Sale 1278 — United States Stamps
Sale Date — Tuesday-Thursday, 21-23 March, 2023
Category — 1915-23 Issues (Scott 449-550)
2c Red, Ty. I, Coil (449). Pair, original gum, glowing color, attractive centering and margins with intact perfs at bottom and part of adjoining stampFINE ORIGINAL-GUM PAIR OF THE SCARCE 2-CENT TYPE I VERTICAL COIL, SCOTT 449.
The 2c Type I rotary plate was used very briefly to make vertical coils issued in late 1915. It was briefly used because the Type I plate was not very deeply engraved and the curvature of the rotary press yielded impressions lacking in some of the details. The Bureau noticed this immediately, and quickly replaced it with the Type III plate.
With 2006 P.S.E. certificate
2c Carmine, Ty. III, Coil (450). Mint N.H. joint line pair, glowing color, Very Fine, with 2005 P.S.E. certificate
2c Carmine Rose, Ty. I, Coil (453). Joint line pair, original gum, lightly hinged, vivid color, Extremely Fine, with 2002 P.F. certificate
2c Carmine Rose, Ty. I, Coil (453). Joint line strip of four, original gum, end stamps lightly hinged, unusually well-centered, deep rich color, Extremely Fine, a beautiful joint line strip of four, ex Drucker, with 2002 P.F. certificate
2c Red, Ty. II, Coil (454). Mint N.H. joint line strip of four, vivid color, well-centered, Very Fine and choice, with 1991 P.F. certificate
2c Red, Ty. II, Coil (454). Mint N.H. pair, vibrant color, Jumbo margins, Extremely Fine, with 1994 P.F. and 2007 P.S.E. certificates (XF 90 Jumbo; SMQ $775.00)
3c Violet, Coil (456). Pair, original gum, appears Mint N.H. and P.F. certificate states as such but small gum soak at top left knocks it out of that category for us, rich color, Very Fine, with 2000 P.F. certificate as Mint N.H., Scott value as hinged
2c Carmine, Ty. I, Imperforate Coil (459). Mint N.H., large even margins, bright color, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2023 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $350.00)
3c Violet (464). Mint N.H., wide margins and precise centering, Extremely Fine, with 2015 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $950.00), only three grade higher (one at 95J and two at 98)
4c Orange Brown (465). Mint N.H., brilliant color, choice centering, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2012 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $625.00)
5c Blue (466). Mint N.H., crisp impression, Jumbo margins, fresh and Extremely Fine, with 2018 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95 Jumbo; SMQ $1,800.00), only five grade higher (all 98) and five share this desirable grade
5c Carmine, Error (467). Mint N.H., radiant color, unusually choice centeringEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A BEAUTIFUL MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 5-CENT ROSE 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 2016 and 2020 P.F. certificates (XF-Superb 95). By way of comparison only six grade higher than 95 in the P.S.E. Population Report
5c Carmine, Error (467). Mint N.H., cut from a double error block of nine with large portions of adjoining stamps, brilliant color, near perfect centeringEXTREMELY FINE GEM MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 5-CENT CARMINE ERROR, SCOTT 467.
With copy of 2013 P.S.E. certificate for a pair, graded XF-Superb 95, this the bottom stamp
5c Carmine, Error (467). Mint N.H. double error in a block of twelve, bright color, a few minor gum bends mostly affecting the 2c stamps, Fine-Very Fine
6c Red Orange (468). Mint N.H., vivid color, wide and balanced margins, Extremely Fine, with 1993 and 2019 P.F. certificates (XF-Superb 95) and 2019 P.S.E. certificate (ungraded)
7c Black (469). Mint N.H., detailed impression, beautiful centering, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2007 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $1,500.00), only seven grade higher (five are 98)
8c Olive Green (470). Mint N.H., pretty shade, beautiful centering, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2011 P.F. and 2011 P.S.E. certificates (both XF-Superb 95; SMQ $800.00)
9c Salmon Red (471). Mint N.H., lovely bright color, well-balanced margins, Extremely Fine, with 2005 and 2016 P.F. certificates (both XF-Superb 95; SMQ $775.00)
10c Orange Yellow (472). Mint N.H., vibrant color, perfectly centered with wide and balanced margins, long and full perforationsEXTREMELY FINE GEM. THIS BEAUTIFUL MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 1916 10-CENT PERF 10 UNWATERMARKED ISSUE IS GRADED SUPERB 98 BY P.S.E.
