Sale 1202 — The James Depew Collection of Superb U.S. Coils and 20th Century Imperforate Issues
Sale Date — Wednesday, 22 May, 2019
Category — 1916-18 Perf 10 Horizontal Rotary Press Coils, Unwatermarked (Scott 490-497)
1c Green, Coil (490). Mint N.H. joint line pair, essentially perfect centering, intact perfs with portions of adjoining stamps, fresh color and paper, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2007 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98; SMQ $350.00), the highest grade awarded with only three others equal, this is underpriced in SMQ as the last two examples we offered realized $700 and $600 hammer
1c Green, Coil (490). Mint N.H. pair, outstanding centering and margins, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2008 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98; SMQ $225.00), the highest grade awarded to a pair of this issue
1c Green, Coil (490). Mint N.H., mathematically perfect centering with wide margins, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2008 P.S.E. certificate (Gem 100; SMQ $300.00), the highest grade awarded and shared by only five others
1c Green, Coil (490). Joint line pair, precise centering, neat wavy-line machine cancel, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2008 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $400.00), the highest grade awarded to a used joint line pair of this issue and it is shared by no others
1c Green, Coil (490). Pair, near perfect centering, neat wavy-line machine cancel, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2008 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98; SMQ $225.00), the highest grade awarded to a used pair with only one other equal
2c Carmine, Ty. II, Coil (491). Mint N.H. joint line pair, radiant color, detailed impression on crisp paper, margins wide at top and bottom, ample at sidesVERY FINE AND EXTREMELY RARE MINT NEVER-HINGED JOINT LINE PAIR OF THE 2-CENT ROTARY TYPE II COIL, SCOTT 491.
Unlike many other issues, this horizontal coil is much scarcer than its the vertical coil counterpart (Scott 487). The Type II horizontal coil, Scott 491, was in production for only a short period of time before being replaced by the Type III, Scott 492. Only about a month separates the EDU's for the two coils (Dec. 19, 1916 for No. 491 and Jan. 13, 1917 for No. 492).
This coil in joint line pair format is exceedingly rare in Mint N.H. condition. A review of our computerized records using Power Search revealed only three other Mint N.H. joint line pairs.
Ex Whitman and Curtis. With 2004 P.F. and 2015 P.S.E. certificates (F 70; SMQ $12,000.00). Only two Mint N.H. joint line pairs are listed in the P.S.E. Population Report -- both graded 70
ADDENDA: This has a 2003 P.F. certificate as previously hinged. It is being offered as previously hinged.
2c Carmine, Ty. II, Coil (491). Mint N.H., deep rich color, detailed impression, beautiful centering for this difficult issue with balanced marginsEXTREMELY FINE. A VERY RARE CENTERED MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 2-CENT ROTARY TYPE II COIL, SCOTT 491.
Unlike many other issues, this horizontal coil is much scarcer than its the vertical coil counterpart (Scott 487). The Type II horizontal coil, Scott 491, was in production for only a short period of time before being replaced by the Type III, Scott 492. Only about a month separates the EDU's for the two coils (Dec. 19, 1916 for No. 491 and Jan. 13, 1917 for No. 492).
With 1985 and 2016 P.F. certificates. With 2017 P.S.E. certificate (XF 90; SMQ $8,750.00). This is the highest graded Mint N.H. single of Scott 491 and no others share this grade. The next two highest examples are graded F 70 and VF 80. SMQ is woefully out of date as the last time we sold this stamp, in 2017, it realized $23,000 hammer
2c Carmine, Ty. II, Coil (491). Strip of five with joint line between left stamps, brilliant color, detailed impression, neat strikes of "New York N.Y. Hudson Term. Sta. Feb. 8 7PM 1917" duplex cancels, choice centering for this difficult issue, left stamp with small faint corner crease at bottom left which is not mentioned on most recent certificateVERY FINE APPEARANCE. THIS IS THE LARGEST RECORDED USED MULTIPLE OF THE 2-CENT TYPE II ROTARY PRESS COIL ISSUE, SCOTT 491. IT ALSO CONTAINS ONE OF ONLY 12 RECORDED USED JOINT LINE PAIRS OF THIS ISSUE. ONE OF THE GREAT RARITIES OF COIL COLLECTING.
Unlike many other issues, this horizontal coil is much scarcer than its the vertical coil counterpart (Scott 487). The Type II horizontal coil, Scott 491, was in production for only a short period of time before being replaced by the Type III, Scott 492. Only about a month separates the EDU's for the two coils (Dec. 19, 1916 for No. 491 and Jan. 13, 1917 for No. 492).
Our census of used joint line multiples of Scott 491, available at our website at https://siegelauctions.com/census/us/scott/491 , records 10 joint line pairs, a strip of three, and the strip of five offered here, which is also the largest recorded used multiple.
