Sale 956 — The Jay Hoffman Collection of United States Stamps
Sale Date — Thursday-Friday, 8-9 May, 2008
Category — 1882-88 American Bank Note Co. Issues
5c Yellow Brown (205). Mint N.H., deep rich color, wide marginsEXTREMELY FINE. A BEAUTIFUL MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 5-CENT GARFIELD, SCOTT 205.
Ex Vineyard. With 1996 and 2003 P.F. and 2005 P.S.E. certificates (VF-XF 85; SMQ $1,700.00)
1c Gray Blue (206). Mint N.H., radiant color, choice centering with well-balanced margins, fresh and Extremely Fine, with 2006 P.S.E. certificate (XF 90; SMQ $840.00)
3c Blue Green (207). Mint N.H., intense color and detailed impression, Very Fine and choice, a pretty stamp, with 2002 and 2005 P.S.E. certificates (VF 80; SMQ $315.00)
6c Rose (208). Original gum, lightly hinged, fresh color on white paper, beautifully centeredEXTREMELY FINE GEM. AN OUTSTANDING EXAMPLE OF THE ROSE SHADE. AN ELUSIVE STAMP IN THIS SUPERIOR GRADE.
Despite being the major Scott listing, the Rose shade is far rarer than the Brown Red 208a in well-centered and sound condition.
With 2001 P.F. certificate
10c Yellow Brown (209 var). Mint N.H., radiant color in the Yellow Brown sub-shade, Very Fine and choice, with 2003 P.F. certificate
2c Red Brown (210). Mint N.H., remarkably well-centered with wide margins on bright white paper, Extremely Fine, with 2002 P.S.E. certificate
4c Blue Green (211). Mint N.H., intense color and impression, Very Fine, with 2000 P.F. certificate
1c Ultramarine (212). Mint N.H. with selvage at left, brilliant color on crisp paper, wide and balanced margins, fresh and Extremely Fine, a beautiful stamp, with 2005 P.F. certificate
2c Green (213). Mint N.H., bright color, well-balanced margins, Extremely Fine Gem, with copy of 2001 P.F. certificate for block of four
3c Vermilion (214). Mint N.H., vibrant color as fresh as the day it was printed, wide and balanced margins, Extremely Fine Gem, a beautiful stamp, with 2004 P.F. certificate for pair
4c Carmine (215). Mint N.H., deep rich color and proof-like impression, well-balanced margins, Extremely Fine, ex Odeneal, with 1999 P.F. certificate
5c Indigo (216). Mint N.H., stunning color nicely contrasted by bright paper, unusually choice centering with wide and balanced marginsEXTREMELY FINE. A BEAUTIFUL MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 1888 5-CENT GARFIELD, SCOTT 216.
With 2005 P.S.E. certificate (XF 90; SMQ $2,600.00). Only three have graded higher to date (all 95's) and only one other shares this grade.
30c Orange Brown (217). Mint N.H., deep rich color on fresh white paper, choice centering, full perforations all aroundEXTREMELY FINE. A BEAUTIFUL MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 1888 30-CENT AMERICAN BANK NOTE COMPANY ISSUE
With 2000 P.F. certificate
90c Purple (218). Mint N.H., deep rich color and proof-like impression, gorgeous centering with unusually wide and balanced marginsEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 90-CENT 1888 AMERICAN BANK NOTE COMPANY ISSUE, WHICH HAS BEEN GRADED XF-SUPERB 95 BY P.S.E. -- THIS IS THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED TO DATE AND THE ONLY EXAMPLE TO ACHIEVE THIS GRADE.
With 2005 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $14,300.00). This is the highest grade awarded to date, and the only example to achieve this desirable grade. SMQ does not price Scott 218 in the grade of 98.