With 1988 P.F. and 2007 P.S.E. certificates (Superb 98; SMQ $4,250.00). Only three grade higher (two at 98J, one at 100) and one other shares this grade
11c Dark Green (473). Mint N.H., deep rich color on bright paper, gorgeous centering, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2009 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $625.00)
11c Dark Green (473). Mint N.H. block of four, choice margins and well-centered, especially the top right and bottom left stamps, top left light natural paper crease, Extremely Fine, with 2008 P.F. certificate, Scott value as singles
12c Claret Brown (474). Mint N.H., intense color on bright white paper, almost perfect centering, Extremely Fine Gem, ex "Golden Oak" and "Alan", with 1998 P.F. and 2009 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $1,000.00)
15c Gray (475). Mint N.H., radiant color on crisp paper, perfectly centered with wide marginsEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A REMARKABLE MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 1916 15-CENT PERF 10 UNWATERMARKED ISSUE, GRADED SUPERB 98 BY P.S.E. -- THIS IS THE HIGHEST AWARDED.
According to Johl (p. 289), the only difference between this issue and the one before it is the absence of a watermark. It is difficult to see a watermark on the 15c stamp, so it was generally assumed that no change had taken place with this denomination, and was therefore overlooked by collectors. It was current for only six months.
With 1999 P.F. and 2009 P.S.E. certificates (Superb 98; SMQ $7,000.00). This is the highest grade awarded and only six others share it.
20c Light Ultramarine (476). Mint N.H., brilliant color on bright paper, essentially perfect centering, long and full perforationsEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A GORGEOUS MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 20-CENT UNWATERMARKED PERF 10 FRANKLIN ISSUE, SCOTT 476.
With 1988, 1997 P.F. and 2008 P.S.E. certificates (Superb 98; SMQ $8,000.00). Only one grades higher (at 98J, offered in our 2016 "Hanover" sale) and only eight others share this desirable grade
20c Light Ultramarine (476). Mint N.H., bright and fresh color, near perfect centering with wide and balanced marginsEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 20-CENT UNWATERMARKED PERF 10 FRANKLIN ISSUE, SCOTT 476.
Ex Wingate. With 1992 P.F. and 2018 P.S.E. certificates (Superb 98; SMQ $8,000.00). One of nine at this desirable grade with only one higher (at 98J)
50c Light Violet (477). Mint N.H., beautiful warm color, post-office fresh, choice centering with wide and balanced marginsEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A BEAUTIFUL MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 50-CENT PERF 10 UNWATERMARKED FRANKLIN ISSUE, GRADED XF-SUPERB 95 BY BOTH P.S.E. AND THE P.F.
Ex Whitman. With 1998, 2010 P.F. and 2008 P.S.E. certificates (latter two XF-Superb 95; SMQ $6,850.00). Only seven grade higher (one at 95J, six at 98) and eight others share this desirable grade.
50c Light Violet (477). With selvage at bottom, original gum, barely hinged, fresh and bright color, wide margins, Extremely Fine, with 1992 and 2004 P.F. certificates
50c Light Violet (477). Original gum, outstanding centering and margins, bright color, Extremely Fine, with 1999 P.F. certificate
50c Light Violet (477). Mint N.H., bright color, wide margins, fresh and Very Fine, with copy of 1992 P.F. certificate for a block of four
$1.00 Violet Black (478). Mint N.H., perfect centering with wide and well-balanced margins, intense color and impression on bright paperEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB EXAMPLE OF THE $1.00 PERF 10 UNWATERMARKED FRANKLIN ISSUE IN THE FINEST CONDITION ATTAINABLE.
This stamp was used for less than six months before the Perf 11 stamps were produced. Due to its short production run and the only difference between this and the previous $1.00 issue (Scott 460) being the watermark, many collectors and dealers of the day overlooked this issue. It is especially scarce with such perfect centering.
Ex "Silver Lake". With 1994 and 2004 P.F. certificates. With 2005 and 2020 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $5,750.00). Only two grade higher (both 98).
$1.00 Violet Black (478). Mint N.H., wide and beautifully balanced margins, intense color on bright paper, Extremely Fine, a pretty stamp, with 1980 P.F. and 2011 P.S.E. certificates (XF 90; SMQ $2,350.00)
$1.00 Violet Black (478). Original gum, barely hinged, excellent centering and sharp proof-like impression, Extremely Fine, with 2004 P.F. certificate
$1.00 Violet Black (478). Original gum, lightly hinged, nicely centered with wide margins, Very Fine and choice, with copy for 1989 P.F. certificate for a block of four (bottom right stamp)
$1.00 Violet Black (478). Original gum, barely hinged, rich color, Very Fine, with 1979 P.F. certificate
$2.00 Dark Blue (479). Mint N.H., deep rich color and detailed impression, unusually wide and perfectly balanced marginsEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A STUNNING MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 1917 $2.00 MADISON PERF 10.
