Sale 1166 — United States Stamps
Sale Date — Tuesday-Thursday, 24-26 October, 2017
Category — 1870-73 National and Continental Bank Note Co. Issues (Scott 134-166)
12c Dull Violet, H. Grill (140). Clear grill points at top, perfs well clear of design all around, circular cork cancelVERY FINE EXAMPLE OF THE 12-CENT 1870 NATIONAL BANK NOTE COMPANY GRILLED ISSUE.
With 1969 and 1979 P.F. certificates
30c Black, H. Grill (143). Intense shade and impression, several rows of easily discernible grill points, attractive centering and margins, a fresh and Fine example of this scarce Bank Note grill, with 1979 P.F. certificate
90c Carmine, H. Grill (144). Noticeable grill points, bright color, unusual Feathered Oval fancy cancel, also traces of red cancel at top, couple tiny internal wrinkles visible only when drying, still Very Fine, we have seen this feathered fancy cancel on a 90c 1869 Pictorial as well, with 1980 P.F. certificate
90c Carmine, H. Grill (144). Few noticeable grill points, bright color, cork cancel, reperfed at right, appears Fine, with 1978 P.F. certificate
7c Vermilion, I. Grill (138A). Original gum, strong grill points that are clearly visible, brilliant colorVERY FINE. A RARE ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE 1870 NATIONAL BANK NOTE ISSUE WITH I GRILL.
Starting with the 2013 Scott U.S. Specialized Catalogue, the I Grills were elevated to major catalogue number status. The listings are now consistent with other grill types such as A, B, C, D, Z, E and F Grills. Collectors will now have to acquire these I Grills in their quest for completeness. We anticipate that collector demand will be difficult to satisfy based on populations we have seen, especially in original-gum condition.
With 1969 P.F. and 2017 P.S.E. certificates
24c Purple (153). Unused (no gum), deep rich color, well-centered, fresh and Very Fine
90c Carmine (155). Unused (no gum), wide margins all around, wonderfully rich color on fresh paper, Extremely Fine and most attractive, with 1999 P.F. certificate
90c Carmine (155). Two stamps, first No. 155 unused (no gum), bright shade, faint diagonal crease across head, still appears Fine, with 2006 P.F. certificate, also includes 30c Black, H. Grill (143), clear grill points, cork cancel, perfs partly trimmed and small tear at right not mentioned on accompanying certificate, otherwise Fine, with 2000 A.P.S. certificate
6c Dull Pink, Silk Fibers (159 var). Original gum, lightly hinged, silk fibers clearly visible throughout, wide margins, Very Fine and choice, this variety is listed but unpriced in Scott, ex Hansen, with 2002 P.F. certificate, Scott Retail as normal does not even approach a proper valuation
7c Orange Vermilion (160). Vivid color, gorgeous centering with wide and balanced margins, 5-Point Star fancy cancel, Extremely Fine Gem, a gorgeous stamp and highly desirable with the premium cancel, with 2013 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98; SMQ $1,750.00), only two have graded higher (98J and 100J, both offered in our Kirke sale) and two others share this grade
30c Gray Black (165). Unused (no gum), choice centering with wide and balanced margins, bright shadeEXTREMELY FINE GEM UNUSED EXAMPLE OF THE 1873 30-CENT CONTINENTAL BANK NOTE COMPANY ISSUE, WHICH IS GRADED XF-SUPERB 95 BY P.S.E. -- THIS IS THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED.
With 2010 P.F. and 2010 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $2,800.00). This is the highest grade awarded to an unused example of this issue. Two original-gum examples have also achieved this grade (the last one we sold brought $16,500 hammer in 2016). An excellent stamp for someone who values centering.
90c Rose Carmine (166). Wide margins, cork cancel, brilliant color, Very Fine and choice, with 1984 P.F. certificate