Sale 1219 — The Edward Morton Collection of Outstanding Quality U.S. Stamps
Sale Date — Wednesday-Thursday, 8-9 April, 2020
Category — 1875 Reprint of 1857-60 Issue (Scott 40-47)
1c Bright Blue, Reprint (40). Without gum as issued, exceptionally well-centered, vivid color on bright paperEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A BRIGHT AND FRESH ONE-CENT 1857 REPRINT STAMP WITH SUPERB CENTERING.
With 2012 P.F. and 2005 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $1,900.00). Only one grades higher (at 98J, offered in our 2012 sale of the Merlin collection)
3c Scarlet, Reprint (41). Without gum as issued, intense color on bright paper, wide margins, perfs scissors-separated but intact all aroundVERY FINE AND CHOICE. AN UNUSUALLY WELL-CENTERED AND WIDE-MARGINED EXAMPLE OF THE 3-CENT 1857 REPRINT.
The Continental Bank Note Company made a new plate for the 3c 1857 Reprint, consisting of 100 subjects. 10,000 stamps were printed (100 impressions), but only 479 of the 3c were sold. Our auction history as well as the P.S.E. Population Report reveals how rare this stamp is in any kind of sound and centered condition. Only six stamps are graded XF 90 or better and this is one of only four graded VF-XF 85.
With 1999 P.F. and 2009 P.S.E. certificates (VF-XF 85; SMQ $6,500.00)
5c Orange Brown, Reprint (42). Without gum as issued, radiant color on bright paper, well-centered with wide margins for this difficult issue, Very Fine, only 878 sold, with 1988, 2004 and 2011 P.F. certificates (VF 80)
10c Blue Green, Reprint (43). Without gum as issued, deep rich color which jumps off of the bright paper, gorgeous centering with well-proportioned marginsEXTREMELY FINE GEM. ONE OF THE FINEST COPIES EXTANT OF THE 10-CENT 1857 REPRINT -- WHICH IS ONE OF THE MOST DIFFICULT VALUES OF THE SET TO OBTAIN IN SOUND, EXTREMELY FINE CONDITION.
The Continental Bank Note Company made a new plate for the 10c 1857 Reprint, consisting of 100 subjects, using an original transfer roll. 10,000 stamps were printed (100 impressions). All are Type I stamps. 516 of the 10c were sold, and the remaining 9,484 were destroyed on July 23, 1884, by order of the Postmaster General.
As a means of comparing the quality of this stamp against some of the other existing copies, we searched through our Levi records and several past auction catalogues, looking for examples in comparable condition. Perhaps five in our records of hundreds of surviving examples compared favorably to the stamp offered here. The P.S.E. Population Report lists only three stamps graded XF 90 or better (highest is 95).
Ex Odeneal. With 1990 and 2012 P.F. certificates
12c Greenish Black, Reprint (44). Without gum as issued, deep shade and proof-like impression, well-balanced margins for this very difficult issueVERY FINE EXAMPLE OF THE 12-CENT 1857 ISSUE REPRINT.
The Continental Bank Note Company made a new plate for the 12c 1857 Reprint, consisting of 100 subjects, using an original transfer roll. 10,000 stamps were printed (100 impressions). 489 of the 12c were sold, and the remaining 9,511 were destroyed on July 23, 1884, by order of the Postmaster General.
With 2008 P.S.E. certificate
24c Blackish Violet, Reprint (45). Without gum as issued, vibrant color, well-centered with nicely balanced marginsVERY FINE AND CHOICE EXAMPLE OF THE 24-CENT 1857 REPRINT.
The Continental Bank Note Company reprinted the 24c stamp from the original plate of 200 subjects. 10,000 were printed (50 impressions). Only 479 were sold; the remaining 9,521 were destroyed on July 23, 1884, by order of the Postmaster General. Due to the narrow spacing between subjects, many have perforations touching the design at either top or bottom. The example offered here, with unusually choice centering, is a remarkable stamp.
With 1975 P.F. certificate
30c Yellow Orange, Reprint (46). Without gum as issued, vibrant color on bright paper, remarkably choice centering for this difficult issueVERY FINE AND CHOICE. A BEAUTIFUL EXAMPLE OF THE 30-CENT 1857 REPRINT.
The Continental Bank Note Company reprinted the 30c stamp from the original plate of 200 subjects. 10,000 were printed (50 impressions). Only 480 were sold; the remaining 9,520 were destroyed on July 23, 1884, by order of the Postmaster General.
With 1994 and 2008 P.F. certificates.
90c Deep Blue, Reprint (47). Without gum as issued, intense shade and proof-like impression, gorgeous centering and marginsEXTREMELY FINE. A BEAUTIFULLY-CENTERED AND EXCEPTIONALLY FRESH EXAMPLE OF THE 90-CENT 1857 REPRINT.
The Continental Bank Note Company reprinted the 90c stamp from the original plate of 200 subjects. 10,000 were printed (50 impressions). Only 454 were sold; the remaining 9,546 were destroyed on July 23, 1884, by order of the Postmaster General.
With 2000 P.F. and 2012 P.S.E. certificates (XF 90; SMQ $8,000.00). Only two grade higher (at 95) and three share this grade