With 2007 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98; SMQ $2,800.00).
$2.00 Dark Blue (479). Mint N.H., rich color on bright paper, choice centering, fresh and Extremely Fine, with 1980, 2003 and 2021 P.F. certificates (XF-Superb 95)
$5.00 Light Green (480). Mint N.H., bright shade and paper, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2004 P.F. and 2008 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $1,300.00)
2c Carmine, Ty. II, Coil (491). Pair, original gum, lightly hinged, vibrant color, attractive centering and marginsVERY FINE. A LOVELY ORIGINAL-GUM PAIR OF THE SCARCE 2-CENT ROTARY PRESS HORIZONTAL COIL, SCOTT 491.
With 1976 and 1999 P.F. certificates
2c Carmine, Ty. II, Coil (491). Pair, vivid color, choice centering and margins, double oval cancelVERY FINE AND CHOICE USED PAIR OF THE 2-CENT ROTARY PRESS HORIZONTAL COIL, SCOTT 491. VERY SCARCE IN THIS QUALITY.
With 2001 P.F. certificate
5c Blue, Coil, Small Holes (496a). Mint N.H. pair, well-centered, rich color, Very Fine, with 2022 P.F. certificate (VF 80)
2c Deep Rose, Ty. Ia (500). Mint N.H., brilliant color, gorgeous centering, long and full perforationsEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A MAGNIFICENT MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 2-CENT DEEP ROSE TYPE Ia. A TRUE CONDITION RARITY.
The Type Ia Scott 500 was created during an experiment of the Bureau in creating a new type of transfer roll. A die was made from the old Type I transfer roll, having ten impressions on it. A new transfer roll was then made, using the new ten-impression master die. This new transfer roll was then used to create two new plates. Since this is essentially a "lossy" process, there are some noticeable differences between the plates created using this method and the old method of using one die impression to create the transfer roll.
With 2009 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $2,400.00). Only seven grade higher (five at 98) and six others share this desirable grade.
2c Deep Rose, Ty. Ia (500). Three used singles, deep rich color of the Ty. Ia, first with plate no. selvage and light machine cancel, Fine and attractive, with 2006 P.F. certificate, second with cork cancel, well-centered, Very Fine, with 2001 P.F. certificate, third with machine cancel, Fine, with 2001 P.F. certificate
3c Light Violet, Ty. I (501). Mint N.H., rich color, Jumbo margins, Extremely Fine Gem, a huge stamp, with 2012 P.F. certificate (XF-Superb 95) and 2014 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98 Jumbo; SMQ $650.00), this is a huge stamp and deserves the P.S.E. grade, only one grades higher and none share this 98J grade
3c Light Violet, Ty. I, Vertical Pair, Imperforate Horizontally (501c). Block of four with two error pairs and bottom plate no. 8206 selvage, original gum, brilliant color, well-centeredVERY FINE. A LIKELY UNIQUE BLOCK WITH PLATE NUMBER OF THE RARE 3-CENT 1917 VERTICAL PAIR, IMPERFORATE HORIZONTALLY.
We have encountered only one other multiple larger than a pair of Scott 501c since keeping computerized records 30 years ago and in our Rarities sales since 1964. That multiple was a block of four from an internal position on the sheet. This block with plate number has not been offered at auction for more than 50 years. Only 25 pairs are reported in Datz.
With 1994 P.F. certificate. Scott value as two pairs without premium for the plate number
3c Dark Violet, Ty. II, Perf 10 at Top (502e). Transitional at top with the first two holes gauging perf 10 and then transitional from the third hole to perf 11, rich color, wavy-lines machine cancel, decent centering for this rarity, thinned and tiny tearVERY FINE APPEARANCE. A VERY RARE EXAMPLE OF THE 1917 3-CENT PERF 10 AT TOP OR BOTTOM. ONE OF TEN EXAMPLES WE RECORD IN OUR CENSUS, AND THE ONLY SINGLE WITHOUT A PRECANCEL.
