blue shade, wide margins, Flatbush N.Y. circular datestamp cancel, Very Fine and choice, with 1995 and 2002 P.F. certificates
24c Pale Gray Violet, Thin Paper (70d). Remarkably choice centering for this difficult issue, intense shade and proof-like impression on crisp paper, neat strike of circle of wedges within circle cancelVERY FINE AND CHOICE EXAMPLE OF THE 24-CENT 1861 ISSUE IN THE PALE GRAY VIOLET SHADE ON THIN PAPER. A STAMP WITH GREAT VISUAL APPEAL.
Ex Zoellner, "Natalee Grace" and Curtis. With 1994 P.F. and 2012 P.S.E. certificates (F-VF 75; SMQ $1,650.00). Much better and more valuable than this P.S.E. grade and SMQ value would suggest.
30c Orange (71). Rich color and detailed impression, Jumbo margins, bold strike of target cancelEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1861 30-CENT ORANGE. THIS BEAUTIFUL STAMP IS GRADED XF-SUPERB 95 JUMBO BY P.S.E.
The 30c is known used very early after the series was issued; the earliest documented use is August 20, 1861. The narrowly-spaced 30c 1861 plate left very little room for the 12-gauge perforations between stamps. Brookman notes "coupled with the fact it is very hard to find a well-centered copy, this color, which always cancels badly, makes a truly superb used copy almost a rarity. I consider it the most difficult stamp of the 1861 Series to obtain in choice used condition". Scott Catalogue also acknowledges the difficulty of obtaining this issue in better condition, stating "Values for No. 71 are for examples with small margins, especially at sides. Large-margined examples sell for much more".
Ex Merlin. With 2008 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95 Jumbo; SMQ $3,600.00). Only three have graded higher (two at 98, one at 98J) and none share this lofty grade.
30c Orange (71). Brilliant color, well-centered, complete bold strike of Star of David fancy cancel with central dot (S-E ST-6P29) used at New York City foreign-mail office, Extremely Fine strike on a Very Fine stamp, beautiful in every respect, with 2000 P.F. certificate, Scott Retail without premium for the cancellation
90c Blue (72). Radiant color and crisp impression, perfectly centered with wide and balanced margins, unobtrusive strike of large Boston "Paid" grid cancelEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A PHENOMENAL EXAMPLE OF THE 90-CENT 1861 ISSUE, GRADED SUPERB 98 BY P.S.E.
Ex Merlin. With 2008 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98; SMQ $13,000.00). Only one has graded higher and three others share this desirable grade.
90c Blue (72). Deep dark color, three extra wide margins, cork cancel, Very Fine and choice, with 1996 and 2002 P.F. certificates
90c Pale Blue (72a). Beautiful color in the distinctive Pale Blue shade, unusually choice centering with wide and balanced margins, unobtrusive cancel leaves entire design clearly visibleEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1861 90-CENT IN THE PALE BLUE SUB-SHADE. A GORGEOUS EXAMPLE OF THIS SHADE, AND ONE OF THE FINEST IN EXISTENCE. THIS STAMP IS GRADED XF-SUPERB 95 BY P.S.E. -- THIS IS THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED AND IT IS SHARED BY ONLY ONE OTHER.
Most examples of this shade tend to be poorly centered. Only three have graded higher than 80, compared to 49 of the normal shade. A review of The Philatelic Foundation's online records found that most tend to be either defective or poorly centered.
Ex Bowman. With 1994 P.F. and 2007 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $4,000.00). This is the highest grade awarded and it is shared by only one other. We are surprised SMQ value is not higher -- this is the same value assigned to the normal Scott 72 shade, which has six graded higher and twelve at this grade. The significantly lower population report numbers for Scott 72a should argue for a much higher valuation.
5c Red Brown (75). Wonderful warm color nicely complemented by blue circular datestamp and part of red cancel at bottom, unusually choice centering for this difficult issueEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A BEAUTIFUL USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1862 5-CENT RED BROWN, GRADED XF-SUPERB 95 BY P.S.E. -- THIS IS THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED.
Brookman notes "I consider the used Red Brown to be more scarce than Buff but the Buff is more scarce unused".
With 2016 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $4,400.00). This is the highest grade awarded and it is shared by only six others.
5c Red Brown (75). Brilliant color complemented by a neat red grid cancel, fresh and Very Fine appearance, reperfed at right but not noted on 1998 or 2003 P.F. certificates
5c Brown (76). Crisp shade and proof-like impression, well-proportioned margins, unobtrusive strike of cork cancelEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1863 5-CENT BROWN. SCARCE WITH SUCH CHOICE CENTERING.
Brookman notes "it is far from easy to find a copy that is well-centered". We agree.
Ex Merlin. With 1999 P.F. and 2005 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $1,350.00). Only two have graded higher (at 95J, ex "Natalee Grace" and 100, realized $6,750 hammer in 2018 Rarities sale). Thirteen others share this grade but they they rarely come on the market -- this is the first we have offered since 2012.
5c Dark Brown (76a). Intense Dark Brown shade, attractive margins and centering, cork and part of "FRANCO" straightline, Very Fine example of this scarce shade, with 1990 and 2002 P.F. certificates
15c Black (77). Intense shade and proof-like impression on bright paper, unusually wide and balanced margins for this difficult issue, neat strike of segmented grid cancel and also trace of red transit cancel at bottomEXTREMELY FINE GEM. THIS IS EASILY ONE OF THE FINEST USED EXAMPLES OF THE 1866 15-CENT LINCOLN IN EXISTENCE. THIS STAMP IS GRADED SUPERB 98 BY P.S.E. -- THIS IS THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED AND IT IS SHARED BY ONLY ONE OTHER.
The 1866 15c Lincoln is one of the most difficult denominations to obtain in such choice used condition. The most common barrier to a high grade is the size of the side margins, which are often narrow. The stamp offered here is the exception. It has wide and balanced margins on all four sides, a strong impression, and a neat cancel which leaves the entire design clearly visible.
Ex Merlin. With 2010 P.F. and 2011 P.S.E. certificates (Superb 98; SMQ $3,900.00). This is the highest grade awarded and only one other shares this grade.
15c Black (77). Wide margins and well-centered, intense shade complemented by blue segmented cork cancel, fresh and Extremely Fine, with 1994 and 2005 P.F. certificates
24c Red Lilac (70). Exceptionally well-centered with intense color, neat grid cancel, Extremely Fine, a beautiful used example, with 2009 P.F. certificate as No. 78, but in our opinion this is No. 70
24c Grayish Lilac (78a). Jumbo margins, fresh color, face-free grid and trace of red cancel, Very Fine and choice, with 2005 P.S.E. certificate (VF-XF 85 Jumbo; SMQ $750.00)