Sale 1289 — 2023 Rarities of the World
Sale Date — Tuesday, 27 June, 2023
Category — 1870-88 Bank Note Issues, including Special Printings
10c Brown, H. Grill (139). Original gum, h.r., one column of grill points clearly visible, well-centered and with wide margins, lovely rich color, uncommonly freshVERY FINE AND CHOICE ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE 10-CENT NATIONAL GRILLED ISSUE.
With 2023 P.F. certificate
1c 1870 Issue, Essay-Proof Exhibit (145-E, 145P). 16-page single frame gold medal winning exhibit tracing all aspects of the design, development and production of the 1c 1870 National Banknote Co. Issue, exceptional depth of coverage with numerous rare and some unique essays and proofs, this was formed over many years and took significant shape with acquisitions of material from the Brazer, Finkelburg and "Lake Shore" sales, as well as private treaty sales with essay-proof dealers, much of the material traces back to Edward Mandel and the Earl of Crawford, choice condition with fresh items throughoutAN IMPORTANT GOLD MEDAL WINNING SINGLE-FRAME EXHIBIT OF ESSAYS AND PROOFS FOR THE 1870 ONE-CENT NATIONAL BANK NOTE CO. ISSUE.
We recommend reviewing the complete PDF on our website, but just a few of the highlights are as follows:
Nos. 145-E3, 145-E4, and 145-E5 -- three unique models from the Earl of Crawford and Brazer collections
No. 145-E9b, vignette of Franklin facing left on India paper with the blind embossed albino impression of engraver "J.I.PEASE", unique
One-cent essay on complete envelope, unique
No. 145-E8b, set of four die essays on ivory glazed paper and signed by frame engraver A.W. Cunningham. Produced by Edward Mandel when he was involved with the American Bank Note Company, unique set
No. 145P1, Ultramarine large die proof signed by the framer engraver:, A.W. Cunningham, unique
No. 145P2a, Panama-Pacific small die proof, no more than five known.
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10c Brown (150). Part of original franking with 2c Red Brown (146) and 3c Green (147), tied by cork cancels and "New Haven Ct. Sep. 21" (1873) circular datestamp on cover to Yokohama, Japan, addressed to D. Kitamura, "care of Japanese Post Office, Yokohama" with directive "Via San Fr.", sent by Hara Rokujiro at Yale University, short paid 5c for the double 10c rate to Japan via San Francisco and handstamped with framed "SHORT PAID" marking and red "New York Sep. 22" circular datestamp, manuscript "Due 5" markings, returned to New Haven where an additional 6c postage was paid with 6c Carmine (148), tied by corks cancel, red "New Haven Ct. Sep. 29" circular datestamp, the 21c postage paid the single rate to Japan via North German Union Closed Mail (effective Feb. 1873 to Jun. 1875), red "New York Paid All Oct. 4" circular datestamp, red crayon "14" credit -- there were same-day departures on Oct. 4 by the HAPAG City of Chester and NGL Main, arriving Oct. 13 and 14, respectively -- carried via Bremen in closed mail, Italian TPO "Ala Verona" backstamp (Oct. 16), carried on the P&O Madras, additional backstamps at Brindisi (Oct. 17), Hong Kong (Nov. 26) British P.O. and Yokohama (Dec. 5) British P.O., at Yokohama the cover was put into the inland mail department of the Japanese post office, datestamped Saikyo (Dec. 6), Toyooka (Dec. 6), Japanese character vermilion handstamps "Postage Paid by Addressee" and "Tajima Post Office Yaga", with Japan, 1873, 4s Rose, Native Wove Paper (14a), tied by Tajima Yaga kensazumi handstamp on back, paying double 2s rate, the cover has minor tears and soiling, U.S. stamps have small tears and 2c wrapped around edge, Japanese stamp slightly oxidizedFINE. OBVIOUSLY A UNIQUE COVER AND DESCRIBED BY JAPAN EXPERT FLORIAN EICHORN AS "A NEW FIND AND THE FIRST RECORDED COMPLETE U.S.-JAPAN INBOUND COMBINATION COVER" (2017).
