Sale 1199 — Gem-Quality United States Stamps
Sale Date — Wednesday-Thursday, 1-2 May, 2019
Category — 1869 Pictorial Issue (Scott 112-122)
1c Buff (112). Unusually choice centering with Jumbo margins, radiant color, neat strike of grid cancel struck so Franklin's eye is clearly visible between bars of the grid, Extremely Fine Gem, ex "Natalee Grace", with 1994 P.F. and 2009 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95 Jumbo; SMQ $2.250.00), only one used example grades higher (at 98) and only four other used stamps share this grade.
1c Buff (112). Attractive centering and margins, rich color, bold green quartered cork cancel, Extremely Fine, rare example of the 1c 1869 Pictorial with a green cancel, with 2002 P.F. certificate
1c Buff (112). Choice centering, bright color, light strike of green quartered cork cancel, fresh and Extremely Fine, with 2002 P.F. certificate
2c Brown (113). Intense shade and detailed impression, choice centering with wide and balanced margins, neat strike of rosette cancel at left leaves design clearly visible, Extremely Fine Gem, a beautiful stamp, the 2c is difficult to obtain in such choice condition, ex "Natalee Grace", with 1996 P.F. and 2012 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $775.00)
3c Ultramarine (114). Mint N.H. with part arrow right selvage, massive Jumbo margins and precise centering, deep rich color and proof-like impression on fresh paperEXTREMELY FINE GEM. THIS ASTONISHING MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 3-CENT 1869 PICTORIAL ISSUE HAS ACHIEVED THE GRADE OF SUPERB 98 JUMBO FROM P.S.E. -- THIS IS THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED AND IT IS SHARED BY NO OTHERS.
The 3c 1869 Pictorial represents a radical departure from the portraiture of all previous issues. The theme of improved postal communications was chosen for this value as well as the 2c (postal carrier on horseback) and the 12c (S.S. Adriatic, for transatlantic mail). The 3c locomotive train was possibly intended to celebrate the imminent completion of the transcontinental railroad.
With 2018 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98 Jumbo; unpriced in SMQ above the grade of 98, SMQ $5,750.00 for 98). This stamp stands alone as the highest graded Scott 114 in any condition (Mint N.H., hinged or used). None of the other values of the 1869 series boast a stamp graded above 95J in Mint N.H. condition
3c Ultramarine, Split Grill (114 var). Mint N.H., grill split top to bottom with one row of grill points present at top, vivid color on post-office fresh paper, outstanding centering with wide marginsEXTREMELY FINE GEM MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 3-CENT 1869 PICTORIAL ISSUE WITH A SPLIT GRILL -- GRADED XF-SUPERB 95.
With 2005 P.F. certificate (XF-Superb 95). With 2008 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $3,250.00 for normal, split grill not separately priced). Only three stamps grade higher in either the P.S.E.'s Population Report. We doubt if any of these are the split grill variety. Scott Retail as hinged
3c Ultramarine (114). Mint N.H., brilliant color on bright paper, beautifully centered with wide marginsEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 3-CENT 1869 PICTORIAL ISSUE, GRADED XF-SUPERB 95 BY THE PHILATELIC FOUNDATION.
Ex Floyd. With 2001 and 2006 P.F. certificates (XF-Superb 95). By way of comparison, only two three graded higher in the P.S.E.'s Population Report. Scott Retail as hinged
3c Ultramarine (114). Wide margins, beautiful color and impression, bold strike of red cork cancel and part of circular datestamp at upper left, Extremely Fine Gem, a beautiful stamp, ex Dr. Morris and "Natalee Grace", with 1996 P.F. and 2009 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $400.00)
3c Ultramarine (114). Rich color, choice centering, tied on small piece by well-struck Buttonless Shoe ("Congress Gaiter") fancy cancel of Waterbury Conn. (Rohloff O-12), neat "Waterbury Ct. Mar. 25" (1870) circular datestamp, Extremely Fine strike and stamp, desirable with the circular datestamp, with 2004 P.S.E. certificate
3c Ultramarine (114). Choice centering, tied on piece by well-struck Mortar & Pestle fancy cancel of Waterbury Conn. (Rohloff O-6), also tied by "Waterbury Ct. Jun. 15" circular datestamp, stamp with flaw at top not mentioned on accompanying certificate, still a Very Fine strike, especially desirable with the circular datestamp, with 2004 P.S.E. certificate
3c Ultramarine (114). Wide margins, radiant color, neat strike of red "M" cancel, Very Fine and choice, with 1995 P.F. certificate
3c Ultramarine (114). Choice centering with wide margins, tied by Clover Leaf fancy cancel, matching "New-York Nov. 22" (1869) circular datestamp on cover to Erwinna Penn., with original enclosure, Very Fine, with 1983 P.F. certificate
6c Ultramarine (115). Brilliant color on crisp paper, wide margins and precise centering, cork cancel, Extremely Fine Gem, a beautiful stamp, ex Kirke and Curtis, with 2010 P.F. and 2008 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $1,900.00), only one has graded higher (at 98J) and only four others share this grade
10c Yellow (116). Vibrant color on bright paper, unobtrusive strike of quartered cork and red transit cancel, choice centering with wide margins, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2015 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $1,050.00), only five have graded higher (three at 95J and two at 98)
12c Green (117). Wide balanced Jumbo margins, deep rich color, light circle of wedges cancel, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2012 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95 Jumbo; SMQ $1,400.00)
15c Brown & Blue, Ty. I (118). Enormous even margins all around, bright colors and proof-like impressions, fancy rosette cancelEXTREMELY FINE GEM USED EXAMPLE OF THE 15-CENT TYPE I 1869 PICTORIAL ISSUE. A SUPERB STAMP THAT MUST SURELY RANK AMONG THE FINEST EXTANT.
