Sale 1163 — The Clipper City Collection of Superb U.S. Stamps
Sale Date — Tuesday, 19 September, 2017
Category — 1879 American Bank Note Co. Issue (Scott 182-191)
1c Dark Ultramarine (182). Original gum, lightly hinged, Jumbo margins and near mathematically perfect centering, very pleasing pastel colorEXTREMELY FINE GEM. AN EXCEPTIONAL ORIGINAL-GUM, JUMBO-MARGINED EXAMPLE OF THE ONE-CENT 1879 AMERICAN BANK NOTE COMPANY ISSUE.
With 2008 P.S.E. certificate (OGph, Superb 98 Jumbo; SMQ $3,200.00). This is the highest grade awarded and only one other shares it.
2c Vermilion (183). Mint N.H., radiant color, precise centering, Extremely Fine, with 1996 and 2015 P.S.E. certificates (XF 90; SMQ $950.00)
3c Green (184). Mint N.H., deep rich color and proof-like impression which "pops" off of the bright paper, wide and balanced margins, long and full perforations all aroundEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A STUNNING MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 1879 3-CENT AMERICAN BANK NOTE COMPANY ISSUE.
Ex Whitman. With 1992, 1999 P.F. and 2009 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $2,450.00). Only three stamps in the P.S.E. Population Report have graded higher
5c Blue (185). Mint N.H., intense color, well-centered with nicely balanced marginsEXTREMELY FINE MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 5-CENT BLUE TAYLOR.
With 1999 and 2014 P.F. certificates (VF-XF 85). With 2014 P.S.E. certificate (VF 80; SMQ $1,500.00).
6c Pink (186). Original gum, lightly hinged, well-centered with balanced margins, unusually fresh color for this stamp, Extremely Fine, with 2013 P.F. (XF 90 XQ) and P.S.E. certificates (OGph, VF 80), we are simply at a loss as to why this stamp only received an 80 grade from P.S.E.
10c Brown, Without Secret Mark (187). Original gum, barest trace of hinging, deep rich color and proof-like impression, choice centering with wide marginsEXTREMELY FINE. A BEAUTIUL LIGHTLY-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 10-CENT 1879 AMERICAN BANK NOTE COMPANY ISSUE WITHOUT SECRET MARK.
Scott 187 without secret mark is significantly more difficult than Scott 188 to find in such choice condition.
Ex "Scarsdale" and "Hanover". With 1973, 2000, 2007 and 2017 P.F. certificates (VF-XF 85)
10c Brown, With Secret Mark (188). Original gum, lightly hinged, beautifully centered with balanced margins, deep rich color and clear impressionEXTREMELY FINE. AN EXCEPTIONALLY CHOICE 1879 10-CENT AMERICAN BANK NOTE COMPANY ISSUE WITH SECRET MARK. VERY DIFFICULT TO FIND IN THIS QUALITY, ESPECIALLY WITH ORIGINAL GUM.
With 2004 P.F. and 2012 P.S.E. certificates (OGph, XF 90; SMQ $4,000.00). Only three hinged stamps have exceeded this grade
15c Red Orange (189). Mint N.H., vivid color on bright paper, outstanding centering with wide and balanced marginsEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 15-CENT 1879 AMERICAN BANK NOTE COMPANY ISSUE.
This issue is often found in Mint N.H. condition, as several sheets have been broken in recent years. However, most of the stamps in these sheets are somewhat off-center, and examples such as this are rare.
With 1990 and 2014 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $4,450.00). Only five have graded higher (four at 98 and one at 100).
30c Full Black (190). Mint N.H., intense shade and sharp proof-like impression, beautifully centered with wide marginsVERY FINE AND CHOICE. A BEAUTIFUL MINT NEVER-HINGED 30-CENT 1879 AMERICAN BANK NOTE ISSUE. THIS ISSUE IS RARELY OBTAINABLE IN CHOICE NEVER-HINGED CONDITION.
The 30c 1879 American Bank Note Company issue is surprisingly difficult to obtain in choice Mint N.H. condition. It is surprising because the 15c (Scott 189) is readily available. However, a survey of our photo records and auction library revealed the scarcity of well-centered 30c blocks from which singles could be removed.
Ex Whitman. With 1992 (for a block), 1998 P.F. and 2009 P.S.E. certificates (VF 80; SMQ $3,000.00)
90c Carmine (191). Original gum, vibrant color, well-centered with wide nicely balanced margins, fresh, Very Fine and choice, with 2014 P.F. certificate