Accompanied by an excerpt of email from Florian Eichorn (Aug. 22, 2017) with detailed description of this cover, which was acquired by the Magnolia collector in a 2017 sale by Japan Stamp Auctions. It is believed this is the first time this cover has been offered in the United States.
From the Magnolia collection.
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24c Purple (153). Used with 3c Green (158), tied by segmented cork cancels and "Del Norte Colo. Aug. 10" Colorado Territory circular datestamp on 3c Green entire to James Bassel, in care of American Consul at Yokohama, Japan, clear strike of "Yokohama Japan Sep. 26 4 P.M." receiving datestamp on back, with original letter enclosure datelined "Del Norte, Rio Grande Co. Colorado, Aug. 9th 1875" from Charles C. Upham, also accompanied by newspaper clippings, slightly reduced at leftVERY FINE. AN EXTREMELY RARE USE OF THE 24-CENT 1870 BANK NOTE ISSUE ON COVER FROM COLORADO TERRITORY TO JAPAN, PREPAID 30 CENTS FOR THE DOUBLE 15-CENT RATE.
The 7-page letter contained within this double-rate cover to Japan was written by Charles C. Upham to his friend, James Bassel, while Upham travelled through Colorado and Bassel was in the Far East, following his short-lived service in the Khedive Ismail's army. Upham's letter is full of juicy details about expeditions in Colorado and the Black Hills, as well as references to military officers, Indian confrontations, Fort Garland, etc. Upham also asks Bassel to secure Japanese coins for his collection and laments not asking for Egyptian coins when Bassel was there. The 1875 clipped newspaper articles which accompany the letter refer to the Hayden Expedition.
This was carried on the PMSS China, departing San Francisco Sep. 1, 1875, and arriving Yokohama Sep. 26 (Frajola-Perlman-Scamp sailing tables). The 15c treaty rate to Japan was in effect for only one year, from January 1 to December 31, 1875. This is one of two recorded covers with the 24c 1870 Issue paying the treaty rate to Japan, both from the Bassel correspondence. The second cover was postmarked at Del Norte on Sep. 1 (ex Ishikawa).
From the Magnolia collection.
90c Carmine (155). Unused (no gum), near perfect centering with balanced margins, brilliant color on fresh paper, Extremely Fine Gem, a superb stamp and perfect for the collector who values centering and margins above gum, with 1974 P.F. and 2015 P.S.E. certificates (NG, XF-Superb 95; SMQ $3,250.00), this is the highest grade awarded to an unused Scott 155 in any gum condition (there are three original gum stamps graded 95)
15c Yellow Orange (163). Used with 3c Green (158) and 6c Dull Pink (159), bright colors, tied by cork cancel and "Philadelphia Pa. Mar. (9?)" (1876) circular datestamp on blue cover with "Centennial Committee, American Institute of Mining Engineers" corner card to Japan, addressed to Benjamin Smith Lyman at "Journin, Daimon, Shiba, Yedo, Japan", red "Yokohama Paid All Apr. 22" double-circle datestamp, Japanese character double-circle datestamp, Japanese writing on back for internal forwarding, Very Fine, a colorful cover and rare franking for the short-lived 12c rate to Japan, which was in effect from January to March 1876, from the Magnolia collection, ex Albert and Landau, with 1979 P.F. certificate
30c Gray Black (165). Used with pair of 2c Brown (157), tied by quartered cork cancel and duplex "Easton Pa. Mar. 1 6 PM" (1875) circular datestamp, 2c and 30c tied together by large bold "OK" fancy cancel on cover to Yokohama, Japan, addressed to Benjamin Smith Lyman, red New York (Mar. 3) and London Paid (Mar. 15) datestamps, red crayon "30" credit, red "1d" British Colonial credit handstamp, ultramarine "Hong-Kong Marine-Sorter, Singapore to Hong Kong, AP 20 26 75" double-circle datestamp and turquoise Yokohama datestamp (May 9) on back, both sides opened, small tear at topVERY FINE. AN EXTREMELY RARE EXAMPLE OF THE 34-CENT BRITISH MAIL RATE TO JAPAN. VERY FEW 30-CENT BANK NOTE ISSUE COVERS ARE KNOWN TO JAPAN.
