Sale 1362 — The El Dorado Collection of Superb United States Stamps
Sale Date — Tuesday-Thursday, 7-9 October, 2025
Category — 1861-66 Issue (Scott 62B-78)
10c Dark Green, First Design (62B). Wide balanced margins all around, virtually perfect centering, dark rich color and proof-like early impression on bright paper, cancelled by rim of vivid red New York foreign-mail circular datestamp clear of portrait
EXTREMELY FINE GEM. THIS STAMP IS, IN OUR OPINION, THE FINEST USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1861 10-CENT FIRST DESIGN EXTANT. IT IS GRADED XF-SUPERB 95 — THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED.
The 10c 1861 First Design (or Type I) was printed from Plate 4, which left very little space between the stamps for the 12-gauge perforation holes. Examples of Scott 62B (or 58) are rarely seen with margins framing the design on all sides. The stamp offered here is the rare exception, and it is even more remarkable as a used copy, free of faults, clearly cancelled in red (and face-free). As a measure of the 10c First Design's rarity in used high grades, the latest P.S.E. Population Report lists three used examples graded XF 90, this and one other graded XF-Superb 95, and none higher than 95.
Ex Merlin. With 1987 P.F. and 2008 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95). This is the highest grade awarded and only one other shares it — the stamp cancelled with black "Paid" that was offered in our "Natalee Grace" sale.
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1c Blue (63). Mint N.H., deep rich color and proof-like impression on fresh paper, gorgeous centering with wide and balanced margins
EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE ONE-CENT 1861 ISSUE, WITH BEAUTIFUL CENTERING AND IN A DISTINCTIVE DEEP SHADE. A STAMP OF REMARKABLE BEAUTY, GRADED XF-SUPERB 95 BY P.S.E. — THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED.
With 2006 and 2012 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95, unpriced in SMQ in Mint N.H. condition). This is the highest grade awarded and only three others share it. The last we offered in this grade was in our 2009 Whitman auction. The number of stamps awarded this grade has increased by only one in the past 16 years.
(Image Magnifier)1c Blue (63). Intense shade and proof-like impression on bright paper, bold strike of target cancel, unusually choice centering with wide margins, Extremely Fine Gem, with 1998 and 2005 P.F. and 2005 P.S.E. certificates (last XF-Superb 95)
(Image Magnifier)1c Blue (63). Bright color, unusually choice centering, light strike of double-circle datestamp, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2007 P.F. certificate (XF-Superb 95)
(Image Magnifier)1c Dark Blue (63b). Intense color and impression which is very distinct from the standard Blue shade, essentially perfect centering, lightly cancelled
EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB USED EXAMPLE OF THE ONE-CENT 1861 ISSUE IN THE ELUSIVE DARK BLUE COLOR. THIS IS ONE OF THE SCARCEST SHADES OF THE ONE-CENT.
Don Evans, in his book on the 1c 1861 Issue (p. 33), noted that the Dark Blue shade is very close to the Indigo shade used for the "Premiere Gravure" (Scott No. 55) and in fact he believed that this should be the formal designated color name for this shade.
With 2012 P.S.A.G. and 2013 P.S.E. certificates (both XF-Superb 95). This is the highest grade awarded and it is shared by only two others.
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3c Pink (64). Original gum, lightly hinged, bright color in the true Pink shade, choice centering
EXTREMELY FINE ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE 1861 3-CENT PINK. ONE OF THE RAREST 1861 ISSUE SHADES IN THIS CHOICE ORIGINAL-GUM CONDITION.
The 3c 1861 Pink (Scott 64) is one of the most difficult stamps of the 1861-66 Issue to find in sound, well-centered, original-gum condition with fresh color. The nature of the ink used to print the 3c Pink shade is such that over the course of time, with exposure to light and other adverse elements, the color tends to oxidize or lose its vibrancy.
Collectors who have searched in vain for a 3c Pink in such condition will appreciate the rarity of this stamp in such a remarkable state of preservation. Others who may be less familiar with the rarity of this early 1861 Issue — and perhaps deceived by the abundance of common 3c 1861 shades (Scott 65) — are urged to consider the extreme rarity of Scott 64 in sound original-gum condition.
Ex "Scarsdale" and "Hanover". With 2003 and 2016 P.F. certificates.
(Image Magnifier)3c Pink (64). Radiant color, tied by large grid cancel, red "Providence R.I. Oct. 10" circular datestamp on piece, Very Fine and choice, with 2009 P.S.E. certificate
(Image Magnifier)3c Pink (64). Rich color, bold strike of large 6-ring target cancel with dot in center, Extremely Fine, with 2006 P.F. certificate
(Image Magnifier)3c Rose (65). Mint N.H., distinctive shade and impression called Dull Brown Red on most recent certificate, long and full perfs all around, unusually choice centering
EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A STUNNING MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 3-CENT 1861 ISSUE, SCOTT 65, GRADED SUPERB 98 BY P.S.E. — THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED AND THE ONLY EXAMPLE TO ACHIEVE THIS GRADE.
