Sale 1122 — The Hanover Collection of Superb-Quality U.S. Stamps-Part One
Sale Date — Thursday, 7 April, 2016
Category — 1887 American Bank Note Co. Issue (Scott 212-218)
1c Ultramarine (212). Mint N.H., rich color on bright paper, choice centering with well-proportioned margins, Extremely Fine Gem, a beautiful stamp, with 1997 P.F. and 2005 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $2,500.00)
2c Green (213). Mint N.H. with top part imprint selvage, intense shade and impression, perfectly centered with Jumbo marginsEXTREMELY FINE GEM. THIS IS WITHOUT QUESTION ONE OF THE FINEST MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLES OF THE 1887 2-CENT AMERICAN BANK NOTE COMPANY ISSUE. THIS REMARKABLE STAMP IS GRADED SUPERB 98 JUMBO BY P.S.E. -- THIS IS THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED AND THE ONLY STAMP TO ACHIEVE IT.
With 2009 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98 Jumbo; SMQ $5,100.00). This is the highest grade awarded and the only example to achieve it. The next-highest grade is a 95.
4c Carmine (215). Mint N.H., deep rich color and sharp proof-like impression, perfectly centered with wide and balanced marginsEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A MAGNIFICENT MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 1888 4-CENT CARMINE AMERICAN BANK NOTE COMPANY ISSUE. THIS IS ONE OF THE MOST DIFFICULT VALUES OF THE SERIES TO OBTAIN IN SUCH SUPERB CONDITION.
Ex "Scarsdale". With 2004 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $4,250.00). Only two have graded higher (at 98)
5c Indigo (216). Mint N.H., rich color and proof-like impression on crisp paper, gorgeous centering with wide marginsEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 1888 5-CENT GARFIELD, GRADED XF-SUPERB 95 BY THE PHILATELIC FOUNDATION.
The 5c Garfield was first issued in 1882 in shades of Brown. When the colors were changed in 1888, the 5c was released in a beautiful Indigo shade. Although unused copies are by no means scarce, Mint N.H. examples are very scarce, and higher grades in Mint N.H. condition are exceedingly rare.
With 1994 and 2012 P.F. certificates (XF-Superb 95)
30c Orange Brown (217). Mint N.H., brilliant color, perfectly centered with wide marginsEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A STUNNING MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 1888 30-CENT AMERICAN BANK NOTE COMPANY ISSUE, WHICH IS GRADED SUPERB 98 BY THE PHILATELIC FOUNDATION.
While the 90c value from this series is often found with wide margins, the 30c is very scarce with such wide margins and choice centering. As a Mint N.H. stamp, it is truly a condition rarity.
Ex Gorham. With 1997 and 2006 P.F. certificates (Superb 98). This is the highest grade awarded by the P.F. and no others share it. By way of comparison, P.S.E.'s highest grade awarded is also 98, with two examples achieving that grade.