This cover was carried on the HAPAG steamer Suevia, departing New York March 4, 1875, and arriving Plymouth March 15. The 34c British Mail rate was in effect from January 1871 to July 1875, when it was reduced to 33c.
From the Magnolia collection. Ex Gibson, Braus, Klein and Dr. Martin.
30c Gray Black (165). Used with 3c Green (158), 6c Dull Pink (159) and three 5c Blue (179), tied by cork cancels, red "New York Paid Sup. Dec. 16" Type E Supplementary Mail (1875) circular datestamp on cover to Montpellier, France, small boxed "PD" handstamp, carried on HAPAG steamer Frisia, arriving Plymouth Dec. 26, transit and receiving backstamps, cover with some small tears and small piece missing underneath stamps which are unaffected save for a small corner perf crease on the 30c and a pulled perf on right 5cVERY FINE. AN OUTSTANDING FOUR-COLOR COMBINATION OF 1873-75 BANK NOTE ISSUES FOR A TRIPLE-RATE SUPPLEMENTARY MAIL COVER TO FRANCE.
The new U.S.-France treaty effective Aug. 1, 1874 set the reciprocal prepaid rate at 9c per 15 grams. This franking paid triple the 9c treaty rate plus an equivalent 27c for Supplementary Mail, allowing it to be processed in New York after the regular mails had closed.
Ex Noel.
90c Rose Carmine (166). Bright shade, used with pair of 10c Brown (166), tied by "N.Y. Supplementary Mail Feb. 1 Paid" Type F (1879) duplex datestamp and oval grid cancel on large blue cover to Paris, France, red Calais arrival datestamp (Feb. 13), 90c stamp small edge tears at lower right, left 10c stamp surface scuff, some minor cover edgewear and tiny bleaching spotsVERY FINE APPEARANCE. AN EXTREMELY RARE USE OF THE 90-CENT 1873 CONTINENTAL BANK NOTE COMPANY ISSUE ON A SUPPLEMENTARY MAIL COVER TO FRANCE.
The $1.10 franking on this cover paid 11-times the 5c UPU rate (55c), doubled for Supplementary Mail, which allowed it to be processed in New York after the regular mails had closed. Of the small number of on-cover uses of the 90c 1873 Continental, this is among the most attractive and easiest to display, as it is not a wide courthouse cover.
Ex Braus. Illustrated in Chronicle 106 (1980 London Special Issue). Signed Ashbrook. Scott value $7,500.00 for 90c on cover.
1c Ultramarine, Special Printing (167). Without gum as issued, scissors-separated as usual with intact perfs on two sides and wide straight edge at right, rich color on bright paperFRESH AND FINE EXAMPLE OF THE RARE ONE-CENT 1875 CONTINENTAL BANK NOTE COMPANY SPECIAL PRINTING.
Our census of Scott 167, available at https://siegelauctions.com/census/us/scott/167 , contains 48 examples, including one in the Miller collection owned by The New York Public Library, leaving 47 available to collectors. Of these, fewer than ten have perforations all around.
Census no. 167-UNC-27. Ex Col. Green and Stern (Sale 309). With 1967 P.F. certificate
2c Dark Brown, Special Printing (168). Without gum as issued, deep color and proof-like impression, perfs scissors-separated as almost always leaving straight edges at top and right and full perfs on other sidesVERY FINE EXAMPLE OF THE 2-CENT 1875 CONTINENTAL BANK NOTE COMPANY SPECIAL PRINTING.