Our census of Scott 502e, available at https://siegelauctions.com/census/us/scott/502e , contains only ten examples, two of which are part of a block of three stamps with a smudgy handstamp cancel (ex Zoellner and Natalee Grace). This is the only other example in our census which lacks a precancel.
Census No. 502e-CAN-08. With 2022 A.P.S. certificate, the application notes to which indicate review and expertization by Ken Lawrence
4c Brown (503). Mint N.H., intense color, perfectly centered, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2008 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98; SMQ $425.00)
5c Blue (504). Mint N.H., deep shade and detailed impression, perfectly centered, Extremely Fine Gem, ex "Golden Oak", with 2009 and 2014 P.F. certificates (Superb 98; SMQ $475.00), only three grade higher
5c Rose, Error (505). Mint N.H., brilliant color, wide and balanced marginsEXTREMELY FINE GEM MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE PERF 11 5-CENT ERROR, SCOTT 505.
With 2008 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $2,150.00)
5c Rose, Error (505). Single Mint N.H. error in a block of nine, lightly hinged at top on 2c stamp, brilliant color, Fine
6c Red Orange (506). Mint N.H., vibrant color as fresh as the day it was printed on bright paper, mathematically perfect centering, Extremely Fine Gem, a stunning stamp, with 2015 P.S.E. certificate (Gem 100; SMQ $1,350.00), only one grades higher and no others share this perfect grade
7c Black (507). Mint N.H., intense shade and proof-like impression on bright white paper, near perfect centering, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2015 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98; SMQ $1,300.00), only four grade higher (highest is 100)
8c Olive Bister (508). Mint N.H., brilliant color, perfectly centered, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2003 P.F. and 2009 P.S.E. certificates (Superb 98; SMQ $575.00), only six grade higher (four are 98J)
9c Salmon Red, Perf 10 at Bottom (509a). Vibrant color, Elkhart Ind. precancelFRESH AND FINE. AN EXTREMELY RARE SOUND EXAMPLE OF THE 9-CENT 1917 ISSUE PERF 10 AT BOTTOM.
Our census of Scott 509a, available at our website at https://siegelauctions.com/census/us/scott/509a , contains a total of 33 used and one unused example of this rarity. 27 of the used copies are precancelled and fully 19 have one or more faults (the condition on seven is unknown). This fresh sound example is new to our census and is very desirable.
Census no. 509a-CAN-33. With 2023 P.F. certificate
10c Orange Yellow (510). Mint N.H., vivid color, gorgeous centering, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2011 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98; SMQ $850.00), only five grade higher (all at 98J)
10c Brown Yellow (510a). Original gum, barest trace of hinging if at all, deep rich color, Fine and rare, we have offered only three others since keeping computerized records, with 1985 P.F. certificate for a pair, accompanied by normal No. 510 for comparison
12c Brown Carmine (512a). Mint N.H., warm shade which is distinctly different from the primary color, perfectly centered with Jumbo margins, Extremely Fine Gem, a gorgeous stamp, ex Whitman, with 2008 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98 Jumbo; SMQ $650.00), only two grade higher and one other shares this desirable grade
15c Gray (514). Mint N.H., intense shade and impression, well-balanced margins, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2007 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $525.00)
20c Light Ultramarine (515). Mint N.H., rich color on bright paper, well-balanced margins, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2008 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $500.00)
30c Orange Red (516). Mint N.H., vivid color and detailed impression on bright paper, beautiful centering, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2008 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98; SMQ $1,100.00), only six grade higher
50c Red Violet (517). Mint N.H., brilliant color and bright paper, perfectly centered, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2007 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98; SMQ $1,000.00)
50c Red Violet (517). Mint N.H., outstanding centering, pretty pastel color, Extremely Fine Gem, with 1996 P.F. and 2007 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $500.00)
$1.00 Violet Brown (518). Mint N.H., rich color and detailed impression, gorgeous centering with wide margins, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2008 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98; SMQ $1,600.00)
$1.00 Violet Brown (518). Mint N.H. block of four, deep rich color and choice centering, interesting complete offset of another sheet on gum, Very Fine-Extremely Fine, with 2005 P.F. certificate, Scott value as singles
$1.00 Deep Brown (518b). Mint N.H., deep rich color in the true Deep Brown shade, attractive centering and margins, small natural fiber inclusion in a perf at lower rightVERY FINE. A RARE MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE $1.00 1917 ISSUE IN THE DEEP BROWN SHADE. A DIFFICULT STAMP TO OBTAIN WITH ANY SEMBLENCE OF DECENT CENTERING.
