Sale 951 — The Tahoe Collection of Superb Used U.S. Stamps
Sale Date — Wednesday, 27 February, 2008
Category — Offices in China thru Parcel Post
4c on 2c Offices in China (K2). Brilliant color as fresh as the day it was printed, gorgeous centering with unusually wide and balanced margins, neat strike of Shanghai cancel, Extremely Fine Gem, a superb stamp in every respect, exceedingly difficult to find in such choice condition as an unused stamp (which is more common), this stamp is far rarer in such choice used condition, with 2005 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98; SMQ $960.00), this is the highest grade awarded to date in any condition, and this stamp is the only example to achieve this lofty grade
4c on 2c Offices in China (K18). Brilliant color on bright paper, gorgeous centering with unusually wide margins on all sides, face-free strike of Shanghai circular datestamp, Extremely Fine Gem, a superb stamp in every respect, with 2008 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95 Jumbo; SMQ $1,000.00 as 95, $2,400.00 as 98), this is the highest grade awarded to date and the only example to achieve this grade
24c Justice (O32). Pretty shade, choice centering with wide margins, cork cancel, fresh and Extremely Fine, scarce in such wonderful condition
30c Treasury, Soft Paper (O112). Perfectly centered with wide even margins, deep rich color, bold cancelsEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB USED EXAMPLE OF THE 30-CENT AMERICAN BANK NOTE COMPANY TREASURY DEPARTMENT ISSUE. VERY FEW ARE KNOWN IN USED CONDITION, AND THIS IS LIKELY THE FINEST IN EXISTENCE.
This is the only sound and centered example we have offered since keeping computerized records. The P.F. has certified approximately ten sound examples, and this is the best-centered example we have been able to locate.
With 2003 and 2008 P.S.E. certificates (XF 90, unpriced as used in any grade in SMQ)
24c Rose, 1875 Issue (PR17). Beautifully centered, deep rich color on bright fresh paper, light blue cancel, Extremely Fine Gem, a gorgeous stamp and certainly one of the finest in existence, with 2002 P.F. certificate
15c Parcel Post (Q7). Mathematically perfect centering with massive margins all around, sharp proof-like impression on crisp paper, lightly cancelledEXTREMELY FINE GEM. THIS MAGNIFICENT STAMP HAS BEEN AWARDED THE ULTIMATE GRADE OF GEM 100 JUMBO BY P.S.E. -- THIS IS ALMOST CERTAINLY THE FINEST EXAMPLE IN EXISTENCE. A PERFECT STAMP IN EVERY RESPECT.
With 2004 P.F. and 2008 P.S.E. certificates (Gem 100 Jumbo; unpriced in SMQ above the grade of 98, SMQ $370.00 as 98). This is the highest grade awarded by P.S.E. to any graded example, whether unused or used, and this stamp is the only example to achieve this unimprovable grade.
20c Parcel Post (Q8). Deep rich color and proof-like impression on bright paper, beautifully centered with wide and balanced margins, neat strikes of double-oval registry cancelsEXTREMELY FINE GEM. THIS IS THE FIRST UNITED STATES STAMP TO DEPICT AN AIRPLANE. THE EXAMPLE OFFERED HERE IS THE ONLY USED COPY TO RECEIVE THE COVETED SUPERB 98 GRADE FROM THE P.S.E.
With 2007 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98; SMQ $470.00). This is the highest grade awarded to date, and this stamp is the only example to achieve this lofty grade
10c Dark Green, Parcel Post Postage Due (JQ4). Deep rich color and proof-like impression on bright paper, perfectly centered with wide and even margins all around, neatly struck cancel at bottom left leaves entire design clearly visible, Extremely Fine Gem, a superb stamp in every respect and possibly the finest used example in existence, with 2004 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98; SMQ $710.00), this is the highest grade awarded to date and the only example to achieve this lofty grade