Our census of Scott 168, available at https://siegelauctions.com/census/us/scott/168 , contains 62 examples, including one in the Miller collection owned by The New York Public Library, leaving 61 available to collectors. Many have perfs scissors-trimmed on at least one side and many have perforations into the design. The example offered here is very presentable.
Census no. 168-UNC-59. With 2002 P.S.E. and 2007 P.F. certificates
7c Reddish Vermilion, Special Printing (171). Without gum as issued, bright color, scissors-separated as usual but leaving full perforations on three sidesFRESH AND VERY FINE EXAMPLE OF THE 1875 7-CENT CONTINENTAL BANK NOTE COMPANY SPECIAL PRINTING.
Our census of Scott 171, at https://siegelauctions.com/census/us/scott/171 , contains 75 examples, including one in the Miller collection owned by The New York Public Library, leaving 74 available to collectors. Most stamps were scissors-separated, affecting the perforations on at least one side.
Census no. 171-UNC-02. With 1950, 2002 and 2015 P.F. certificates.
12c Dark Violet, Special Printing (173). Without gum as issued, deep rich color on bright paper, perfs scissors-separated as usual with full perfs on two sidesFINE EXAMPLE OF THE 12-CENT 1875 CONTINENTAL BANK NOTE COMPANY SPECIAL PRINTING.
Our census of Scott 173, available at https://siegelauctions.com/census/us/scott/173 , contains only 64 examples, including one in the Miller collection owned by The New York Public Library, leaving 63 available to collectors. We previously had an error in our count that increased the total by ten. We wonder if the modest Scott value was influenced by that error and is artificially low, as 64 examples is a low population number. Many stamps are scissors-separated on at least one side.
Census no. 173-UNC-38. With 1952 P.F. certificate
15c Bright Orange, Special Printing (174). Without gum as issued, brilliant color, quite well-centered with essentially full perfs on three sidesFRESH AND VERY FINE EXAMPLE OF THE RARE 15-CENT 1875 CONTINENTAL BANK NOTE COMPANY SPECIAL PRINTING.
Our census of Scott 174, available at https://siegelauctions.com/census/us/scott/174 , contains 41 examples, including one in the Miller collection owned by The New York Public Library, leaving 40 available to collectors. An overwhelming majority have the perforations scissors-separated on at least one side, and many are off-center as well. Only five or six have fully intact perforations, and of those perhaps half are faulty. This is a choice sound example.
Census no. 174-UNC-04. With 1991 P.F. certificate
24c Dull Purple, Special Printing (175). Without gum as issued, complete perfs all around without the usual scissors-separation, rich color on bright paper, single perf at right slightly nibbed and not mentioned on certificateVERY FINE EXAMPLE OF THE 24-CENT 1875 CONTINENTAL BANK NOTE COMPANY SPECIAL PRINTING, WITH PERFORATIONS ON ALL FOUR SIDES.
Our census of Scott 175, available at https://siegelauctions.com/census/us/scott/175 , contains 105 examples. Few show complete perfs as seen on the stamp offered here.
Census no. 175-UNC-91. With 1974 P.F. certificate
5c Blue (179). Mint N.H., deep rich color and proof-like impression, choice centering and marginsFRESH AND VERY FINE. A RARE CENTERED MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 1875 5-CENT TAYLOR, PRINTED BY CONTINENTAL BANK NOTE COMPANY.
Although large multiples of the 5c Taylor American printing on soft paper (Scott 185) have provided Mint Never-Hinged singles, the 1875 Continental is very scarce in Mint Never-Hinged condition.
With 2010 and 2012 P.F. certificates (VF 80). Scott value as hinged.
10c Brown, Without Secret Mark (187). Original gum, lightly hinged, bright color, three enormous margins and overall choice centeringEXTREMELY FINE FINE ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE 10-CENT 1879 AMERICAN BANK NOTE ISSUE WITHOUT SECRET MARK. SCARCE WITH SUCH WIDE MARGINS.
