Sale 1163 — The Clipper City Collection of Superb U.S. Stamps
Sale Date — Tuesday, 19 September, 2017
Category — 1881-83 American Bank Note Co. Issues (Scott 205-211B)
5c Yellow Brown (205). Original gum, Jumbo margins and choice centering, deep rich color, Extremely Fine, with 2002 P.F. and 2007 P.S.E. certificates (OGph, XF 90 Jumbo; SMQ $750.00)
1c Gray Blue (206). Mint N.H., brilliant color on bright paper, unusually choice centering with wide and balanced margins, Extremely Fine Gem, a gorgeous stamp, ex "Beverly Hills", with 2009 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $2,000.00), this is the highest grade awarded and only seven others share this grade.
3c Blue Green (207). Mint N.H., deep rich color and proof-like impression, choice centering with wide and balanced margins, long and full perforations all aroundEXTREMELY FINE GEM EXAMPLE OF THE 1881 3-CENT RE-ENGRAVED ISSUE, GRADED XF-SUPERB 95 BY P.S.E. THIS IS THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED.
Ex "Beverly Hills". With 2009 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $2,750.00). This is the highest grade awarded and it is shared by only five others
6c Rose (208). Original gum, bright color, outstanding centering with wide marginsEXTREMELY FINE GEM. THE 1882 RE-ENGRAVED 6-CENT ROSE IS ONE OF THE MOST DIFFICULT ISSUES TO OBTAIN IN SUCH SUPERB CONDITION.
Despite being the major Scott listing, the Rose shade is far rarer than the Brown Red sub-shade, Scott 208a. Power Search located only one Mint N.H. example offered in our sales since 1993, and that is off-center with perfs almost touching the design. We have offered no multiples with Mint N.H. stamps. The online records of the Philatelic Foundation contain only two in Mint N.H. condition, but we doubt they would even grade 90. None have been graded in Mint N.H. condition by P.S.E. For the collector who values centering, a hinged copy is all there is. The example offered here, with choice centering, is a true condition rarity.
With 2016 P.F. certificate (XF-Superb 95)
6c Deep Brown Red (208a). Original gum, choice margins and exceptional centering, beautiful deep rich color, Extremely Fine Gem, ex Kirke, with 2000 P.F. (for a block) and 2008 P.S.E. certificates (OGph, XF-Superb 95; SMQ $2,200.00), only one has been graded higher
10c Brown (209). Original gum, lightly hinged, almost perfect centering with wide margins, deep rich color, Extremely Fine Gem, with 1985 P.F. and 2009 P.S.E. certificates (OGph, XF-Superb 95; SMQ $675.00)
2c Red Brown (210). Mint N.H., intense shade and proof-like impression on bright paper, beautiful centering with wide margins, Extremely Fine Gem, a superb stamp in every respect, ex Whitman, with 1998 P.F. and 2008 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $1,200.00), only two have graded higher and five others share this grade
4c Blue Green (211). Mint N.H., intense shade and impression, well-proportioned margins, Extremely Fine, ex Hall, with 1998 (for plate block of twelve) and 2015 P.F. certificates (VF-XF 85)