Ex "Sevenoaks". With 1998 P.F. and 2005 P.S.E. certificates (Superb 98). This is the highest grade awarded and the only example to achieve it.
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3c Rose (65). Block of four, bottom stamps Mint N.H., top stamps single hinge mark, radiant color, Extremely Fine block, with 2011 P.S.E. certificate, Scott value $700 as all hinged
(Image Magnifier)3c Rose (65). Rich color on bright paper, unusually choice centering, target and circular datestamp cancels, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2003 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95)
(Image Magnifier)3c Rose (65). Rich color, cancelled by bold strike of negative "Lincoln" and Stars in Circle fancy cancel of Albany N.Y. (Skinner-Eno LC-NP 15), Very Fine and choice, rare with the fancy cancel struck in the same orientation as the stamp, the New York State Comptroller in 1866 was Thomas Hillhouse and the Albany postmaster in 1866 was George Dawson, both were ardent pro-Union Republicans, with 2010 P.F. certificate
(Image Magnifier)3c Rose (65). Tied by remarkably clear strike of strike of "Union" in Star fancy cancel of West Hampton Mass. (Skinner-Eno ST-C 14) on piece, Extremely Fine strike
(Image Magnifier)3c Rose (65). Group of 14 stamps each with fancy cancel, such as segmented star, unusual cogwheel, radial geometric, negative shield in circle of Alexandria Va., Anchor of Putnam Conn., Heart within Heart, Three-Leaf Clover, Hollow Star, others, few small faults but selected by the owner for the superior quality of the strikes of the cancels, Extremely Fine strikes, 12 with certificates
(Image Magnifier)5c Buff (67). Unusually choice centering, rich color nicely complemented by red grid cancel, fresh and Extremely Fine, with 1999 and 2007 P.F. certificates
(Image Magnifier)5c Buff (67). Rich color, clear strikes of grid and "Paid 3" cancel which is similar to one used in South Berwick Me., Very Fine, very unusual with this cancel, with 2013 P.F. certificate
(Image Magnifier)5c Brown Yellow (67a). Intense shade and impression, perfect strike of large Boston "Paid" grid cancel, Extremely Fine, a stamp with wonderful visual appeal, ex "Golden Oak", with 1981 and 2008 P.F. certificates (VF-XF 85)
(Image Magnifier)10c Green (68). Huge margins including right straddle-pane margin, rich color nicely complemented by red "New York May 28" circular datestamp, Extremely Fine, with 2016 P.F. certificate, Scott value $70
(Image Magnifier)10c Green, 5c Brown (68, 76). Three 10c and one 5c, the 5c with Star in Circle fancy cancel (small corner creases), 10c with San Francisco Cogwheel (graded XF 90), New York Foreign Mail cancel and magenta target with chevrons, Extremely Fine group, each with P.F. certificate
(Image Magnifier)12c Black (69). Original gum, lightly hinged, almost perfectly centered with wide margins, sharp proof-like impression
EXTREMELY FINE ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE 12-CENT 1861 ISSUE.
Ex "Scarsdale" and Curtis. With 2002 P.F. and 2004 P.S.E. certificates (XF 90). This is the highest grade awarded to an original-gum Scott 69 by P.S.E., and only five others have achieved this grade.
(Image Magnifier)12c Black (69). Intense shade and impression, choice centering, blue grid cancel, Extremely Fine, with 2011 P.S.E. certificate (XF 90)
(Image Magnifier)12c Black (69). Choice margins and beautifully centered, light magenta grid cancel, Extremely Fine, a beautiful stamp and especially desirable with the magenta cancel, ex "Golden Oak", with 2008 P.S.E. certificate (XF 90)
(Image Magnifier)24c Red Lilac (70). Deep rich color, unusually choice centering, face-free strikes of cork and red circular datestamp cancels
EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1861 24-CENT RED LILAC ISSUE WITH FACE FREE CANCELS. THIS IS GRADED XF-SUPERB 95 BY P.S.E. — EASILY ONE OF THE FINEST USED EXAMPLES.
With 1988 P.F. and 1990 and 2008 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95). Only one grades higher (at 98).
(Image Magnifier)24c Brown Lilac (70a). Radiant color on bright paper, wide margins, bold strike of three-bar grid cancel
FRESH AND EXTREMELY FINE. A BEAUTIFUL USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1862 24-CENT BROWN LILAC, SCOTT 70a, GRADED XF-SUPERB 95 BY P.S.E.
