Sale 1232 — United States Stamps and Postal History
Sale Date — Tuesday-Wednesday, 30-31 March, 2021
Category — 1916-17 Issues (Scott 462-550)
2c Carmine, Ty. I (463). Mint N.H., gorgeous centering with wide margins, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2000 P.F. and 2004 P.S.E. certificates (Superb 98; SMQ $525.00), only five grade higher (four at 98J and one at 100)
4c Orange Brown (465). Mint N.H., beautifully centered, bright color, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2007 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $625.00)
5c Carmine, Error (467). Mint N.H., brilliant color and crisp impression on bright paper, gorgeous centering with intact perfs all around showing the 2c denomination on five adjoining stampsEXTYREMELY FINE GEM. A MAGNIFICENT MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 5-CENT PERF 10 ERROR, GRADED SUPERB 98 BY P.S.E. -- ONLY ONE GRADES HIGHER AND THREE OTHERS SHARE THIS GRADE.
P.S.E. encapsulated (Superb 98; SMQ $12,000.00). Only one grades higher (at 100, realized $14,000 hammer in our recent Myerson sale) and three others share this desirable grade. This is the first in this grade we have offered since our 2015 Curtis sale. The example offered here, with near-perfect centering and showing the 2c denominations on adjoining stamps, is highly desirable.
5c Carmine, Error (467). Mint N.H. with portions of five adjoining stamps, wide margins and outstanding centering, brilliant colorEXTREMELY FINE GEM MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE DESIRABLE 5-CENT PERF 10 ERROR.
During the course of production of the normal 2c plate No. 7942, three positions were noted to be defective. The plate was returned to the siderographer, who burnished out the three positions and mistakenly re-entered them using a transfer roll for the 5c stamp. The error passed unnoticed and the sheets were issued to the public in Perf 10, Imperforate and Perf 11 formats (Scott 467, 485 and 505).
With 2013 P.S.E. certificate for a pair (XF-Superb 95)
20c Light Ultramarine (476). Mint N.H., deep rich color on post-office fresh paper, perfectly centered with wide marginsEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 1916 20-CENT PERF 10 UNWATERMARKED ISSUE, SCOTT 476, GRADED SUPERB 98 BY P.S.E.
Ex "Golden Oak". With 2009 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98; SMQ $8,000.00). Only one grades higher (at 98J) and only six others share this grade
$1.00 Violet Black (478). Intense shade and impression on bright paper, perfect centering, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2015 P.S.E. certificate (OGph, Superb 98; SMQ $2,250.00), this is the highest grade awarded in any category
$1.00 Violet Black (478). Barely hinged if at all, rich color, fresh and Very Fine, with 1980 P.F. certificate as "o.g"
$2.00 Dark Blue (479). Mint N.H., proof-like color and impression, wide margins, Extremely Fine, with 1984 P.F. certificate
$5.00 Light Green (480). Mint N.H., wonderful color on bright white paper, perfectly precise centering with large balanced margins all aroundEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A STUNNING MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 1917 $5.00 MARSHALL PERF 10 ISSUE, GRADED SUPERB 98 BY P.S.E.
With 2014 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98; SMQ $2,750.00). This is the highest grade awarded
$5.00 Light Green (480). Mint N.H., deep rich color and proof-like impression on bright paper, Jumbo margins and precise centering, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2006 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95 Jumbo; SMQ $1,850.00).
3c Violet, Ty. I, Coil (489). Mint N.H., rich color on crisp paper, mathematically perfect centering, Extremely Fine Gem, a stunning stamp, with 2009 P.S.E. certificate (Gem 100; SMQ $375.00), only two grade higher and five others share this grade
1c Green, Coil (490). Mint N.H., rich color and detailed impression, perfectly centered, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2008 P.S.E. certificate (Gem 100; SMQ $300.00), the highest grade awarded and shared by only six others
5c Blue, Coil (496). Mint N.H., deep shade and detailed impression, perfect centering with Jumbo margins, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2009 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98 Jumbo; SMQ $250.00), only five grade higher (all at 100) and none share this grade
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 BOTH P.S.E. AND THE PHILATELIC FOUNDATION. THIS IS THE ONLY EXAMPLE TO ACHIEVE 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.
