Sale 967 — Important and Superb United States Stamps
Sale Date — Tuesday-Friday, 16-19 December, 2008
Category — 1873 Continental Bank Note Co. Issue (Scott 156-166)
3c Green, With Grill (158e). Block of four, original gum, Fine, difficult to find in multiples, Scott Retail as four singles
6c Dull Pink (159). Original gum, lightly hinged, radiant color, well-proportioned margins, fresh and Extremely Fine, a pretty stamp, with 1999 and 2006 P.F. certificates (XF 90; SMQ $1,250.00)
6c Dull Pink (159). Exceptionally wide margins and flawless centering, Pittsburgh Pa. Man in Coffin cancel, Very Fine strike, a rare and desirable fancy cancel on an exceptional stamp, exceedingly difficult to find this way
7c Orange Vermilion (160). Original gum, only the barest trace of hinging, very attractive centering with incredibly vivid color, Very Fine and choice, with 1983 and 2006 P.F. certificates (VF-XF 85; SMQ $2,400.00)
10c Brown (161). Original gum, lightly hinged, deep rich color and proof-like impression, perfectly centered with unusually wide margins, long and full perforationsEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE 1873 10-CENT CONTINENTAL BANK NOTE COMPANY ISSUE, WHICH HAS BEEN GRADED SUPERB 98 BY P.S.E. -- THIS IS THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED TO DATE.
With 2008 P.S.E. certificate (OGph, Superb 98; SMQ $12,500.00). This is the highest grade awarded to date and only two others have achieved this grade.
10c Brown (161). Unused (no gum), enormous margins and centered incl. extra wide left straddle-pane margin showing guide arrow and part of adjoining stamp from left pane, Extremely Fine, eye-catching stamp and difficult to find this beautiful, with 1991 and 2008 P.F. certificates
15c Yellow Orange (163). Original gum, lightly hinged, radiant color, well-balanced marginsEXTREMELY FINE ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE 1873 15-CENT CONTINENTAL BANK NOTE COMPANY ISSUE WITH ORIGINAL GUM.
Ex Scarsdale. With 1992, 2000 and 2007 P.F. certificates.
15c Yellow Orange (163) Nearly perfect centering, rich color and cancelled by an attractive purple cork, Extremely Fine, with 2008 P.S.E. certificate (XF 90; SMQ $430.00)
90c Rose Carmine (166). Original gum described as "slightly disturbed" on certificate, but appears very fresh to us, perfectly centered with absolutely enormous margins all around, brilliant colorEXTREMELY FINE GEM. THIS IS ONE OF THE LARGEST BANK NOTE ISSUES WE HAVE EVER ENCOUNTERED. A STAMP OF TRULY ENORMOUS PROPORTIONS.
With copy of 2002 and with 2004 P.S.E. certificates (DOG, Superb 98 Jumbo; unpriced in SMQ above the grade of 98, SMQ $20,300.00 as previously hinged). This is the highest rating received by any example of Scott 166 (used or original gum) to date.
90c Rose Carmine (166). Original gum, slight disturbance from removal of large hinge, bright shade, exceptionally well-centered, Very Fine and choice