Sale 968B — The Alan B. Whitman Collection, Part Three: 1902-34 Issues, B-O-B
Sale Date — Tuesday-Friday, 22-25 September, 2009
Category — 1913-15 Washington-Franklin Issues (Scott 424-460)
1c-3c 1913-15 Issue (424-426). Mint N.H., deep rich colors, gorgeous centering, fresh and Extremely Fine
1c Green, Vertical Pair, Imperforate Horizontally (424c). Lightly hinged, deep rich color and proof-like impression, enormous margins at top and bottomEXTREMELY FINE. A RARE EXAMPLE OF THE 1914 ONE-CENT SINGLE-LINE WATERMARK IMPERFORATE HORIZONTALLY.
We have only offered two others since keeping computerized records. With 1956, 1982 and 1999 P.F. certificates
1c Green, Booklet Pane of Six, Imperforate (424e). Unused (no gum) as are all of the 60 reported booklet panes, rich color, huge margins all aroundEXTREMELY FINE EXAMPLE OF THIS RARE IMPERFORATE PANE. THIS IS THE ONLY IMPERFORATE BOOKLET PANE IN U.S. PHILATELY.
With 1991 P.F. certificate. Normal perforated pane also accompanies for comparison
1c Green, Imperforate Between and Straight Edge at Top (424f). Mint N.H. in block with seven normal stamps, top right pair the error, showing radical misperforation creating the Scott-listed error, diagonal crease affects the error pair (which is what caused this dramatic error)VERY FINE AND CHOICE. THIS IS THE UNIQUE LISTING COPY FOR THIS DRAMATIC VARIETY. THIS IS THE ONLY EXAMPLE WITH PERFORATIONS THAT CONFORM TO THE SCOTT CATALOGUE LISTING FOR 424f.
This perforation error was caused when the sheet was accidentally folded at the corner before going through the perforating machine. This caused the double perforations along the top two stamps at right. This block and another similar block were both offered in the 2001 William Floyd sale. The second block was rejected by the Scott Catalogue editors, because the pair shows the missing perfs within the error pair.
Ex Floyd. With 1987 and 2001 P.F. certificates
4c Brown (427). Mint N.H. with top selvage, bright color, proof-like impression on crisp white paperEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A MOST IMPRESSIVE MINT NEVER-HINGED JUMBO OF THE 4-CENT WATERMARKED PERF 10 ISSUE -- GRADED SUPERB 98 JUMBO BY P.S.E.
With 1995 P.F. and 2008 P.S.E. certificates (Superb 98 Jumbo; unpriced in SMQ above the grade of 98, $1,850.00 as 98). This is the highest grade awarded to date and only one other shares this grade
5c Blue (428). Mint N.H., deep rich color on bright paper, Jumbo margins, fresh and Extremely Fine, a beautiful stamp, with 1993 P.F. certificate
6c Red Orange (429). Mint N.H. with plate no. 5423 and part hollow star in bottom selvage, bright color, beautifully centered with Jumbo marginsEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A STRIKING MINT NEVER-HINGED JUMBO-MARGINED EXAMPLE OF THE 6-CENT WATERMARKED PERF 10 ISSUE.
With 1991 P.F. and 2008 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95 Jumbo; SMQ $790.00 as 95, $2,500.00 as 98). Only four others share this grade and only three have graded higher to date
7c Black (430). Mint N.H., intense shade and impression, unusually wide margins, Very Fine and choice, with 1993 P.F. certificate
8c Pale Olive Green (431). Mint N.H. with plate no. 5718 and part "A" in top selvage, pretty shade, well-proportioned margins, Very Fine and choice, with 2004 P.F. and 2008 P.S.E. certificates (VF 80; SMQ $70.00)
9c Salmon Red (432). Mint N.H., brilliant color on immaculate fresh paper, almost mathematically perfect centering with Jumbo marginsEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A MAGNIFICENT MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 9-CENT WATERMARKED PERF 10 ISSUE -- GRADED SUPERB 98 JUMBO BY P.S.E. THIS IS THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED TO DATE.