Census No. 491-CAN-LP-09. This was discovered in an old-time accumulation in the 1990s. Ex "Natalee Grace". With 1998 P.F. (noting a small corner crease) and 2012 P.S.E. certificates. Scott Retail as joint line pair, normal pair and single
2c Carmine, Ty. II, Coil (491). Joint line pair, intact perfs at left, brilliant color, neat strike of circular datestamp cancel leaves entire design clearly visibleVERY FINE. THIS IS WITHOUT QUESTION ONE OF THE FINEST USED JOINT LINE PAIRS OF THE 2-CENT ROTARY TYPE II COIL, SCOTT 491. OUR CENSUS RECORDS JUST 12 USED JOINT LINE MULTIPLES.
Unlike many other issues, this horizontal coil is much scarcer than its the vertical coil counterpart (Scott 487). The Type II horizontal coil, Scott 491, was in production for only a short period of time before being replaced by the Type III, Scott 492. Only about a month separates the EDU's for the two coils (Dec. 19, 1916 for No. 491 and Jan. 13, 1917 for No. 492).
Our census of used joint line multiples of Scott 491, available at our website at https://siegelauctions.com/census/us/scott/491 , records 10 joint line pairs, a strip of three and a strip of five (offered in the previous lot). Most are off-center either top to bottom or side to side or both. At least four have faults as well.
Census No. 491-CAN-LP-08. This used to be the center joint line pair in a strip of four. With 2016 P.F. and P.S.E. certificates (F 70; SMQ $9,850.00). This is the only graded used joint line pair of Scott 491 in the P.S.E. Population Report
2c Carmine, Ty. II, Coil (491). Pair, brilliant color, choice centering, bold New York duplex cancel, at one time certified as having light creases but we detect only some light natural paper bends (see below for discussion), a few minor perf separations at topEXTREMELY FINE. A RARE USED PAIR OF THE 2-CENT ROTARY TYPE II COIL, SCOTT 491, GRADED XF 90 BY P.S.E. -- THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED.
This pair was once part of a strip of three, which had a 1999 P.F. certificate (no. 338033, no longer accompanies) stating the two stamps in this pair have light creases. After separation from the third stamp (at left) this was resubmitted to both the P.F. and P.S.E. and received certificates as sound.
Ex Curtis. With 2015 P.F. and P.S.E. certificates (XF 90; SMQ $9,750.00). This is the highest grade awarded to a used pair of Scott 491 and it is shared by only one other
2c Carmine, Ty. II, Coil (491). Deep rich color, unusually choice centering for this issue with balanced margins, neat machine cancel, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2003 and 2014 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $1,750.00), only one stamp grades higher (at 98) and six others share this desirable grade
2c Carmine, Ty. III, Coil (492). Mint N.H. pair and single, different shades, wide and balanced margins, Extremely Fine Gems, pair with 2005 and 2008 P.S.E. certificates, single with 2008 P.S.E. certificate (both Superb 98; total SMQ $725.00), only one pair and one single grade higher (at 100)
2c Carmine, Ty. III, Coil (492). Joint line pair, impressively well-centered with balanced margins, neat Pittsburgh Pa. duplex cancel, Extremely Fine Gem, ex Helton, with 2015 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95; unpriced in SMQ above the grade of 90, SMQ $200.00 as 90), the highest grade on record and equaled by no others
2c Carmine, Ty. III, Coil (492). Pair, near perfect centering, rich color, duplex cancel, Extremely Fine Gem, a superb used pair, with 2015 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98; unpriced in SMQ above the grade of 90), this stands alone as by far the highest graded used pair of Scott 492, the next highest grade is 90
2c Carmine, Ty. III, Coil (492). Exceptional centering, rich color, neat wavy-line machine cancel, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2018 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98; SMQ $175.00), this is one of five at this lofty grade, which is the highest awarded
3c Violet, Ty. I, Coil (493). Mint N.H. joint line pair, magnificent centering with Jumbo margins, pastel color with a detailed impressionEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB MINT NEVER-HINGED JOINT LINE PAIR OF THE 3-CENT UNWATERMARKED HORIZONTAL COIL, SCOTT 493. THIS BEAUTIFUL LINE PAIR HAS BEEN GRADED SUPERB 98 JUMBO BY P.S.E. -- THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED.
