Sale 956 — The Jay Hoffman Collection of United States Stamps
Sale Date — Thursday-Friday, 8-9 May, 2008
Category — 1870 National Bank Note Co. Ungrilled Issue (Scott 145-155)
1c Ultramarine (145). Original gum, lightly hinged, brilliant color on bright paper, Very Fine and choice, with 1995 and 2003 P.F. certificates
2c Red Brown (146). Original gum, pretty shade on crisp paper, wide margins, Very Fine and choice, a pretty stamp, with 1993 and 2002 P.F. certificates
6c Carmine (148). Original gum, lightly hinged, bright color, wide marginsEXTREMELY FINE. THE 6-CENT 1870 NATIONAL BANK NOTE ISSUE IS EXTREMELY RARE IN THIS CHOICE ORIGINAL-GUM CONDITION.
Unlike its counterparts in the Continental and American Bank Note Company issues, the 6c National is rarely found in choice grades with original gum.
With 2005 P.F. certificate
10c Brown (150). Original gum, lightly hinged, intense color, wide marginsEXTREMELY FINE. A RARE ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE 10-CENT 1870 UNGRILLED NATIONAL BANK NOTE ISSUE.
In searching past auction catalogues, we have located precious few examples of Scott 150 in the condition of the stamp offered here. Collectors who are unwilling to compromise on quality are well-advised to pursue this opportunity.
With 1997 and 2004 P.F. certificates
12c Dull Violet (151). Original gum, deep rich color and proof-like impression, fresh and Very Fine, with 2001 P.F. certificate
15c Bright Orange (152). Original gum, lightly hinged, vibrant colorVERY FINE ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE UNGRILLED 1870 15-CENT NATIONAL BANK NOTE COMPANY ISSUE.
With 1986 and 2003 P.F. and 2005 P.S.E. certificates
24c Purple (153). Original gum, rich color, wide marginsVERY FINE AND CHOICE EXAMPLE OF THE 24-CENT 1870 NATIONAL BANK NOTE UNGRILLED ISSUE.
With 1990 and 2004 P.F. certificates
30c Black (154). Original gum, small h.r., choice centering with wide margins, beautiful deep charcoal shade and detailed impressionEXTREMELY FINE. THE 1870 30-CENT NATIONAL UNGRILLED ISSUE IS ONE OF THE MOST DIFFICULT OF ALL BANK NOTE ISSUES TO FIND IN SOUND, WELL-CENTERED, ORIGINAL-GUM CONDITION.
During the past few years, we have offered a few superb original-gum examples of other 30c Bank Note issues, most notably Scott 165. Collectors have recognized the rarity of these stamps, bidding aggressively for the best stamps and often setting record prices. A search of our records and past auction catalogues located only a few stamps on a par with this example.
With 1981 and 1999 P.F. certificates.
90c Carmine (155). Original gum, beautiful rich color and detailed impression on post-office fresh paper, choice centering, long and full perforations all aroundVERY FINE AND CHOICE. THE 1870 90-CENT NATIONAL BANK NOTE ISSUE IS RARE IN CHOICE ORIGINAL-GUM CONDITION.
The 1870 90c National Ungrilled Issue, Scott 155, is somewhat overshadowed by its grilled counterpart, Scott 144. Collectors are also misled by the availability of Scott 166, the 90c 1873 Continental. Although the difference in shades is distinct, collectors have a tendency to confuse the two and under-rate the 1870 National printing.
With 2002 P.F. certificate