With 1995 and 2008 P.S.E. certificates (Superb 98 Jumbo; unpriced in SMQ above the grade of 98, $2,050.00 as 98). This is the only example to achieve this grade in the P.S.E. Population Report
10c Orange Yellow (433). Mint N.H., intense shade with just a hint of oxidation, perfectly centered with wide and balanced margins, Extremely Fine Gem, ex Morris, with 1990 P.F. certificate
11c Dark Green (434). Mint N.H., deep rich color on bright fresh paper, almost mathematically perfect centering with Jumbo marginsEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A MAGNIFICENT MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 1915 11-CENT PERF 10 SINGLE-LINE WATERMARKED ISSUE -- GRADED SUPERB 98 JUMBO BY P.S.E.
With 2002 P.F. and 2008 P.S.E. certificates (Superb 98 Jumbo; unpriced in SMQ above the grade of 98 $1,350.00 as 98). This is the highest grade awarded to date and only one other stamp shares this grade
12c Claret Brown (435). Mint N.H., rich color on crisp paper, wide and balanced margins, fresh and Extremely Fine, a beautiful stamp, with 1989 and 1997 P.F. certificates
12c Copper Red, "Pink Back" (435a var). Mint N.H. with wide bottom selvage, vivid color with strong Pink Back, magnificent centering with wide margins, Extremely Fine Gem, with 1991 P.F. certificate, with 2008 P.S.E. certificate noting the Pink Back variety (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $670.00), only one stamp has been graded higher to date, and only three others share this grade
15c Gray (437). Mint N.H. with plate no. 6809 in wide bottom selvage, intense shade and impression, perfectly centered, Extremely Fine Gem, with 1994 P.F. certificate
20c Ultramarine (438). Mint N.H., vibrant color, unusually wide even margins, detailed impressionEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 1914 20-CENT PERF 10 SINGLE-LINE WATERMARKED ISSUE.
With 1996 P.F. and 2008 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $2,500.00)
30c Orange Red (439). Mint N.H., almost perfectly centered with Jumbo margins, fiery color, proof-like impression on fresh paperEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A FABULOUS MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 1914 30-CENT PERF 10 SINGLE-LINE WATERMARKED ISSUE.
With 1981 P.F. and 2008 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95 Jumbo; SMQ $3,000.00 as 95, $8,200.00 as 98)
50c Violet (440). Mint N.H., brilliant color on bright paper, choice centeringVERY FINE AND CHOICE. A BEAUTIFUL MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE SINGLE-LINE WATERMARKED 50-CENT PERF 10 FRANKLIN ISSUE.
With 1993 P.F. certificate
1c Green, Coil (441). Mint N.H. guide line pair, rich color, wide margins, fresh and Extremely Fine
1c Green, Coil (441). Mint N.H. pair, Jumbo margins, almost mathematically perfect centering, deep rich color on crisp white paper, Extremely Fine Gem, with 1996 P.F. and 2008 P.S.E. certificates (Superb 98 Jumbo; unpriced in SMQ above the grade of 98, $150.00 as 98)
1c Green, Coil (441). Mint N.H., deep rich color and proof-like impression, perfectly centered with wide margins, Extremely Fine Gem
2c Carmine, Ty. I, Coil (442). Mint N.H., radiant color, perfect centering, fresh and Extremely Fine, a gorgeous Mint N.H. guide line pair, with 1995 P.F. certificate
2c Carmine, Coil (442). Mint N.H., brilliant color on fresh paper, choice centering with wide balanced margins, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2008 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $90.00)
1c Green, Coil (443). Mint N.H. guide line pair, intact perfs at sides with part of adjoining stamps, deep rich color and proof-like impression, wide and balanced margins, Extremely Fine Gem, with 1995 P.F. certificate for strip of four
1c Green, Coil (443). Mint N.H. pair, deep rich color on bright paper, wide margins, Very Fine and choice, with 2002 P.F. certificate
1c Green, Coil (443). Mint N.H., rich color and detailed impression on bright paper, wide margins, fresh and Extremely Fine, with 1997 and 2007 P.F. certificates (XF 90; SMQ $140.00)
2c Carmine, Coil (444). Mint N.H. guide line pair, vibrant color, wide margins, Very Fine and choice, with 1991 P.F. certificate
2c Carmine, Coil (444). Mint N.H. pair, radiant color, fresh and Very Fine, with 1993 P.F. certificate
2c Carmine, Coil (444). Mint N.H., intense shade nicely complemented by bright paper, wide margins, fresh and Extremely Fine, with 2004 P.S.E. certificate for pair
3c Violet, Coil (445). Mint N.H. guide line pair, bright shade and detailed impression, post-office fresh, wide marginsVERY FINE AND CHOICE MINT NEVER-HINGED GUIDE LINE PAIR OF THE 3-CENT HORIZONTAL COIL, SCOTT 445.
