Sale 1212 — Superb United States Stamps and Private Die Proprietary Stamps
Sale Date — Wednesday-Thursday, 20-21 November, 2019
Category — 1851-60 Issues
1c Blue, Ty. IV (9). Plate 1 Late, Mint N.H., recut once at top and bottom, enormous margins all around including parts of all surrounding stamps, deep rich color and proof-like impressionEXTREMELY FINE GEM. THIS MAGNIFICENT MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 1851 ONE-CENT TYPE IV IS GRADED GEM 100 JUMBO BY P.S.E., WHICH IS THE HIGHEST GRADE ATTAINABLE. THE ESSENCE OF PERFECTION.
Many collectors have a tendency to discount how difficult it is to find imperforate classics in such superb condition. The assumption is that there are multiples which can be split to "make" perfect singles. However, one would have to find a block of nine with no hinging in the surrounding stamps that are included in order to produce the Gem offered here. For all the imperforate issues (Scott 1-17), only six stamps in total have achieved this ultimate grade in Mint N.H. condition -- two of Scott 9 and four of Scott 11/11A.
Ex "Hanover". With 2007 P.S.E. certificate (Gem 100 Jumbo; unpriced in SMQ in Mint N.H. condition). Scott 9 is priced in the grade of 100, in hinged condition, at $11,000.00. This does not take into consideration any multiplier for Mint N.H. condition or for the Jumbo grade. Scott Retail as hinged
3c Brownish Carmine, Ty. II (11A). Mathematically perfect centering with massive margins showing portions of three adjoining stamps and interpane margin with centerline at left, circular datestamp cancel, Extremely Fine Gem, a superb stamp, with 2008 P.S.E. certificate (Gem 100; SMQ $1,100.00), only three grade higher
3c Rose Red, Ty. II (11A). Position 42L3 noted on back, mathematically perfect centering with large margins showing portions of adjoining stamps, neat circular datestamp cancel, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2008 P.S.E. certificate (Gem 100; SMQ $1,100.00), only three grade higher
3c Dull Red, Ty. II (11A). Position 15L1L noted on back, mathematically perfect centering with large and even margins, showing portions of adjoining stamps on all sides, neat grid cancel, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2007 P.S.E. certificate (Gem 100; SMQ $1,100.00), only three grade higher
3c Claret, Ty. II (11A). Brilliant color, large margins, circular datestamp cancel, Extremely Fine Gem, with two 2006 P.S.E. certificates, one as Claret (which we are going with here) and one as Dull Red (Superb 98; SMQ $525.00)
10c Green, Ty. III (15). Position 85L1, curl on forehead variety, Jumbo margins with portion of adjoining stamp at top, blue circular datestamp cancel, Extremely Fine Gem, a beautiful stamp, with 1992 P.F. and 2005 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95 Jumbo; SMQ $875.00 as normal, unpriced as the variety)
1c Blue, Ty. IIIa (22). Plate 12, original gum, lightly hinged, strong color and attractive centering and margins, Very Fine, with 2019 P.S.E. certificate
1c Blue, Ty. V (24). Mint N.H., intense shade and impression, wide margins, Very Fine and choice, with 2016 P.S.E. certificate, Scott Retail as hinged
3c Dull Red, Ty. III (26). Mint N.H., superb centering with perfs well clear of design at top and bottom as well as sides, bright shade, detailed impression, Extremely Fine, ex "Scarsdale", with 2000 P.F. and 2019 P.S.E. certificates (XF 90; SMQ $625.00), Scott Retail as hinged
3c Dull Red, Ty. III (26). Mint N.H., well-centered with balanced margins, Very Fine, Scott Retail as hinged
3c Brownish Carmine, Ty. IV, Double Transfer (26A var). Position 63L11L, Jumbo margins and outstanding centering, deep rich color on bright paper, neat Feb. 1859 circular datestamp cancelEXTREMELY FINE GEM USED EXAMPLE OF THE 3-CENT 1857 TYPE IV.
The ready availability of 3c 1851-57 stamps gives collectors the false impression that superb examples, even of a better type, are easily obtainable. Yet with grading past its 15th year, only four used examples of Scott 26A have achieved a 95J grade or higher (highest is the 100 offered in our 2019 Rarities sale).
With 2005 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95 Jumbo; SMQ $3,150.00 as normal). One shares this grade and only two grade higher