Sale 1134 — The Alan Collection of United States Stamps
Sale Date — Wednesday, 14 September, 2016
Category — 1895 Watermarked Bureau Issue (Scott 264-278)
1c-10c 1894-98 Bureau Issues, Graded Balance (264/282). Outstanding graded balance of 9 original gum stamps, mix of P.S.E. and P.F. grades including Nos. 264 (Mint N.H., XF-Superb 95), 267 (Mint N.H., XF-Superb 95), 269 (Mint N.H., XF 90), 271 (OGph, XF 90), 272 (OGph, XF-Superb 95), 273 (OGph, XF 90). 279 (DOG, XF-Superb 95 Jumbo), 281 (Mint N.H., XF 90) and 282 (OGph, XF 90), Extremely Fine-Extremely Fine Gems, total SMQ value as all P.S.E. graded stamps $2,005.00
View PDF of contents of this lot
2c Carmine, Ty. II (266). Mint N.H., beautifully centered with wide margins, vivid color on post-office fresh paper, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2008 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $1,000.00)
3c Purple (268). Mint N.H., precise centering, rich color, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2010 P.S.E. certificate for a block of four, this the top right stamp
4c Dark Brown (269). Original gum, lightly hinged, mathematically perfect centering with wide margins, sharp impression on crisp paper, Extremely Fine Gem, ex Merlin, with 2010 P.S.E. certificate (OGph, Gem 100; SMQ $700.00), the highest grade for a Mint N.H. example is 98, this is the only 100 (plus one at 100J)
5c Chocolate (270). Original gum, barest trace of hinging (described on accompanying P.F. certificate as Mint N.H.), intense shade and impression, Jumbo margins, Extremely Fine Gem, ex "Scarsdale" and Curtis, with 1999 P.F. certificate as Mint N.H., with 2004 P.S.E. certificate (OGph, XF-Superb 95 Jumbo; SMQ $165.00)
6c Dull Brown (271). Original gum, essentially perfect centering, deep rich color on crisp paper, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2012 P.S.E. certificate (OGh, Superb 98; SMQ $925.00), this is the highest grade awarded to any unused Scott 271, and only one other shares it
8c Violet Brown, USIR Watermark (272a). Showing clear bold "R" of watermark, visible even without fluid, outstanding centering with wide and balanced margins, deep rich color, very light cancelEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1895 8-CENT WATERMARKED BUREAU ISSUE WITH "USIR" WATERMARK. ARGUABLY THE FINEST EXAMPLE EXTANT.
The "USIR" (United States Internal Revenue) watermark error occurred when a supply of paper reserved for revenue stamp production was used for printing the 6c and 8c postage stamps. There are approximately 75 known of the 8c, but many are either off-center or have flaws. Collectors prefer examples showing the "R" watermark, as this letter is unequivocally from "USIR", while a partial "P" (from "USPS") can sometimes fool collectors by appearing as an "I".
With 2009 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $4,750.00). Only one stamp has been graded higher (at 95J) and only one other shares this grade. The other example graded 95, while also showing the more desirable "R" watermark, has a much heavier cancel than the example offered here. The single example graded 95J shows the "I" of the watermark. The combination of the "R" watermark and light cancel arguably makes this the most desirable P.S.E. graded Scott 272a
15c Dark Blue (274). Original gum, wide and balanced margins, very strong dark color, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2000 P.F. and 2005 P.S.E. certificates (OG, XF-Superb 95; SMQ $950.00)
50c Orange (275). Original gum, lightly hinged, radiant color, outstanding centering with well-balanced margins, Extremely Fine Gem, a superb stamp, with 2002 P.F. and 2008 P.S.E. certificates (OGph, XF-Superb 95; SMQ $1,150.00)
$1.00 Black, Ty. I (276). Original gum, bright shade and detailed impression on crisp paper, beautiful centeringEXTREMELY FINE GEM ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE 1895 $1.00 TYPE I WATERMARKED BUREAU ISSUE.
With 2006 P.S.E. certificate (OGph, XF-Superb 95; SMQ $2,500.00). This is the highest grade awarded for any unused Scott 276 and is shared by only three others (one Mint N.H.)
$1.00 Black, Ty. II (276A). Original gum which is slightly disturbed at top, bright shade, well-balanced margins, small thin spot at top of Perry's head, appears Extremely Fine
$2.00 Bright Blue (277). Original gum, small h.r., exceptional centering with balanced margins, bright color, a few gum soaked perfs at top right not mentioned on accompanying certificate, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2014 P.S.E. certificate (OGh, XF-Superb 95; SMQ $2,850.00)
$2.00 Bright Blue (277). Slightly disturbed original gum, rich color, attractive margins and centering, couple small thin spots at center, appears Very Fine
$5.00 Dark Green (278). Unused (no gum), vivid color, well-proportioned margins, fresh and Extremely Fine, ex Laehder, with 2012 P.F. certificate