With 1993 P.F. certificate
3c Violet, Coil (445). Mint N.H. pair, deep rich color and proof-like impression on bright paper, wide margins, fresh and Extremely Fine, a beautiful Mint N.H. pair, with 1993 P.S.E. certificate
3c Violet, Coil (445). Mint N.H., deep rich color and proof-like impression, Jumbo margins, Very Fine and choice, with 1985 P.F. certificate for pair
4c Brown, Coil (446). Mint N.H. guide line pair, rich color and proof-like impression, unusually choice centering for this difficult issueEXTREMELY FINE. A BEAUTIFUL MINT NEVER-HINGED GUIDE LINE PAIR OF THE 1914 4-CENT PERF 10 SINGLE-LINE WATERMARK COIL, SCOTT 446.
With 1987 and 1999 P.F. certificates
4c Brown, Coil (446). Mint N.H. pair, deep rich color on fresh paper, mathematically perfect centering with Jumbo margins all aroundEXTREMELY FINE GEM. THE ULTIMATE MINT NEVER-HINGED PAIR OF THE 1914 4-CENT PERF 10 SINGLE-LINE WATERMARKED COIL, SCOTT 446. THIS PAIR HAS BEEN AWARDED THE PINNACLE OF GRADES, GEM 100 JUMBO BY P.S.E.
With 1992 P.F. and 2008 P.S.E. certificates (Gem 100 Jumbo; unpriced in SMQ above the grade of 98, $4,050.00 as 98). Only one other pair has been awarded this perfect grade to date
4c Brown, Coil (446). Mint N.H., gorgeous color and detailed impression, beautiful centering, Extremely Fine Gem, with 1982 and 1999 P.F. certificates
1c Green, Coil (443). Mint N.H. guide line pair, deep rich color, beautiful centering, Extremely Fine, a beautiful Mint N.H. guide line pair, with 1995 P.F. certificate
5c Blue, Coil (447). Mint N.H. pair, deep rich color and proof-like impression on crisp paper, unusually wide and balanced margins, Extremely Fine, with 1993 P.F. certificate
5c Blue, Coil (447). Mint N.H., intense shade and impression, wide margins, Very Fine and choice, with 1993 and 1996 P.F. certificates, the former as a pair
1c Green, Coil (448). Mint N.H. joint line pair, pretty shade, wide and balanced margins, Extremely Fine Gem, with 1993 A.P.S. and 1999 P.F. certificates
1c Green, Coil (448). Mint N.H. pair, radiant color, detailed impression, perfectly centered, Extremely Fine Gem, a magnificent Mint N.H. pair, with 2005 P.F. and 2008 P.S.E. certificates (Superb 98; SMQ $570.00), this is the highest grade awarded to date to any multiple and only three other pairs share this desirable grade
1c Green, Coil (448). Mint N.H., mathematically perfect centering with wide margins, bright color on crisp paper, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2000 P.F. and 2008 P.S.E. certificates (Gem 100; unpriced in SMQ above the grade of 98, $290.00 as 98), this is only the third example to achieve this grade, and only one stamp has graded higher to date
2c Red, Ty. I, Coil (449). Mint N.H. joint line pair, brilliant color and detailed impression, choice centeringVERY FINE. A RARE MINT NEVER-HINGED JOINT LINE PAIR OF THE 1915 2-CENT TYPE I VERTICAL COIL. AN OUTSTANDING RARITY.