With 2008 and 2016 P.F. certificates (VF-XF 85)
2c Black Brown, Special Printing (193). Without gum as issued, deep rich color, wide margins, trivial natural inclusion in left margin at centerVERY FINE AND CHOICE EXAMPLE OF THE 2-CENT 1880 AMERICAN BANK NOTE SPECIAL PRINTING. ONE OF THE FINEST OF THE 51 AVAILABLE TO COLLECTORS.
Our census of Scott 193, available at https://siegelauctions.com/census/us/scott/193 , contains 52 examples, including one in the Miller collection owned by The New York Public Library, leaving 51 available to collectors. Almost half have faults (mostly thins, which are endemic to this soft porous paper). Of the sound examples, nearly all are centered to top or one side.
Census no. 193-UNC-17. Ex Chapin, Hoffman and Przybyl. With 1993, 2003 and 2010 P.F. certificates.
7c Scarlet Vermilion, Special Printing (196). Without gum as issued, vibrant colorFRESH AND FINE EXAMPLE OF THE 1880 7-CENT AMERICAN BANK NOTE COMPANY SPECIAL PRINTING.
Our census of Scott 196, available at https://siegelauctions.com/census/us/scott/196 , contains 84 examples.
Census no. 196-UNC-75. With 1994 P.F. certificate
10c Deep Brown, Special Printing (197). Without gum as issued, intense color and proof-like impression, beautifully centered with extra wide marginsEXTREMELY FINE. ONE OF THE FINEST EXAMPLES OF THE RARE 10-CENT AMERICAN BANK NOTE COMPANY SOFT-PAPER SPECIAL PRINTING. ONLY 33 STAMPS ARE AVAILABLE TO COLLECTORS.
Our census of Scott 197, available at https://siegelauctions.com/census/us/scott/197 , contains 34 examples, including one in the Miller collection owned by The New York Public Library, leaving 33 available to collectors. Of these, at least eleven have faults, leaving only 22 sound or potentially sound examples (seven have not been examined in many years). This is one of the few finest extant.
Census no. 197-UNC-08. Ex T. Charlton Henry, Klein and Golin. 1954 P.F. certificate no longer accompanies. With 1988 P.F. certificate
12c Blackish Purple, Special Printing (198). Without gum as issued, deep rich color and well-centered, small thin at top center and small facial scuff at bottom left (see below for explanation)EXTREMELY FINE APPEARING EXAMPLE OF THE 12-CENT 1880 AMERICAN BANK NOTE COMPANY SPECIAL PRINTING.
Our census of Scott 198, available at https://siegelauctions.com/census/us/scott/198 , contains 65 examples, including one in the Miller collection owned by The New York Public Library, leaving 64 available to collectors. Of these, at least one-third have flaws. Many have poor centering as well.
Census no. 198-UNC-36. From our 1974 Rarities sale. With 2007 P.S.E. certificate stating "colored over facial scuff at bottom left". There was previously a "W.H.C" (Colson) blue backstamp in this area, which someone long ago attempted to lighten. This caused the facial scuff and the bit of coloring over was attempted to hide remnants of the backstamp
15c Orange, Special Printing (199). Without gum as issued, brilliant color, fine impression, most recent certificate notes "small thin in neck area" which is indeed tiny and endemic to this soft paperVERY FINE AND CHOICE APPEARING EXAMPLE OF THE 15-CENT 1880 AMERICAN BANK NOTE COMPANY SPECIAL PRINTING.
Our census of Scott 199, available at https://siegelauctions.com/census/us/scott/199 , contains 40 examples, including one in the Miller collection owned by The New York Public Library, leaving 39 available to collectors. Of these, only 15 are confirmed as sound, 7 have faults and 17 need to be reexamined according to current methods and standards.
Census no. 199-UNC-04. Ex Petersen. With clear 1952 and 2001 P.F. certificates. With 2023 P.F. certificate as described above.