Ex Depew. With 2019 P.F. certificate (Gem 100). With 2010 P.S.E. certificate (Gem 100; SMQ $2,100.00).
10c Orange Yellow, Coil (497). Mint N.H. pair, brilliant color, mathematically perfect centering, Extremely Fine Gem, a stunning pair, with 2019 P.F. certificate (Gem 100), with 2008 P.S.E. certificate (Gem 100; SMQ $1,350.00), the highest grade awarded and shared by only five others
10c Orange Yellow, Coil (497). Mint N.H., perfectly centered, dazzling color, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2014 P.S.E. certificate (Gem 100; SMQ $800.00), this is the highest grade awarded
1c Green, A.E.F. Booklet Pane (498f). Well-centered nearly throughout, rich color, Very Fine and choice
4c Brown (503). Mint N.H., brilliant color on post-office fresh paper, perfectly centered with Jumbo margins, Extremely Fine Gem, a phenomenal stamp in every respect, ex Dr. Killien and "Golden Oak", with 1998 P.F. and 2006 P.S.E. certificates (Superb 98 Jumbo; SMQ $600.00), only three grade higher (two at 100, one at 100J)
5c Rose, Error (505). Mint N.H., brilliant color, mathematically perfect centering on bright paper, long and full perforations all aroundEXTREMELY FINE GEM. AN ABSOLUTELY PERFECT EXAMPLE OF THE PERF 11 5-CENT ERROR OF COLOR, GRADED OF GEM 100 BY P.S.E. -- THIS IS THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED AND ONLY ONE OTHER SHARES THIS GRADE.
During the production of the normal 2c plate No. 7942, three positions were noted to be defective. The plate was sent back to the siderographer, who burnished out the three positions and mistakenly re-entered them using a transfer roll for the 5c stamp. The error passed unnoticed and the sheets were issued to the public both Perf 10, Imperforate and Perf 11 (Scott 467, 485 and 505).
With 2014 P.S.E. certificate (Gem 100; SMQ $9,000.00). This is the highest grade awarded and only one other shares this grade.
11c Light Green (511). Mint N.H., warm shade on crisp paper, mathematically perfect centering, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2010 P.S.E. certificate (Gem 100; SMQ $1,200.00), only one grades higher (we have never offered it) and three others share this perfect grade
11c Light Green, Perf 10 at Top (511a). Lightly hinged, deep rich color, fresh and Fine, with 1957 and 1989 P.F. certificates
11c Light Green, Perf 10 at Top (511a). Top right stamp in a block of four with three normal Perf 11 stamps, bottom pair Mint N.H., error stamp lightly hinged, nice centering with wide margins, rich color, Very Fine example of this scarce perf variety, with 1999 P.F. certificate, Scott value as a single error without premium for the block
13c Apple Green (513). Mint N.H., brilliant color, perfectly centered with wide and balanced margins, Extremely Fine Gem, a superb stamp in every respect, ex "Hanover", with 2009 P.S.E. certificate (Gem 100; SMQ $1,350.00), only one grades higher (we have never offered it) and none share this perfect grade
13c Apple Green (513). Mint N.H., vibrant color, Jumbo margins, Extremely Fine Gem, a gorgeous stamp, ex "Golden Oak", with 2007 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98 Jumbo; SMQ $800.00), only two grade higher (one each at 100 and 100J)
15c Gray (514). Mint N.H., radiant color, crisp impression, gorgeous centering with Jumbo marginsEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 15-CENT 1917 PERF 11 ISSUE, GRADED SUPERB 98 JUMBO BY P.S.E.
Ex "Scarsdale" and Dr. Killien. With 1996 P.F. and 2006 P.S.E. certificates (Superb 98 Jumbo; SMQ $1,500.00). Only two grade higher (at 100) and one other (with bottom selvage) shares this grade
50c Red Violet (517). Mint N.H., exceptional centering with wide margins, rich color on fresh paper, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2007 and 2017 P.S.E. certificates (Superb 98; SMQ $1,000.00)
$1.00 Violet Brown (518). Mint N.H. with plate no. A 5782 top selvage, massive Jumbo margins and mathematically perfect centering, deep rich color on fresh paperEXTREMELY FINE GEM. THIS ASTONISHING MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE $1.00 1917 ISSUE, SCOTT 518, HAS RECEIVED THE ULTIMATE GRADE OF GEM 100 JUMBO FROM P.S.E. THE ESSENCE OF PERFECTION.