Type I rotary press stamps were produced using the same master dies as had been used for flat plate printings. However, due to the curve of the plate to fit the rotary press, the impressions lacked some of the details of the flat plate printings. New dies were made with strengthened lines, resulting in the Type II stamps. After plate wear was noticed, further strengthening was necessary, resulting in the Type III stamps. Scott 449 was not produced until almost a year and a half after the Type I horizontal coil, Scott 453. Due to the unpopularity of vertical coils, this Type I stamp was in production for only a short period of time before being discontinued.
With 1997 P.F. certificate
2c Red, Ty. I, Coil (449). Pair, barest trace of what may (or may not) be hinging, brilliant color on crisp paper, wide and balanced margins for this difficult issueEXTREMELY FINE. A STUNNING PAIR OF THE 1915 2-CENT TYPE I VERTICAL COIL, SCOTT 449.
Type I rotary press stamps were produced using the same master dies as had been used for flat plate printings. However, due to the curve of the plate to fit the rotary press, the impressions lacked some of the details of the flat plate printings. New dies were made with strengthened lines, resulting in the Type II stamps. After plate wear was noticed, further strengthening was necessary, resulting in the Type III stamps. Scott 449 was not produced until almost a year and a half after the Type I horizontal coil, Scott 453. Due to the unpopularity of vertical coils, this Type I stamp was in production for only a short period of time before being discontinued.
With 1990 P.F. certificate as previously hinged on the top stamp; 1998 P.F. certificate as Mint N.H.; and 2008 P.S.E. certificate as previously hinged, but with note implying bottom stamp is Mint N.H. (OGph, XF 90; SMQ $8,300.00)
2c Red, Ty. I, Coil (449). Mint N.H., exceptional centering with wide margins all around, brilliant color and detailed impressionEXTREMELY FINE GEM. AN EXTRAORDINARILY RARE MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 1915 TYPE I VERTICAL COIL. AN OUTSTANDING RARITY.
This issue is notoriously difficult to find in Mint N.H. condition and with such choice centering. This is easily one of the finest in existence.
With 1999 P.F. certificate
2c Carmine, Ty. III, Coil (450). Mint N.H. pair, radiant color as fresh as the day it was printed, trace of joint line at bottom, Extremely Fine
1c Green, Coil (452). Mint N.H. joint line pair, perfect centering, bright color on crisp paper, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2002 and 2008 P.S.E. certificates (Superb 98; SMQ $840.00)
1c Green, Coil (452). Mint N.H. pair, deep rich color, choice centering, bright and crisp, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2008 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $185.00)
2c Carmine Rose, Ty. I, Coil (453). Mint N.H. joint line pair, uncharacteristically well-centered,intense color, perfs intact at sidesEXTREMELY FINE. THE 2-CENT TYPE I ROTARY COIL, SCOTT 453, IS VERY DIFFICULT TO FIND IN THIS SUPERB MINT NEVER-HINGED CONDITION.
With 1999 P.S.E. certificate
2c Carmine Rose, Ty. I, Coil (453). Mint N.H. pair, uncharacteristically well-centered with wide margins, fresh and bright with deep rich colorEXTREMELY FINE. THE 2-CENT TYPE I ROTARY COIL, SCOTT 453, IS EXCEEDINGLY DIFFICULT TO FIND IN THIS SUPERB MINT NEVER-HINGED CONDITION.