24c Dark Violet, Special Printing (200). Without gum as issued, rich color on bright paper, central thinFINE APPEARING EXAMPLE OF THE 24-CENT 1880 AMERICAN BANK NOTE COMPANY SPECIAL PRINTING.
Our census of Scott 200 contains approximately 68 examples, about a third of which have thins or small faults. Fully 22 are confirmed as sound, but of these only five have decent centering.
Census no. 200-UNC-62. Ex Wingate. With 1966 P.F. certificate
30c Greenish Black, Special Printing (201). Without gum as issued, bright shade and detailed impression, well-centered with long and full perforations all aroundVERY FINE AND CHOICE EXAMPLE OF THE 1880 30-CENT AMERICAN BANK NOTE COMPANY SPECIAL PRINTING.
Our census of Scott 201, available at https://siegelauctions.com/census/us/scott/201 , contains only 43 examples, including one in the Miller collection owned by The New York Public Library, leaving 42 available to collectors. Only ten are confirmed as sound and only seven of those are well-centered. Another 17 need to be reexamined for condition, but only a handful of these have better than Fine centering.
Census no. 201-UNC-29. Ex Curtis. 1994 P.F. certificate (as "genuine") no longer accompanies. With 2009 P.S.E. certificate
90c Dull Carmine, Special Printing (202). Without gum as issued, bright colorFINE AND RARE. ONLY 41 EXAMPLES OF THE 90-CENT 1880 AMERICAN BANK NOTE COMPANY SPECIAL PRINTINGS ARE AVAILABLE TO COLLECTORS.
Our census of Scott 202, available at https://siegelauctions.com/census/us/scott/202 , contains 42 examples, including one in the Miller collection owned by The New York Public Library, leaving 41 available to collectors. The 90c 1880 Special Printing on soft paper is notorious for its condition. Thins or more serious faults affect about half of the known examples. Most of the sound examples are centered to the right.
Census no. 202-UNC-28. Ex Hoffman and Przybyl. With 1955, 1992 and 2006 P.F. certificates
90c Dull Carmine, Special Printing (202). Without gum as issued, perfs trimmed off at top, bright color, trivial natural inclusion in left marginFINE. ONLY 42 EXAMPLES OF THE 90-CENT 1880 AMERICAN BANK NOTE COMPANY SPECIAL PRINTINGS ARE KNOWN TO EXIST.
Our census of Scott 202, available at https://siegelauctions.com/census/us/scott/202 , contains 42 examples, including one in the Miller collection owned by The New York Public Library, leaving 41 available to collectors. The 90c 1880 Special Printing on soft paper is notorious for its condition. Thins or more serious faults affect about half of the known examples. Most of the sound examples are centered to the right, as is this stamp.
Census no. 202-UNC-41. With 1973 P.F. certificate.
4c Deep Blue Green, Special Printing (211D). Without gum as issued, with right sheet selvage, deep rich color on crisp paper, choice centering with well-balanced marginsEXTREMELY FINE. THIS IS WITHOUT QUESTION ONE OF THE FINEST KNOWN EXAMPLES OF THE 4-CENT 1883 AMERICAN BANK NOTE COMPANY SPECIAL PRINTING. THIS IS ONE OF THE RAREST OF ALL SPECIAL PRINTINGS WITH ONLY 27 EXAMPLES RECORDED IN OUR CENSUS.
Our census of the 4c 1883 Special Printing, available at https://siegelauctions.com/census/us/scott/211D , contains 27 stamps offered as No. 211D (though Post Office Department records indicate only 26 were sold). 26 have been certified by the Philatelic Foundation. Of the known copies, at least seven have faults and several others have not been examined for condition in many years. Very few are as well centered as the example offered here.
Census no. 211D-UNC-23. Ex Colonel Green, Dr. Test (“Concord”), Lyons and Wingate. With 1984 and 1998 P.F. certificates. Eugene Klein handstamp on back of selvage.