Plate 5782 was the only plate prepared for each of the $1.00 Franklin issues (Scott 423, 460, 478 and 518). None of the other $1.00 Franklin issues has been graded above 98J in Mint N.H. condition.
Ex "Westchester". With 1989 and 2007 P.S.E. certificates (Gem 100 Jumbo; unpriced in SMQ above the grade of 100, SMQ $4,500.00 as 100). This is one of only two at this highest of grades. The other recently sold in our auction of the James P. Myerson collection
$1.00 Violet Brown (518). Mint N.H. top imprint, plate no. 5782 and letter "A" block of six, fresh colorVERY FINE AND CHOICE MINT NEVER-HINGED FULL TOP PLATE BLOCK OF SCOTT 518.
Ex Byers
$2.00 Orange Red & Black (523). Mint N.H., showing dramatic downward vignette shift with Franklin's neck well into the value tablet below, choice centering, slight oxidation, otherwise Extremely Fine, an unusual shift, with 2007 P.F. certificate (VF-XF 85)
$2.00 Orange Red & Black (523). Mathematically perfect centering, rich colors and detailed impressions, "Washington D.C." double oval cancelEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A TRULY STUNNING USED EXAMPLE OF THE $2.00 ORANGE RED & BLACK 1918 FRANKLIN ISSUE, GRADED GEM 100 BY P.S.E. THIS IS THE ONLY USED EXAMPLE AT THIS PERFECT GRADE.
The $2.00 and $5.00 1918 Issue are the first bi-colored dollar-denominated postage stamps issued by the United States. Both were released just three months after the famous 1918 24c Inverted Jenny, but the early printings were issued in small quantities, since stocks of the earlier $2.00 and $5.00 issues (Scott 479 and 480) were still on hand.
According to Johl, the $2.00 Orange Red & Black was a color error on the part of the Bureau of Engraving & Printing. The official description and order for the bi-color stamps specified "Red and Black" for the $2.00. When subsequent printings appeared in 1920 and philatelists brought the matter to the attention of the Bureau, they were told "this stamp has always been this color" (Johl, p. 306). From studies of Bureau and Post Office records, it is clear that the originally-intended color was not issued until November 1920 (Scott 547), and that the earlier Orange Red stamps were mistakes.
With 2021 P.S.E. certificate (Gem 100; unpriced in SMQ above the grade of 98J). This is the highest grade awarded to a used Scott 523 and it is shared by no others.
$5.00 Deep Green & Black (524). Mint N.H., mathematically perfect centering with wide margins, deep rich frame color, post-office fresh paper and gumEXTREMELY FINE GEM. THIS STUNNING MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 1918 $5.00 FRANKLIN ISSUE HAS BEEN AWARDED THE PERFECT GRADE OF GEM 100 BY P.S.E. -- THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED.
Ex Merlin. With 2007 P.S.E. certificate (Gem 100; SMQ $7,500.00). This is the highest grade awarded and is equaled by only one other.
1c Gray Green (525). Mint N.H., exceptionally wide balanced margins all around, fresh color, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2013 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98 Jumbo; SMQ $525.00), one of four to achieve this grade with just two higher
2c Carmine, Ty. IV (526). Mint N.H., radiant color on bright paper, gorgeous centering with Jumbo margins, Extremely Fine Gem, with 1996 P.F. and 2007 P.S.E. certificates (Superb 98 Jumbo; SMQ $2,250.00), only one grades higher (at 100, recently brought $6,750 hammer) and one other shares this desirable grade
2c Carmine, Ty. IV (526). Mint N.H., with bottom plate no. 10842 selvage, uncommonly well-centered with wide margins, bright and fresh, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2006 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $500.00)
2c Carmine, Ty. VII (528B). Mint N.H., brilliant color on bright paper, mathematically perfect centering with wide marginsEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A STUNNING MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 1920 2-CENT CARMINE TYPE VII, GRADED GEM 100 BY P.S.E.
