Sale 1034 — The Merlin Collection of Superb United States Stamps
Sale Date — Wednesday-Thursday, 28-29 November, 2012
Category — 1901 Pan-American Issue with Inverts (Scott 294-299)
1c Pan-American (294). Mint N.H., unusually wide margins for this issue, precise centering, rich color and detailed impressions, Extremely Fine Gem, a superb stamp in every respect, with 2011 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98 Jumbo; unpriced above the grade of 98, SMQ $1,300.00 as 98), this is the highest grade awarded and only two other examples have equaled it
2c Pan-American (295). Mint N.H., near perfect centering with Jumbo margins all around, rich color, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2005 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95 Jumbo; SMQ $310.00 as 95, $925.00 as 98)
4c Pan-American (296). Mint N.H., bright colors, superior centering with Jumbo margins, Extremely Fine Gem, with 1999 P.F. and 2007 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95 Jumbo; SMQ $1,050.00 as 95, $5,250.00 as 98)
4c Pan-American (296). Lightly hinged, rich colors, unusually choice centering with wide margins, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2006 P.S.E. certificate (OGph, Superb 98; SMQ $1,500.00), this is the highest grade awarded and only one other shares it
5c Pan-American (297). Mint N.H., superior centering with Jumbo margins, deep rich color and proof-like impressions, Extremely Fine Gem, with 1993 P.F. and 2005 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95 Jumbo; SMQ $1,150.00 as 95, $3,800.00 as 98), this issue is rarely encountered in superb condition with Jumbo margins, of the 69 stamps in the P.S.E. Population Report graded XF 90 or better, only one other has received the Jumbo appellation (90J)
8c Pan-American (298). Mint N.H., beautiful Jumbo margins and essentially perfectly centered, strong colors on crisp paperEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 8-CENT PAN-AMERICAN ISSUE.
With 2007 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95 Jumbo; SMQ $1,150.00 as 95, $4,375.00 as 98). Only three examples have graded higher and only six others share this grade
10c Pan-American (299). Mint N.H., post-office fresh colors on bright paper, exceptionally wide margins and perfect centeringEXTREMELY FINE GEM. THIS SPECTACULAR MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 10-CENT PAN-AMERICAN ISSUE HAS BEEN GRADED SUPERB 98 JUMBO BY P.S.E. THIS IS THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED AND THE ONLY EXAMPLE TO ACHIEVE IT.
With 2007 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98 Jumbo; unpriced in SMQ above the grade of 98, SMQ $7,150.00 as 98). Since this stamp was submitted to P.S.E. in 2007 it has stood alone as the only example to achieve the 98 Jumbo grade, with none higher
1c Pan-American, Center Inverted (294a). Deep rich colors and proof-like impressions, long and full perforations all aroundVERY FINE. A BEAUTIFUL SOUND ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE ONE-CENT PAN-AMERICAN INVERT.
The 1c Pan-American Inverts were found in at least four different post offices around the country, soon after release of the issue in May 1901.
With 2008 P.S.E. certificate (OGph, F-VF 75; SMQ $10,500.00) -- a much better stamp than the numerical grade suggests
2c Pan-American, Center Inverted (295a). Small h.r., intense colors, negligible small corner crease at bottom left, tiny paper spot at bottom of vignette frameVERY FINE APPEARANCE. A WONDERFULLY-CENTERED EXAMPLE OF THE 2-CENT PAN-AMERICAN INVERT. ONE OF THE MOST CELEBRATED INVERT ERRORS IN AMERICAN PHILATELY.
The 2c is the rarest of the three Pan-American Inverts. It is surmised that approximately 200 were issued through the post office, with two distinct shades known. Our Levi records contain the intact block (4), reconstructed block (4), 64 unused singles and 6 used singles, for a total of 72 unused and 6 used. Many of the unused singles have disturbed gum or no gum, and/or are off center to top or top left. The example offered here, with no obvious flaws, is among the finest-appearing examples
With 1982 Sorani and 1997 P.F. certificates.