With 1996 P.F. and 2007 P.S.E. certificates (Superb 98 Jumbo; SMQ $2,400.00). This is the only example to achieve this lofty grade, which is the highest awarded
3c Violet, Ty. I, Coil (493). Mint N.H. pair, brilliant color on bright paper, mathematically perfect centering, Extremely Fine Gem, a phenomenal Mint N.H. pair, with 2012 P.S.E. certificate (Gem 100; SMQ $1,200.00), this is the only Mint N.H. pair of Scott 493 to achieve this perfect grade, which is the highest awarded
3c Violet, Ty. I, Coil (493). Mint N.H., outstanding centering with extra wide margins, pretty pastel shade, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2008 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98 Jumbo; SMQ $450.00), this is one of only two Scott 473 singles at this desirable grade, with none higher
3c Violet, Ty. I, Coil (493). Joint line pair, choice centering and margins, rich color, wavy-line machine cancel, fresh and Extremely Fine, with 2013 P.S.E. certificate (XF 90; SMQ $450.00), the highest graded used joint line pair of this issue, with none equal, the next highest grade is 80
3c Violet, Ty. I, Coil (493). Pair, outstanding margins and centering, bright pastel color, lovely New York Grand Central Station machine cancel, Extremely Fine Gem, ex Kirke, with 2011 P.F. and 2008 P.S.E. certificates (Superb 98; SMQ $750.00), the highest grade awarded and no other examples have achieved this grade
3c Violet, Ty. I, Coil (493). Wide margins and exceptional centering, rich color, neat "Station" machine cancel, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2018 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98; SMQ $350.00), one of only three at this lofty grade with none higher
3c Violet, Ty. II, Coil (494). Mint N.H. joint line pair, beautiful color and detailed impression, gorgeous centering, Extremely Fine Gem, a superb joint line pair and one of the finest in existence, ex "Silver Lake", Cohen, Killien and "Scarsdale", with 2004 P.F. and 2005 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $625.00), this is the only example to achieve this grade, which is the highest awarded, we have no idea what the basis is for SMQ value but it is not reflective of prior sales of this Gem
3c Violet, Ty. II, Coil (494). Mint N.H. pair, essentially perfect centering, bright color on post-office fresh paper, Extremely Fine Gem, a superb pair, with 2009 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98; SMQ $425.00), the highest grade awarded
3c Violet, Ty. II, Coil (494). Mint N.H., mathematically perfect centering with wide margins, bright and fresh, Extremely Fine Gem, a superb stamp, with 2008 P.S.E. certificate (Gem 100; SMQ $500.00), only three others share this perfect grade, with none higher
3c Violet, Ty. II, Coil (494). Pair, perfect centering, bright color, unobtrusive circular datestamp cancel, Extremely Fine Gem, a phenomenal used pair, with 2017 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98; unpriced in SMQ above the grade of 95, SMQ $325.00 as 95), the highest grade awarded to a used pair of Scott 494, with none equal, the highest graded used joint line pair is a mere 75 -- it was owned by the late Mr. Depew, but he did not deign to place it into his main collection, so it is not offered here
3c Violet, Ty. II, Coil (494). Near perfect centering with wide and balanced margins, beautiful bright color, light duplex cancel, Extremely Fine Gem, ex Helton, with 2009 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98; SMQ $500.00), the highest grade on record with only three others equal
4c Orange Brown, Coil (495). Mint N.H. joint line pair, outstanding centering, brilliant color on fresh paper, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2008 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98; SMQ $1,500.00), the highest grade awarded and shared by only five others
4c Orange Brown, Coil (495). Mint N.H. pair, mathematically perfect centering, bright color on post-office fresh paper, Extremely Fine Gem, a superb pair in the finest attainable condition, with 2008 P.S.E. certificate (Gem 100; SMQ $1,150.00), this is one of only three pairs at this perfect grade, with none higher
4c Orange Brown, Coil (495). Mint N.H., near perfect centering, bright and fresh, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2008 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98; SMQ $225.00), only one grades higher (at 100)
4c Orange Brown, Coil (495). Joint line pair, exceptional centering with balanced margins, St. Louis Mo. precancel, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2012 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98; SMQ $950.00), the highest grade awarded to a used joint line pair of this issue, with no others equal
4c Orange Brown, Coil (495). Joint line pair, precise centering, rich color, face-free open grid cancel, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2008 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $550.00), only the used joint line pair offered in the previous lot grades higher (at 98, precancelled), while no others share this grade
4c Orange Brown, Coil (495). Pair, magnificent centering with wide margins, rich color, circular datestamp cancel, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2018 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98; unpriced in SMQ above the grade of 95, SMQ $500.00 for 95), only one other used pair shares this grade with none higher