Ex "Scarsdale". With 1997 and 2001 P.F. and 2014 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95). Only two grade higher (at 95J and 98).
(Image Magnifier)24c Red Lilac (70). Choice margins and wonderfully well-centered, beautiful deep rich color, bold blue segmented bars cancel of Chicago, Extremely Fine, very pretty used single, ex "Golden Oak", with 2009 P.S.E. certificate
(Image Magnifier)24c Steel Blue (70b). Intense shade and impression in the true Steel Blue shade, nicely complemented by red grid cancel, Very Fine and choice, with 2010 and 2017 P.F. certificates (VF 80)
(Image Magnifier)24c Steel Blue (70b). Intense shade in the true Steel Blue color, well-balanced margins, light strike of 5-Point Hollow Star fancy cancel, Extremely Fine, scarce with the fancy cancel, with 1997 and 2004 P.F. certificates
(Image Magnifier)24c Violet, Thin Paper (70c). Deep rich color and proof-like impression on bright paper, perfectly centered with wide and balanced margins, clear strike of 7-bar grid in double-line circle cancel
EXTREMELY FINE GEM. THIS BEAUTIFUL EXAMPLE OF THE 1861 24-CENT VIOLET ON THIN PAPER IS GRADED XF-SUPERB 95 BY P.S.E. — THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED.
The 24c 1861 exists in four basic shades of Violet: Dark Violet (August 1861 trial printing, formerly Scott 60); Violet on Thin Paper (August-September 1861 regular issue, Scott 70c -- the shade offered here); Pale Gray Violet (1861 regular issue, Scott 70d) and Blackish Violet (ca. 1863 printing, Scott 78c).
With 1991 and 1992 P.F. and 2014 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95). This is the highest grade awarded and only four others share it. This statistic has not changed in ten years.
(Image Magnifier)30c Orange (71). Block of four, original gum, lightly hinged, radiant color on bright paper, choice centering
EXTREMELY FINE. A SUPERB ORIGINAL-GUM BLOCK OF FOUR OF THE 30-CENT 1861 ISSUE.
As this block demonstrates, the 30c 1861 plate left very little space between the stamp subjects. Consequently, perforations usually cut into part of the design. This fact is acknowledged in both the Scott Catalogue and Stamp Market Quarterly, and the 30c 1861-68 Issue is one of the few for which centering standards are adjusted accordingly.
Most classic blocks of this superb quality have been broken to satisfy the demand for superb singles. This extraordinarily choice block has escaped that fate, and we hope it finds a block collector ready to preserve it as a block.
Ex Ishikawa. With 1984 and 1995 P.F. certificates.
(Image Magnifier)30c Orange (71). Beautiful bright early shade, extraordinarily precise centering, perfectly struck red grid cancel, Extremely Fine Gem, one of the most difficult values of the set to obtain in sound and centered condition, with 2004 and 2015 P.F. certificates (XF 90)
(Image Magnifier)30c Orange (71). Bright color, bold strike of unusual circle of large V's cancel of New Bedford Mass. neatly frames Franklin's face, additional blue circular datestamp at left, Very Fine and choice, with 1999 P.F. certificate
(Image Magnifier)30c Orange (71). Choice centering, intense shade and impression, bold strike of "Portsmouth N.H. Jan. 8" circular datestamp and also red London Paid datestamp, Extremely Fine, with 2012 P.F. certificate
(Image Magnifier)30c Orange (71). Bright color, bold strike of Negative "U" in 6-Point Star in Circle fancy cancel of New York City (Skinner-Eno ST-C 21), Extremely Fine, with 2014 P.F. certificate, Scott value $250 with ordinary cancel
(Image Magnifier)30c Orange (71). Radiant color, perfect strike of large Boston "Paid" grid cancel, Extremely Fine, with 1995 and 2002 P.F. certificates
(Image Magnifier)30c Orange (71). Intense shade and impression, bold strike of non-standard open grid cancel, well-balanced margins, Extremely Fine, with 2015 P.F. certificate
(Image Magnifier)30c Orange (71). Vibrant color, well-struck San Francisco cogwheel cancel, Extremely Fine, with 2011 P.F. and 2012 P.S.E. certificates
(Image Magnifier)90c Blue (72). Original gum, lightly hinged, rich color and detailed impression on bright paper, unusually choice centering with long and full perforations
EXTREMELY FINE. A STUNNING ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE 90-CENT 1861 ISSUE. RARE WITH SUCH CHOICE CENTERING.
We have encountered perhaps a half-dozen sound 90c 1861 stamps with original gum and Very Fine or Extremely Fine centering. The multiples that were broken to furnish singles were generally off center.
With 2011 P.S.A.G. certificate (XF 90).
(Image Magnifier)90c Blue (72). Rich color, gorgeous centering, face-free cork cancels
EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A BEAUTIFUL USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1861 90-CENT BLUE, GRADED XF-SUPERB 95 BY P.S.E.
