Sale 1209 — United States Stamps
Sale Date — Tuesday-Wednesday, 22-23 October, 2019
Category — 1894-95 Bureau Issues (Scott 246-278)
1c Ultramarine (246). Massive Jumbo margins and perfect centering, bright color, neat Boston double oval cancel, Extremely Fine Gem, a superb stamp in every respect, ex Kirke and Curtis, with 2005 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98 Jumbo; SMQ $1,400.00), this is the sole example to achieve this desirable grade with none higher, the next highest is 95J
2c Pink, Ty. I (248). Brilliant color, gorgeous centering with Jumbo margins, neat duplex cancel, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2014 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95 Jumbo; SMQ $500.00), only two have graded higher (at 98) and two others share this grade
2c Carmine, Ty. III (252). Bottom imprint and plate no. 148 strip of three, left stamp tiny adherence, others Mint N.H., brilliant color, natural short gum on side stamps, Very Fine, Scott Retail as singles
$1.00 Black (261). Original gum, lightly hinged, well-centered with balanced margins but most recent certificate states reperfed at left, appears Extremely Fine, with clear 1982 P.F. certificate, with 2011 P.S.E. certificate as reperfed
$1.00 Black, Ty. II (261A). Mint N.H., intense shade and impressionVERY FINE AND CHOICE. A SCARCE MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 1894 $1.00 TYPE II UNWATERMARKED BUREAU ISSUE.
With 2014 P.S.E. certificate
$1.00 Black, Ty. II (261A). Original gum, lightly hinged, nicely balanced margins but most recent certificates states reperfed at top, appears Very Fine, with clear 1987 P.F. certificate, with 2011 P.S.E. certificate as reperfed
4c Dark Brown (269). Mint N.H., rich color and proof-like impression, wide margins and outstanding centering, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2009 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $1,250.00), only four grade higher (highest is 98)
5c Chocolate (270). Intense color on bright paper, neat strike of registry oval cancel, mathematically perfect centering, Extremely Fine Gem, an outstanding stamp, with 2012 P.S.A.G. and 2019 P.S.E. certificates (Gem 100; unpriced in SMQ above the grade of 98J, SMQ $1,275.00 as 98J)., this is the highest grade awarded and the only example to achieve it
8c Violet Brown, USIR Watermark (272a). Vertical pair with right arrow selvage, showing clear "I" and "R" of watermark in selvage, "I" of watermark on top stamp and "S" on bottom stamp, slightly disturbed original gum, deep rich color, top stamp natural gum creaseVERY FINE APPEARANCE. A SCARCE ORIGINAL-GUM PAIR OF THE 1895 8-CENT WATERMARKED BUREAU ISSUE WITH "USIR" WATERMARK.
The "USIR" (United States Internal Revenue) watermark error occurred when a supply of paper reserved for revenue stamp production was used for printing the 6c and 8c postage stamps. There are approximately 75 known of the 8c with approximately ten unused, but many are either off-center or have flaws.
With 2010 P.S.A.G. certificate. Scott Retail for a single watermark error without premium for the bottom stamp or the position piece
8c Violet Brown, USIR Watermark (272a). Showing bold "R" of watermark, deep rich color, choice centering, face-free cancel struck in corner, Very Fine and choice, a beautiful example, the "USIR" (United States Internal Revenue) watermark error occurred when a supply of paper reserved for revenue stamp production was used for printing the 6c and 8c postage stamps, there are approximately 75 known of the 8c, but many are either off-center or have flaws, collectors prefer examples showing the "R" watermark, as this letter is unquestionably from "USIR", with 1996 P.F. certificate
10c Dark Green (273). Mint N.H., deep rich color, balanced margins, Very Fine and choice, with 1990 P.F. and 2011 P.S.E. certificates (VF-XF 85; SMQ $450.00)
50c Orange (275). Original gum, lightly hinged, with bottom part imprint selvage, balanced margins, Extremely Fine, with 2008 P.S.E. certificate as Mint N.H., which it is not (XF 90; SMQ $450.00 as OGph)
$5.00 Dark Green (278). Original gum, barest trace of hinging, Jumbo margins and precise centering, deep rich color and sharp proof-like impression on fresh paperEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A TRULY EXCEPTIONAL ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE $5.00 1895 WATERMARKED BUREAU ISSUE, GRADED SUPERB 98 JUMBO BY P.S.E. THIS IS THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED TO THE 1895 $5.00.
1998 P.F. certificate stating previously hinged and 2011 P.S.E. certificate stating Mint N.H. no longer accompany. With 2019 P.S.E. certificate (OGph, Superb 98 Jumbo; SMQ $9,500.00). This is the highest grade awarded to a Scott 278 in any gum condition and it is shared by no others
$5.00 Dark Green (278). Original gum, deep rich color, reperfed, Very Fine appearance, with 1975 P.F. certificate as sound
$5.00 Dark Green (278). Deep rich color and detailed impression on bright white paper, essentially perfect centering, unobtrusive registry oval cancelEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1895 $5.00 WATERMARKED BUREAU ISSUE.
The $5.00 was usually heavily cancelled or used on heavy parcels which were not treated kindly. The example offered here, with gorgeous centering, rich color, bright paper and an attractive cancel, is a true rarity.
With 2015 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $3,750.00). Only five have graded higher.