4c Orange Brown, Coil (495). Wide margins and perfect centering, light unobtrusive duplex cancel, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2015 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98; SMQ $425.00), the highest grade awarded to a used Scott 495 and it is equaled by no others
5c Blue, Coil (496). Mint N.H. joint line pair, mathematically perfect centering, balanced margins, rich color, Extremely Fine Gem, a superb joint line pair in the finest attainable condition, with 2009 P.S.E. certificate (Gem 100; SMQ $1,500.00), this is the only Scott 496 joint line pair at this perfect grade, the highest awarded
5c Blue, Coil (496). Mint N.H. pair, mathematically perfect centering, post-office fresh in every respect, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2011 P.S.E. certificate (Gem 100; SMQ $700.00), this is one of five Scott 496 pairs at this perfect grade, the highest awarded
5c Blue, Coil (496). Mint N.H., mathematically perfect centering, rich color, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2000 P.F. and 2008 P.S.E. certificates (Gem 100; SMQ $375.00), this is one of five Scott 496 singles at this perfect grade, the highest awarded, this also represents a clean sweep of Mint N.H. Gem 100 Scott 496's in all formats in the Depew collection -- the only possible set at this time as the line pair is unique
5c Blue, Coil (496). Joint line pair, precise centering with wide margins, light wavy-line machine cancel, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2010 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $275.00), the highest grade awarded and shared by only one other used joint line pair
5c Blue, Coil (496). Pair, mathematically perfect centering, bright color, neat wavy-line machine cancel, Extremely Fine Gem, an absolutely superb coil pair, ex Kirke, with 2011 P.F. and 2010 P.S.E. certificates (Gem 100; SMQ $700.00), this is the only used example of Scott 496 in any format to achieve this perfect grade, with none higher
5c Blue, Coil (496). Outstanding centering with wide margins, rich color, oval registry cancels, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2014 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98; SMQ $250.00), the highest grade awarded and shared by no others
5c Blue, Coil, Small Holes (496a). Mint N.H. joint line pair, deep rich color, wide and balanced margins, Extremely Fine Gem, according to a footnote in Scott, the small holes variety came about due to a switch from 384-subject plates to 432-subject plates, the perf hole size difference is very subtle but most apparent on pairs, with 2017 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95; unpriced in SMQ), the joint line pair is listed but unpriced in Scott, Scott Retail as Mint N.H. pair
5c Blue, Coil, Small Holes (496a). Mint N.H. pair, natural gum skips, choice balanced margins, deep rich color, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2015 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95; unpriced in SMQ)
5c Blue, Coil, Small Holes (496a). Pair, beautifully balanced margins, neat wavy-line machine cancel, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2018 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95; unpriced in SMQ), unpriced in Scott used, Scott Retail as Mint N.H.
10c Orange Yellow, Coil (497). Mint N.H. joint line pair, mathematically perfect centering, vivid color on post-office fresh paperEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SPECTACULAR MINT NEVER-HINGED JOINT LINE PAIR OF THE 10-CENT 1922 ROTARY COIL, GRADED GEM 100 BY P.S.E. THIS IS THE ONLY EXAMPLE TO RECEIVE THIS PERFECT GRADE.
The 1922 10c horizontal coil, Scott 497, was the last issue of the long and fascinating Washington-Franklin period. It was issued less than a year before the new 1922 series began to appear, though with ample supplies on hand it was not replaced by the 10c Monroe coil until nearly three years later. While it is not a rare coil, Mint N.H. joint line pairs in the highest grades are very elusive. The P.S.E. Population Report records only two joint line pairs graded above 95 -- one at 98 and this example at 100.
With 2010 P.S.E. certificate (Gem 100; SMQ $2,250.00). This is the only example at this perfect grade, which is the highest awarded. We feel that the SMQ value is conservative, as it is only $600 more than a regular pair at the 100 grade
10c Orange Yellow, Coil (497). Mint N.H. pair, brilliant color, mathematically perfect centering, Extremely Fine Gem, a stunning pair, with 2008 P.S.E. certificate (Gem 100; SMQ $1,400.00), the highest grade awarded and only five others share it
10c Orange Yellow, Coil (497). Mint N.H., mathematically perfect centering, vibrant color, Extremely Fine Gem, 2009 P.S.E. certificate (Gem 100; SMQ $750.00), the highest grade awarded and shared by only three others, this also represents a clean sweep of Mint N.H. Gem 100 Scott 497's in all formats in the Depew collection -- the only possible set of 100's at this time as the joint line pair is unique
10c Orange Yellow, Coil (497). Joint line pair, choice margins and centering, fiery color, light strike of mute oval cancel, Extremely Fine, with 2018 P.S.E. certificate (XF 90; SMQ $650.00), the highest grade awarded to a used joint line pair of this issue, with none equal, the next highest grade is 80
10c Orange Yellow, Coil (497). Pair, precise centering, vivid color, Cincinnati O. precancel, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2010 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $650.00), the highest grade awarded to a used pair, with only two others equal