Sale 1232 — United States Stamps and Postal History
Sale Date — Tuesday-Wednesday, 30-31 March, 2021
Category — 1913-15 Panama-Pacific Issue (Scott 397-404)
1c-2c Panama-Pacific (397-398). Mint N.H., both with superb centering and wide margins, fresh in every respect, Extremely Fine Gems, with P.F. certificates and with 2006-2008 P.S.E. certificates (both XF-Superb 95; total SMQ $400.00)
2c Lake, Panama-Pacific (398b). Intense color in the unmistakable Lake shade, wide marginsVERY FINE EXAMPLE OF THE 2-CENT PANAMA-PACIFIC IN THE RARE LAKE SHADE.
According to Johl, "there is one shade that is practically as scarce as the four-cent Blue of the Columbian issue, this is known as Lake, almost the same color as were the Postage Due stamps current at that time. Only one pane of 70 is said to have been found at a Post Office in San Francisco, although it hardly seems possible that but one sheet could have been printed in this dark color. When these were discovered there were only 40 copies left; 31 were purchased by A.L., an old-time collector, and 9 by a local dealer."
Ex Dr. Killien. With 1994 and 2006 P.S.E. certificates (Oph, F-VF 75; SMQ $3,000.00). With 2021 P.F. certificate
2c Lake, Panama-Pacific (398b). Deep rich Lake color, three wide marginsFRESH AND FINE EXAMPLE OF THE 2-CENT PANAMA-PACIFIC IN THE RARE LAKE SHADE.
According to Johl, "there is one shade that is practically as scarce as the four-cent Blue of the Columbian issue, this is known as Lake, almost the same color as were the Postage Due stamps current at that time. Only one pane of 70 is said to have been found at a Post Office in San Francisco, although it hardly seems possible that but one sheet could have been printed in this dark color. When these were discovered there were only 40 copies left; 31 were purchased by A.L., an old-time collector, and 9 by a local dealer."
With 1995 and 2021 P.F. certificates
1c Panama-Pacific, Perf 10 (401). Deep rich color on bright paper, perfectly centered with Jumbo margins, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2011 P.S.E. certificate (OGph, Gem 100 Jumbo; unpriced in SMQ in this grade, SMQ $275.00 as 100), the highest grade possible and the only stamp awarded this grade in any category
1c Panama-Pacific, Perf 10 (401). Mint N.H., deep rich color on bright paper, perfectly centered with wide marginsEXTREMELY FINE GEM. THIS GORGEOUS STAMP IS GRADED GEM 100 BY P.S.E. -- THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED AND THE ONLY EXAMPLE TO ACHIEVE IT.
Ex "Hanover". With 2012 P.S.E. certificate (Gem 100; SMQ $1,350.00 is hopelessly low). This is the highest grade awarded and the only example to achieve this grade. The SMQ value is absurdly low -- a mere $400 more than a 98, of which there are 13 recorded examples. The last two times this was sold it brought $6,250 and $5,000 hammer.
10c Panama-Pacific, Perf 10 (404). Mint N.H. with bottom plate no. 6143 selvage, vibrant color and detailed impression on bright paper, almost mathematically perfect centering with wide marginsEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB MINT NEVER-HINGED PLATE NUMBER EXAMPLE OF THE 10-CENT PERF 10 PANAMA-PACIFIC ISSUE, GRADED SUPERB 98 BY THE P.F.
Long before numerical grading, the rarity of 10c Panama-Pacific Perf 10 stamps in superb condition (hinged or not) was well-established. The 10-gauge perfs on this issue are almost always uneven or shortened from separation. Centering is rarely above Fine. Finally, the Orange ink on many examples has darkened. This stamp is the exception on all counts.
With 2020 P.F. certificate (Superb 98)
10c Panama-Pacific, Perf 10 (404). Mint N.H. with wide top plate no. 6143 selvage, perfectly centered, great depth of color, few tiny natural gum skipsEXTREMELY FINE. A SPECTACULAR MINT NEVER-HINGED PLATE NUMBER SINGLE OF THE 10-CENT PANAMA-PACIFIC PERF 10.
Ex Diamond.
10c Panama-Pacific, Perf 10 (404). Wide margins and choice centering, vivid color, Extremely Fine, with 1980 P.F. certificate