With 1994 P.F. and 2008 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $2,500.00). This is the highest grade awarded to date and no other examples share this grade
2c Carmine Rose, Ty. I, Coil (453). Mint N.H., brilliant color, wide and balanced margins, fresh and Extremely Fine, with 1993 P.F. certificate
2c Red, Ty. II, Coil (454). Mint N.H. joint line pair, radiant color, post-office fresh, Very Fine and choice, with 1997 P.F. certificate for strip of four
2c Red, Ty. II, Coil (454). Mint N.H. pair, radiant color, almost mathematically perfect centering with wide marginsEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A BEAUTIFUL MINT NEVER-HINGED PAIR OF THE 2-CENT HORIZONTAL COIL, SCOTT 454, WHICH HAS BEEN GRADED SUPERB 98 BY P.S.E.
With 1993 P.F. and 2008 P.S.E. certificates (Superb 98; SMQ $1,900.00)
2c Red, Ty. II, Coil (454). Mint N.H., vibrant color and crisp impression, well-balanced margins, fresh and Extremely Fine, with 1991 P.F. certificate
2c Carmine, Ty. III, Coil (455). Mint N.H. joint line pair, brilliant color, unusually choice centering, Extremely Fine, with 1993 P.F. and 2008 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $350.00)
2c Carmine, Ty. III, Coil (455). Mint N.H. pair, radiant color on bright paper, well-balanced margins, Extremely Fine, a beautiful Mint N.H. pair, with 1997 P.F. certificate
3c Violet, Coil (456). Mint N.H. joint line pair, bright shade on crisp paper, gorgeous centering with wide and balanced marginsEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB MINT NEVER-HINGED JOINT LINE PAIR OF THE 3-CENT HORIZONTAL COIL, SCOTT 456.
With 1997 P.F. certificate
3c Violet, Coil (456). Mint N.H., radiant color on crisp paper, wide and balanced margins, Extremely Fine, with 1997 P.F. certificate
4c Brown, Coil (457). Mint N.H. joint line pair, radiant color, crisp impression, wide and balanced margins, Extremely Fine Gem, a beautiful joint line pair, with 1990 P.F. certificate
4c Brown, Coil (457). Mint N.H. pair, bright color, wide margins with choice centering, Extremely Fine Gem, with 1996 P.F. and 2008 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $375.00)
4c Brown, Coil (457). Mint N.H., radiant color, wide margins, Very Fine and choice, with 1991 and 2000 P.F. certificates
5c Blue, Coil (458). Mint N.H. joint line pair, deep rich color, wonderful impression, well-proportioned margins, fresh and Extremely Fine, a beautiful Mint N.H. joint line pair, with 1993 P.F. certificate
5c Blue, Coil (458). Mint N.H. pair, rich color, wide and balanced margins, Very Fine and choice, with 1996 P.F. certificate
5c Blue, Coil (458). Mint N.H., intense shade and impression, beautiful centering, Extremely Fine, with 1995 and 2000 P.F. certificates, the former as a joint line strip of four
2c Carmine, Ty. I, Imperforate Coil (459). Mint N.H. joint line pair, without usual crease between stamps, large to huge marginsVERY FINE AND CHOICE MINT NEVER-HINGED JOINT LINE PAIR OF SCOTT 459.
Most joint line pairs of this stamp are creased. The example offered here, without a crease, is a rare exception to the rule.
With 1995 P.F. certificate
2c Carmine, Ty. I, Imperforate Coil (459). Mint N.H. pair, brilliant color, balanced margins, fresh and Extremely Fine, with 1987 P.F. certificate
2c Carmine, Ty. I, Imperforate Coil (459). Mint N.H., radiant color, balanced margins, Extremely Fine, with 1995 P.F. certificate
$1.00 Violet Black (460). Mint N.H., intense shade, wide balanced marginsEXTREMELY FINE. A BEAUTIFUL MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE $1.00 FRANKLIN, SCOTT 460.
With 1997 P.F. certificate