Sale 1289 — 2023 Rarities of the World
Sale Date — Tuesday, 27 June, 2023
Category — Trans-Mississippi Issue
1c-$2.00 Trans-Mississippi, Large Die Proofs on India (285P1-293P1). On approximately 203 x 125mm cards with full die sinkage, crisp impressions, 4c with slight oxidation as we have seen on other examplesVERY FINE. A CHOICE FULL-SIZE COMPLETE SET OF LARGE DIE PROOFS OF THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI ISSUE.
The single-color large die proofs are even scarcer than the bicolored essay sets.
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$1.00 Black, Trans-Mississippi (292). Mint N.H., intense shade and proof-like impression on bright paper, with wide right selvage, phenomenal centeringEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE $1.00 TRANS-MISSISSIPPI ISSUE, WIDELY REGARDED AS THE MOST BEAUTIFUL UNITED STATES COMMEMORATIVE STAMP EVER ISSUED.
The $1.00 Trans-Mississippi's long-time popularity with collectors led to hinging of the vast majority of singles. Although blocks have been broken over the years to supply Mint N.H. singles, it seems that grading is always a compromise between perfect centering and margin width. Only in a few instances do we find the combination of Mint N.H. condition, Extremely Fine Gem centering and wide balanced margins. This stamp is one of those extremely rare examples combining everything that could be desired.
With 1994 and 2021 P.F. certificates (XF-Superb 95). By way of comparison, P.S.E. has graded only seven at this grade with four higher (all 98). These are incredibly low population numbers for such a popular stamp.
$1.00 Black, Trans-Mississippi (292). Incredibly well-centered with choice wide margins, guide line at top, Chicago circular datestampEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A MAGNIFICENT USED $1.00 TRANS-MISSISSIPPI STAMP AND ESPECIALLY DESIRABLE WITH THE DATESTAMP CANCEL.
With 2007 P.F. certificate (XF-Superb 95). By way of comparison, P.S.E. has graded only four higher.
$1.00 Black, Trans-Mississippi (292). Outstanding centering with wide margins, intense shade on bright paper, duplex cancelEXTREMELY FINE GEM USED EXAMPLE OF THE $1.00 TRANS-MISSISSIPPI ISSUE.
With 2022 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $4,000.00). Only four used examples grade higher.
$2.00 Orange Brown, Trans-Mississippi (293). Original gum, barely hinged, outstanding centering, deep rich color and detailed impressionEXTREMELY FINE GEM. AN OUTSTANDING LIGHTLY HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE $2.00 TRANS-MISSISSIPPI ISSUE, GRADED XF-SUPERB 95 BY P.S.E.
Ex "Alan" and "Sacramento". With 1998 and 2021 P.F. and 2012 P.S.E. certificates (last OGph, XF-Superb 95; SMQ $6,500.00). Only three grade higher (all at 98).
$2.00 Orange Brown, Trans-Mississippi (293). Bright color, detailed impression, neat strike of duplex cancel leaves entire design clearly visible, unusually choice centeringEXTREMELY FINE GEM. THE $2.00 TRANS-MISSISSIPPI ISSUE IS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO OBTAIN IN SUCH SUPERB CONDITION. THIS REMARKABLE STAMP, WITH GORGEOUS COLOR, CHOICE CENTERING, UNOBTRUSIVE CANCEL AND OVERALL FRESHNESS, IS WITHOUT QUESTION ONE OF THE FINEST IN EXISTENCE. THIS REMARKABLE STAMP IS GRADED XF-SUPERB 95 BY BOTH THE P.F. AND P.S.E.
With 2018 P.F., 2017 P.S.A.G. and 2015 P.S.E. certificates (all three XF-Superb 95; SMQ $8,750.00). Only one grades higher (at 98, we have never offered it) and five others share this desirable grade.
$1.00 Black, Trans-Mississippi (292). Tied by light strike of purple registry oval, matching "Registered, Dec. 28, 1898 1.00 P.M., Sub-Station No. 42, P.O. Boston, Mass." four-line datestamp on cover to Freiburg, Germany, receiving backstamp, trivial edgewearVERY FINE. A SCARCE SINGLE FRANKING OF THE $1.00 TRANS-MISSISSIPPI ISSUE.
Perhaps 20 covers are known with the $1.00 Trans-Mississippi Issue, including approximately 14 with single frankings.
Ex "World's Fair" and Bakwin. 1986 P.F. certificate no longer accompanies. Scott value $5,000.00.
$2.00 Orange Brown, Trans-Mississippi (293). Rich color, tied by partly clear strike of "Casco Me. Nov. 12, 1899"? circular datestamp on small neat cover to Portland MaineVERY FINE AND CHOICE. A RARE SINGLE FRANKING OF THE $2.00 TRANS-MISSISSIPPI ISSUE ON COVER.
The Neil book records only eleven covers with single frankings of the $2.00 Trans-Mississippi Issue. Our Levi records contain only ten.
Ex Gibson with his backstamp. With 2021 P.F. certificate. Scott value $12,500.00.