Sale 1057 — The Curtis Collection: 1847-1901 Issues
Sale Date — Thursday, 7 November, 2013
Category — 1879 American Bank Note Co. Issue (Scott 182-191)
1c Dark Ultramarine (182). Original gum, lightly hinged, incredibly bright color, well-centered with wide nicely proportioned margins, Extremely Fine, a stunning stamp, with 1985 P.F. and 2001 P.S.E. certificates
2c Vermilion (183). Original gum, vivid color, essentially perfect centering with wide margins. Extremely Fine Gem, a gorgeous stamp, with 2002 P.S.E. certificate (OGph, XF-Superb 95; SMQ $450.00)
5c Blue (185). Original gum, barest trace of hinging (if at all), intense color, choice centering with balanced margins, Extremely Fine, ex Scarsdale, with 1987 and 2000 P.F. certificates
6c Pink (186). Original gum, pretty pastel color, essentially perfect centering with wide marginsEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE 1879 5-CENT AMERICAN BANK NOTE COMPANY ISSUE.
With 2000 P.F. certificate
10c Brown, Without Secret Mark (187). Original gum, Jumbo margins and choice centering, deep rich color and clear impressionEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A REMARKABLY BEAUTIFUL EXAMPLE OF THE 1879 10-CENT AMERICAN BANK NOTE ISSUE WITHOUT SECRET MARK. AN EXTREMELY DIFFICULT STAMP TO FIND IN SOUND ORIGINAL-GUM CONDITION IN THE HIGHER GRADES.
With 2009 P.S.E. certificate (OGh, XF 90 Jumbo; SMQ $6,600.00 as 90, unpriced as 95). This is the highest grade awarded by P.S.E. and it is shared by no others. Among original gum examples only two other stamps have even received grades above 70 (at 80 and 90).
10c Brown, With Secret Mark (188). Original gum, h.r., incredibly well-centered with fabulous wide margins, deep rich color and clear impressionEXTREMELY FINE. AN EXCEPTIONALLY CHOICE 1879 10-CENT AMERICAN BANK NOTE COMPANY ISSUE WITH SECRET MARK. VERY DIFFICULT TO FIND IN THIS QUALITY, ESPECIALLY WITH ORIGINAL GUM.
With 2007 P.S.E. certificate (OGh, XF 90 Jumbo; SMQ $3,900.00 as 90, $6,800.00 as 95). Only one hinged stamp has exceeded this grade
10c Brown, With Secret Mark (188). Slightly disturbed original gum, rich color, well-centered with extra wide margins, Very Fine and choice, difficult to find with original gum and Jumbo margins, with 2011 P.S.E. certificate (DOG, VF-XF 85 Jumbo; SMQ $2,600.00 as 85, $3,900.00 as 90)
15c Red Orange (189). Mint N.H., fiery color on post-office fresh paper, almost perfect centeringEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 15-CENT 1879 AMERICAN BANK NOTE COMPANY ISSUE.
This issue is often found in Mint N.H. condition, as several sheets have been broken in recent years. However, most of the stamps in these sheets are somewhat off-center, and examples such as this are rare.
With 2009 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $4,250.00). Only four have graded higher (including one at 100, offered in our Whitman sale), and only four others share this grade
30c Full Black (190). Original gum which covers the entire back of the stamp, therefore called "o.g., previously hinged" on three accompanying P.F. certificates, yet P.S.E. certificate mysteriously states "part o.g.", bright shade, gorgeous centering with Jumbo marginsEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A MASSIVELY-MARGINED ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE 30-CENT 1879 AMERICAN BANK NOTE COMPANY ISSUE.
With 1987, 1990 and 2008 P.F. certificates (XF 90 Jumbo). With 2008 P.S.E. certificate (POG, XF-Superb 95 Jumbo; SMQ $3,000.00 as 95, $6,000.00 as 98 for original gum). Given the sheer size and centering we are surprised the P.F. did grade this as high as P.S.E. did
30c Full Black (190). Original gum, crisp impression, wide margins and well-centered, thin spot at top right, appears Extremely Fine
90c Carmine (191). Original gum, barely hinged, extra wide margins, brilliant colorEXTREMELY FINE. A BEAUTIFUL LIGHTLY-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 90-CENT 1879 AMERICAN BANK NOTE ISSUE.
Ex Vineyard. With 1984 and 2003 P.F. certificates