According to Johl, a small number of stamps were printed in this distinctive shade early in the issue of the 1917 $1.00 stamp. During the course of the six years that the stamp was issued, all other printings were executed in the normal shade.
With 1991 and 2009 P.F. certificates
$1.00 Deep Brown (518b). Original gum, barely hinged, wonderful depth of color in the Deep Brown shade, Fine, with 2004 P.F. certificate, accompanied by normal Mint N.H. No. 518 for comparison, which is Extremely Fine
$1.00 Deep Brown (518b). Original gum, lightly hinged at bottom, deep rich color, fresh and Fine, ex Zoellner, with 1998 P.F. certificate, accompanied by normal No. 518 for comparison
$1.00 Deep Brown (518b). Vertical pair, deep rich color in the true Deep Brown shade, oval cancel, Fine and very rare as a used multiple, we have offered only one other since keeping computerized records 30 years ago, with 2000 P.F. certificate, Scott value as singles
$5.00 Deep Green & Black (524). Mint N.H., deep rich colors, unusually choice centering, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2000 P.F. and 2010 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $1,000.00)
$5.00 Deep Green & Black (524). Mint N.H. with left selvage, deep rich colors, wide margins and choice centering, Extremely Fine, with 1999 P.F. certificate
2c Carmine, Ty. IV (526). Mint N.H., brilliant color on bright paper, mathematically perfect centering with Jumbo marginsEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A MAGNIFICENT MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 1920 2-CENT TYPE IV OFFSET ISSUE, GRADED GEM 100 JUMBO BY P.S.E. -- THE ONLY EXAMPLE TO ACHIEVE THIS HIGHEST OF GRADES.
With 2022 P.S.E. certificate for a plate block of six. With 2023 P.S.E. certificate for this single (Gem 100 Jumbo; unpriced in SMQ above the grade of 100, SMQ $4,100.00 as 100). The highest grade possible and it is equaled by no others.
2c Carmine, Ty. VII (528B). Mint N.H., wide margins and essentially perfect centering, brilliant color on post office fresh paper, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2021 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98; SMQ $1,350.00)
2c Carmine, Ty. VII, Imperforate (534B). Mint N.H. pair with vertical guideline, large margins all around, radiant colorEXTREMELY FINE. A BEAUTIFUL MINT NEVER-HINGED PAIR OF THE RARE TYPE VII IMPERFORATE OFFSET ISSUE, WITH THE VERTICAL GUIDE LINE.
Most Type VII stamps were used by private vending and affixing machine companies. However, unlike Scott 314A and 482A, a small supply of the imperforate 2c Type VII stamps reached the public.
With 2002 P.F. certificate.
2c Carmine, Ty. VII, Imperforate (534B). Mint N.H., huge even margins all around, brilliant color and detailed impressionEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE RARE TYPE VII IMPERFORATE OFFSET STAMP, SCOTT 534B.
Most Type VII stamps were used by private vending and affixing machine companies. However, unlike Scott 314A and 482A, a small supply of the imperforate 2c Type VII stamps reached the public.
From our 2006 Rarities sale. With 1987 and 2006 P.F. certificates (XF-Superb 95)
3c Deep Violet (537a). Mint N.H., deep rich color, attractive centering, fresh and Fine, with 1978 (for a block, top right stamp) and 2006 P.F. certificates
3c Violet, Ty. II (541). Mint N.H., impeccable centering with wide margins, fresh colorEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 1919 3-CENT TYPE II, SCOTT 541, GRADED SUPERB 98 BY THE P.F.
With 1995 and 2022 P.F. certificates (Superb 98). By way of comparison, P.S.E. has graded six at 98, with just one higher (98J).
2c Carmine Rose, Ty. III, Rotary (546). Mint N.H., Jumbo margins and choice centering, bright color, Extremely Fine, with 1989 P.F. (for a block) and 2008 P.S.E. certificates (XF 90 Jumbo; SMQ $800.00)
$2.00 Carmine & Black (547). Mint N.H., intense shades and impressions, wide margins, fresh and Extremely Fine, with 2008 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $800.00)
$2.00 Lake & Black (547a). Mint N.H. with bottom right corner selvage, wide balance margins all around, strong color in this distinctive shade, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2022 P.F. certificate (XF-Superb 95), by way of comparison, P.S.E. has graded only two higher
5c Deep Blue, Pilgrim Tercentenary (550). Mint N.H., deep dark shade on bright paper, wide margins, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2007 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $500.00)

