Sale 1000 — Siegel Sale 1000
Sale Date — Wednesday, 8 December, 2010
Category — 1869 Pictorial Issue
1c Franklin, Die Essays on White Ivory (112-E5b). Two, in Black and Black Brown, approximately 50 x 55mm, detailed impressions, each with small thin spot at top left corner from mount removalVERY FINE. TWO RARE EXAMPLES OF THIS UNADOPTED DESIGN FOR THE ONE-CENT 1869 PICTORIAL ISSUE.
This design, with the patriotic symbols of the flag and shield and depicting one of the Founding Fathers, is highly exhibitable.
1c Buff (112). Mint N.H., radiant color on crisp paper, clearly-defined grill, gorgeous centering with wide marginsEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A STUNNING MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE ONE-CENT 1869 PICTORIAL ISSUE, WHICH HAS BEEN GRADED XF-SUPERB 95 JUMBO BY P.S.E. -- THIS IS THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED TO DATE AND THE ONLY EXAMPLE TO ACHIEVE THIS GRADE.
With 2000 P.F. and 2009 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95 Jumbo; unpriced in SMQ in Mint N.H. condition). This is the highest grade awarded to date and the only example to achieve this grade -- only six Mint N.H. stamps in total have even been graded, which is another testament to its rarity. Scott Retail as hinged.
3c Ultramarine (114). Cancelled by bold strike of Waterbury Skull & Crossbones fancy cancel (Rohloff Type R-3), centered to top, some slight corner creasing, Very Fine strike of this scarce fancy cancel, with 1982 and 1991 P.F. certificates
15c Brown & Blue, Ty. I (118). Choice balanced margins, attractive colors and impression, bold circle of wedges cancel and bit of red transit at bottom leftEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A BEAUTIFUL USED EXAMPLE OF THE 15-CENT TYPE I 1869 PICTORIAL ISSUE.
With 2009 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $3,000.00)
90c Carmine & Black (122). Original gum, deep rich colors and proof-like impressions, unusually choice centering with wide and balanced margins, clearly-defined grillEXTREMELY FINE. A SUPERB ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE 90-CENT 1869 PICTORIAL ISSUE. AN EXTREMELY DIFFICULT ISSUE TO OBTAIN IN SUCH SUPERB CONDITION.
The 90c 1869 Pictorial is widely admired for its beautiful engraving and dignified portrait of Abraham Lincoln. However, collectors have been frustrated in their efforts to acquire choice examples of this issue. Used 90c stamps are typically heavily cancelled, because the high denomination was cause for postal clerks to thoroughly obliterate any chance for re-use. Naturally, the significant monetary value of 90c in 1869 limited the number of unused stamps that would be saved for future collectors. Therefore, the collector ideals of "well-centered with original gum" and "lightly cancelled" are seldom obtainable in the available supply of 90c 1869's. The stamp offered here, with lightly hinged original gum and choice centering, probably ranks among the top 1% of surviving 90c 1869's in unused state.
With 1987 and 2008 P.F. certificates
1c-90c 1869 Pictorial Issue, Atlanta Trial Color Plate Proofs on Card (123TC1-132TC1). Complete set (less the one newly-listed unique 90c color combination), most have full to large margins (a few close but clear), bright colorsVERY FINE. A RARE COMPLETE SET OF 1869 PICTORIAL ATLANTA TRIAL COLOR PLATE PROOFS.
The Atlanta trial color plate proofs on card were prepared for display at the 1881 International Cotton Exhibition in Atlanta. Only one sheet of 100 in each color was printed. Very few have been kept together as intact sets.