With 2003 and 2008 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95). Only five grade higher.
(Image Magnifier)2c Black (73). Mint N.H., intense shade and impression on bright paper, essentially perfect centering
EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 1863 2-CENT BLACK JACK, GRADED XF-SUPERB 95 BY THE PHILATELIC FOUNDATION.
With 2006 P.F. certificate (XF-Superb 95). By way of comparison P.S.E. has graded one at 90, three at 85 and two at 80. Unpriced as Mint N.H.
(Image Magnifier)2c Black (73). Gorgeous centering, clear strike of circle of V's cancel struck at top left makes it look like Jackson is wearing a cap, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2008 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95), only five grade higher
(Image Magnifier)2c Black (73). Horizontal pair, crisp impression, light strike of large circular datestamp cancel, Extremely Fine, the left stamp is a real Gem, we are surprised this pair has remained intact, with 2006 P.F. certificate, Scott value $150
(Image Magnifier)5c Red Brown (75). Original gum, deep rich color in the distinctive Red Brown shade, well-balanced margins for this difficult issue with perforations clear of ornaments on all four corners
EXTREMELY FINE. A RARE ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE 5-CENT 1862 ISSUE IN THE RED BROWN SHADE. THIS STAMP IS ESPECIALLY SCARCE IN ORIGINAL-GUM CONDITION IN THE HIGHER GRADES.
The 5c Red Brown — issued in early 1862 after the Buff printing — is one of the 1861-66 stamps that challenges collectors who demand choice original-gum examples. Multiples of the Red Brown are extremely rare, with only one recorded original-gum block; therefore, there has never been a supply of blocks from which singles could be removed. The vast majority of original-gum singles are off-center or faulty. The example offered here is remarkable for several reasons: the color is in the distinctive Red Brown shade, drifting towards the deeper end of the color spectrum, it has full original gum, the perforations are well-formed, and the stamp is almost perfectly centered.
Ex Metropolitan Opera and Whitman. With copy of 1979 P.F. certificate for pair and 2001 P.F. certificate as a single. With 2009 P.F. certificate (VF-XF 85). By way of comparison, P.S.E. has graded only one with original gum, at 60.
(Image Magnifier)5c Red Brown (75). Lovely warm color, bold strike of San Francisco cogwheel cancel, Very Fine and attractive, with 2006 P.F. certificate
(Image Magnifier)5c Brown (76). Detailed impression, well-balanced margins, Circles with Serrated Outer Circle cancel of New York City, also rim of red datestamp at bottom, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2008 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95), only two grade higher (at 95J and 100)
(Image Magnifier)5c Brown (76). Horizontal strip of three, choice centering throughout, natural straight edge at left, clear strike of "Crawfordville Ind. Aug. 1, 1863" double-circle datestamp and target cancels, Extremely Fine, with 2011 P.F. certificate, Scott value $375 as pair and single
(Image Magnifier)15c Black (77). Gorgeous centering with Jumbo margins, detailed impression, unobtrusive cork cancel and part of red datestamp
EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A GORGEOUS USED EXAMPLE OF THE 15-CENT 1866 ISSUE, SCOTT 77, GRADED XF-SUPERB 95 JUMBO BY P.S.E.
With 2001 and 2008 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95 Jumbo). Only two grade higher (at 98).
(Image Magnifier)15c Black (77). Choice centering with well-proportioned margins, intense shade and impression, blue segmented cork cancel, Extremely Fine, with 1979 P.F. and 2007 P.S.E. certificates, Scott value $240
(Image Magnifier)24c Lilac (78). Rich color, bold strike of 7-Point Star in 7-Sided Geometric cancel of New York City, Very Fine and choice, with 1994 P.S.E. and 2014 P.F. certificates
(Image Magnifier)24c Grayish Lilac (78a). Original gum, lovely warm shade on bright paper, far better centering than normally seen on this difficult issue
EXTREMELY FINE. A BEAUTIFUL ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE 24-CENT 1863 ISSUE IN THE GRAYISH LILAC SHADE, GRADED XF 90 BY THE PHILATELIC FOUNDATION.
This shade is particularly difficult to obtain in sound, centered and original-gum condition. A Power Search of our sale records and a review of P.S.E. Population Report numbers will confirm this statement.
With 2014 P.F. certificate (XF 90). By way of comparison, P.S.E. has certified only two original-gum stamps above the grade of 75, at 85 and 90.
(Image Magnifier)24c Grayish Lilac (78a). Rich color, large "PAID" straightline cancel, Extremely Fine, ex Koppersmith, with 1988 and 1991 P.F. certificates as No. 78 and 2014 P.F. certificate as 78a (VF-XF 85), Scott value $440
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