Ex "Scarsdale". With 2004 P.F. and 2009 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $4,000.00). Only four have graded higher.
15c Brown & Blue, Ty. I (118). Wide margins and choice centering, rich colors, light cork cancel leaves vignette completely unobscured, Extremely Fine, a beautiful stamp, with 1999 and 2002 P.F. certificates
15c Brown & Blue, Ty. I (118). Bright colors and crisp impressions, neat strike of New Orleans circular datestamp and segmented cork cancel, wide and balanced margins, Extremely Fine, a pretty stamp, with 2016 P.F. certificate (XF 90)
15c Brown & Blue, Ty. II (119). Mint N.H., deep rich colors and proof-like impressions, attractive centering with margins well clear of design all aroundVERY FINE AND EXTREMELY RARE MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 15-CENT TYPE II 1869 PICTORIAL ISSUE. THIS IS ONLY THE SECOND MINT NEVER-HINGED SINGLE WE HAVE OFFERED SINCE KEEPING COMPUTERIZED RECORDS. A PHENOMENAL RARITY OF THE ISSUE.
Large multiples of this issue do exist, and we have surveyed or sold most of them. Several contain Mint N.H. examples, but they are invariably off-center. Most of the blocks containing Mint N.H. stamps are significantly off-center, with perfs at least touching or well into the designs. The one exception is a left selvage block of 20 which contains eight Mint N.H. stamps, last offered in our 2018 sale of the Wingate collection. This is unlikely to be broken as it usually forms the linchpin of a great 1869 Pictorial or classic block collection, and is in such a collection today.
With 2019 P.S.E. certificate. Scott Retail as hinged does not remotely reflect the rarity of this item.
15c Brown & Blue, Ty. II (119). Wide margins and choice centering, deep rich colors and proof-like impressions, neat strike of target cancel at bottom leaves entire design clearly visible, Extremely Fine, ex "Natalee Grace", with 2002 P.F. and 2012 P.S.E. certificates
15c Brown & Blue, Ty. II (119). Balanced margins, deep rich colors, light cancel, Very Fine and choice, with 1996 and 2002 P.F. certificates
24c Green & Violet (120). Huge margins and outstanding centering, quartered cork cancel, Extremely Fine, with 2001 P.F. certificate
30c Ultramarine & Carmine (121). Choice centering with wide and balanced margins, radiant colors nicely complemented by red Leaf cancel used on New York Supplementary Mail, with matching red fingerprint at lower right (belonging to the postal clerk who cancelled the stamp)EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A BEAUTIFUL USED EXAMPLE OF THE 30-CENT 1869 PICTORIAL ISSUE CANCELLED SOLELY BY THE RED LEAF CANCEL OF NEW YORK CITY. A WONDERFUL STAMP IN TERMS OF CENTERING, COLOR, OVERALL FRESHNESS AND CANCELLATION.
Ex Eubanks. Small purple backstamp. With 1978 P.F. and 2011 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $3.700.00). Only three grade higher (at 95J)
30c Ultramarine & Carmine (121). Wide margins and precise centering, bold quartered cork cancel with rim of circular datestamp, Extremely Fine, with 1986 and 2004 P.F. certificates
90c Carmine & Black (122). Unused (no gum), deep rich colors and proof-like impressions on bright paper, wide margins and well-centeredVERY FINE UNUSED EXAMPLE OF THE 90-CENT 1869 PICTORIAL ISSUE.
With 2019 P.F. certificate (VF 80)
90c Carmine & Black (122). Perfectly centered with Jumbo margins, rich colors and crisp impressions, virtually face-free strike of cork cancel leaves entire design clearly visibleEXTREMELY FINE GEM APPEARANCE. A STUNNING USED EXAMPLE OF THE 90-CENT 1869 PICTORIAL ISSUE, GRADED SUPERB 98 JUMBO BY P.S.E.
A missing 1997 P.F. certificate states "small corner creases" but we do not see any, nor are they noted on 2008 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98 Jumbo; SMQ $29,000.00).
90c Carmine & Black (122). Beautifully centered, rich color on bright white paper, light cork cancelEXTREMELY FINE USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1869 PICTORIAL ISSUE.
With 2002 P.F. certificate