With 2020 P.S.E. certificate (Gem 100; SMQ $3,750.00). Only one grades higher and only two share this lofty grade.
2c Carmine, Ty. VII (528B). Mint N.H., vibrant color, Jumbo margins and flawless centering, Extremely Fine Gem, with 1996 P.F. and 2014 P.S.E. certificates (Superb 98 Jumbo; SMQ $1,900.00), only four grade higher (3 at 100, one at 100J)
3c Purple, Ty. IV, Double Impression (530a). Block of four, striking glowing color clearly showing the doubling of the entire design, lightly struck Redfield N.Y. duplex cancelVERY FINE. THIS IS THE ONLY RECORDED USED BLOCK OF THE RARE 3-CENT OFFSET TYPE IV DOUBLE IMPRESSION, SCOTT 530a.
Accompanied by the 1922 registered cover from Redfield N.Y. from which this originated (cover with faults). With 2020 P.F. certificate on the cover. Scott value as four used singles
1c Green (531). Mint N.H., huge margins all around including top plate no. 9965, bright color, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2009 P.S.E. certificate (Gem 100 Jumbo; unpriced in SMQ above the grade of 100, SMQ $150.00 as 100), the highest grade possible
2c Carmine Rose, Ty. IV, Imperforate (532). Mint N.H., with top plate no. 10918, other margins also huge with significant portions of adjoining stamps, rich color, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2002 P.S.E. certificate (Gem 100 Jumbo; unpriced above the grade of 100, SMQ $400.00 for 100)
2c Carmine, Ty. V, Imperforate (533). Bottom plate no. 11260 block of six, bottom stamps and top left Mint N.H., other two lightly hinged, huge margins including parts of eight adjoining stamps, Extremely Fine, ex Hall and Byers, this may yield at least one NH 100J single and possibly two, with copy of 1982 P.F. certificate
2c Carmine, Ty. Va, Imperforate (534). Mint N.H., huge margins all around, radiant color, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2008 P.S.E. certificate (Gem 100 Jumbo; unpriced in SMQ above the grade of 100, SMQ $225.00 as 100)
3c Violet, Ty. IV, Imperforate (535). Mint N.H. with left plate no. 8781 sheet margin, enormous margins other sides, deep rich color, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2017 P.S.E. certificate (Gem 100 Jumbo; unpriced in this grade in SMQ; SMQ $125.00 as 100), this is the highest grade possible on the grading chart
3c Deep Violet (537a). Deep rich color in this rare shade, bold "Salem Ohio" precancel, fresh and Very Fine, a rare stamp in used condition with fewer than 20 known, from a new discovery, with 2021 P.F. certificate
3c Deep Violet (537a). Block of four, deep rich color in this distinctive shade, bold "Salem Ohio" precancels in tete-beche configuration, top left stamp small thin spot from hinge removalFINE APPEARING AND EXTREMELY RARE USED BLOCK OF THE 3-CENT VICTORY ISSUE IN THE DEEP RED VIOLET SHADE, FROM A NEW DISCOVERY. FEWER THAN FIVE USED BLOCKS ARE RECORDED.
This newly discovered used block is the first we have offered since our 2001 sale of the Twigg-Smith collection. A block offered in our 2004 Rarities sale subsequently received a P.F. certificate as No. 537c. There are perhaps three or four known used blocks in total.
With 2021 P.F. certificate. Scott value as four singles
$2.00 Carmine & Black (547). Mint N.H., gorgeous rich colors, almost mathematically perfect centering with wide marginsEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE $2.00 CARMINE AND BLACK, WHICH HAS BEEN GRADED SUPERB 98 BY P.S.E.
With 2012 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98; SMQ $2,350.00). Only one grades higher (at 100) and eight others share this desirable grade
5c Pilgrim Tercentenary (550). Mint N.H., deep rich color and proof-like impression, wide and balanced margins, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2017 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98; SMQ $1,575.00), only eight grade higher (2 at 98J, 5 at 100, one at 100J), this is the first in this grade we have offered since 2017