Sale 1288 — The Nelson Berman Collection of Outstanding United States Stamps
Sale Date — Thursday, 22 June, 2023
Category — 1894-98 Bureau Issue (Scott 246-284)
1c Ultramarine (246). Mint N.H. with left part imprint selvage, brilliant color, remarkably wide margins, Extremely Fine Gem, a superb stamp, with 1996 P.F. certificate
2c Carmine, Ty. II (251). Original gum, lightly hinged, brilliant color, beautiful centering, Extremely Fine
2c Carmine, Ty. III (252). Mint N.H. with left plate no. 141 selvage, brilliant color, Extremely Fine, with 1990 P.F. certificate
5c Chocolate, Imperforate (255b). Horizontal pair, original gum, h.r., large margins, rich color, Very Fine, with 1986 P.F. certificate
50c Orange (260). Original gum, lightly hinged, vibrant color, wide margins, Very Fine and choice, with 1991 P.F. certificate
$1.00 Black, Ty. I (261). Original gum, lightly hinged, deep shade and sharp proof-like impression on bright white paper, very well-centered with wide margins all aroundEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB 1894 $1.00 TYPE I UNWATERMARKED BUREAU ISSUE.
Ex Zoellner. With 1998 P.F. certificate.
$1.00 Black, Ty. II (261A). Original gum, lightly hinged, intense shade and proof-like impression, wide marginsEXTREMELY FINE ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE 1894 $1.00 TYPE II UNWATERMARKED BUREAU ISSUE.
With 1989 P.F. certificate.
$2.00 Bright Blue (262). Original gum, lightly hinged, rich color on bright paper, well-proportioned marginsEXTREMELY FINE ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE $2.00 1894 UNWATERMARKED BUREAU ISSUE.
With 1995 P.S.E. certificate.
$5.00 Dark Green (263). Original gum, lightly hinged, deep rich color and detailed impression, unusually choice centering with wide and balanced marginsEXTREMELY FINE. AN OUTSTANDING EXAMPLE OF THE 1894 $5.00 UNWATERMARKED FIRST BUREAU ISSUE.
The 1894 Unwatermarked Issue was the first set of U.S. postage stamps to be printed by the Bureau of Engraving & Printing, after the contract with American Bank Note Co. expired. The first stamps printed by the Bureau are notoriously difficult to find well-centered, as production was marred by initial problems as they geared up to meet the needs of the public for stamps. Perhaps the two most difficult denominations to find in superb condition are the $1.00 Type II (Scott 261A), and the $5.00.
With 1987 P.F. certificate.
5c Chocolate (270). Mint N.H. top imprint and plate no. 250 strip of three, lovely warm color, gorgeous centering, fresh and Extremely Fine
50c Orange (275). Original gum, barely hinged (if at all), radiant color, Extremely Fine, with copy of 1983 P.F. certificate stating "it is genuine"
$2.00 Dark Blue (277a). Original gum, deep rich color on bright paper, well-balanced margins, fresh and Extremely Fine, a stamp with great visual appeal, with 1979 P.F. certificate
$5.00 Dark Green (278). Original gum, h.r., intense shade and proof-like impression, choice centering with well-balanced marginsEXTREMELY FINE. A BEAUTIFUL ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE $5.00 1895 WATERMARKED BUREAU ISSUE.
With 1987 P.F. certificate.