Sale 1156 — United States Stamps
Sale Date — Thursday, 11 May, 2017
Category — 1913-15 Washington-Franklin Issues (Scott 424-440)
1c Green (424). Mint N.H., bright shade on crisp paper, perfectly centered, Extremely Fine Gem, a gorgeous stamp, with 2007 P.S.E. certificate (Gem 100; SMQ $800.00), this is the highest grade awarded and only two others share it
2c Rose Red, Ty. I (425). Mint N.H., brilliant color, perfectly centered, Extremely Fine Gem, P.S.E. Encapsulated (Gem 100; SMQ $800.00), this is the highest grade awarded and only two others share it, this is the first time we have offered this grade in one of our auctions
3c Deep Violet, Pink Back (426 var). Mint N.H., rich color on bright paper, unmistakable "Pink Back" varietyEXTREMELY FINE GEM. AN ABSOLUTELY STUNNING MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 1914 3-CENT WASHINGTON WITH THE "PINK BACK" VARIETY. THIS STAMP IS GRADED GEM 100 JUMBO BY P.S.E. -- THIS IS THE HIGHEST GRADE POSSIBLE AND THE ONLY EXAMPLE TO ACHIEVE IT.
According to Scott Catalogue, the aniline inks used on some printings of Scott 425, 426 and 435a caused a pink tinge to permeate the paper and appear on the back.
With 2013 P.S.E. certificate (Gem 100 Jumbo; unpriced in this grade in SMQ; SMQ $2,750.00 as 100 with no premium for the variety). This is the highest grade awarded to a Scott 426 and no others share it. The highest grade we have offered in one of our auctions is a 98
3c Deep Violet (426). Mint N.H., rich color on bright paper, perfectly centered with Jumbo margins, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2014 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98 Jumbo; SMQ $1,400.00), only one has graded higher (at 100J, a "Pink Back" offered in lot 3596) and only two others share this desirable grade
4c Brown (427). Mint N.H., rich color and proof-like impression, perfect centering with Jumbo margins, long and full perforationsEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A STUNNING MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 4-CENT WASHINGTON, SCOTT 427, WHICH IS GRADED SUPERB 98 JUMBO BY P.S.E. -- THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED.
With 2013 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98 Jumbo; SMQ $2,750.00). This is the highest grade awarded and only two others share it. This is the first in this grade we have offered since keeping computerized records
5c Blue (428). Mint N.H., intense shade and impression, marvelous centering with wide and balanced marginsEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF SCOTT 428, WHICH IS GRADED SUPERB 98 BY P.S.E. -- THIS IS THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED.
With 1997 P.F. and 2007 P.S.E. certificates (Superb 98; SMQ $1,850.00). This is the highest grade awarded and only nine others share it. Despite the relatively high number it is surprisingly difficult to find in this grade, as we have offered only one other in our auctions
5c Blue (428). Mint N.H., rich color, wide margins and choice centering, tiny natural inclusion in bottom margin, Extremely Fine Gem, with 1989 P.F. and 2006 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $600.00)
6c Red Orange (429). Mint N.H., brilliant color, gorgeous centering with Jumbo marginsEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A STUNNING MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF SCOTT 429, WHICH IS GRADED SUPERB 98 JUMBO BY P.S.E.
With 2014 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98 Jumbo; SMQ $2,250.00). Only three have graded higher (at 100) and only one other shares this desirable grade.
6c Red Orange (429). Mint N.H., vivid color, choice centering with wide margins, Extremely Fine, with 2007 P.S.E. certificate (XF 90; SMQ $250.00)
7c Black (430). Mint N.H., intense shade and impression, phenomenal centering with Jumbo marginsEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A STUNNING MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF SCOTT 430, WHICH IS GRADED SUPERB 98 JUMBO BY P.S.E. -- THIS IS THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED AND THE ONLY EXAMPLE TO ACHIEVE IT.
With 2011 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98 Jumbo; SMQ $5,750.00). This is the highest grade awarded and no others share it. The next-highest grade is a 95 (three awarded)
7c Black (430). Mint N.H., choice centering with wide and balanced margins, intense shade on bright white paper, Extremely Fine, ex Merlin, with 2007 P.S.E. certificate (XF 90; SMQ $450.00)
8c Pale Olive Green (431). Mint N.H. with top part imprint selvage, lovely warm color, beautiful centering, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2011 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98; SMQ $1,750.00), only two have graded higher (at 98J) and nine others share this grade
9c Salmon Red (432). Mint N.H., brilliant color on immaculate fresh paper, almost mathematically perfect centering with Jumbo marginsEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A MAGNIFICENT MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 9-CENT WATERMARKED PERF 10 ISSUE -- GRADED SUPERB 98 JUMBO BY P.S.E. THIS IS THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED.
Ex Whitman. With 1995 and 2008 P.S.E. certificates (Superb 98 Jumbo; SMQ $3,100.00). Only one has graded higher (at 100, realized $6,500 hammer in our 2016 Hanover sale) and no others share this desirable grade
9c Salmon Red (432). Mint N.H., vibrant color, wide margins and outstanding centering, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2006 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $750.00)
10c Orange Yellow (433). Mint N.H., vibrant color, wide and balanced margins, Extremely Fine Gem, with 1996 and 2007 P.F. certificates (XF-Superb 95)
10c Orange Yellow (433). Mint N.H., vivid color, wonderful centering, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2008 and 2016 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $750.00)
11c Dark Green (434). Mint N.H., intense shade and impression, essentially perfectly centered, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2008 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98; SMQ $1,150.00), only four have graded higher (three at 98J and one at 100) and only six others share this grade
11c Dark Green (434). Mint N.H., deep rich color on post office fresh paper, Jumbo margins and precise centering, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2012 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95 Jumbo; SMQ $650.00)
12c Claret Brown (435). Mint N.H., crisp impression on bright paper, wonderful centering with well-balanced margins, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2012 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98; SMQ $1,400.00), only one has graded higher (at 100J, realized $5,750 hammer in our recent Hanover sale) and only six others share this grade
12c Copper Red, Pink Back (435a var). Mint N.H. with bottom plate no. 6900 selvage, rich color on bright paper, tiny natural inclusion in top margin, Very Fine and choice, with 2007 P.S.E. certificate (VF 80; SMQ $75.00 with no premium for the variety), this was probably downgraded due to the inclusion
15c Gray (437). Mint N.H., radiant color and detailed impression, gorgeous centering with wide and balanced marginsEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A GORGEOUS MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 1914 15-CENT GRAY, SCOTT 437, GRADED SUPERB 98 BY P.S.E.
With 2011 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98; SMQ $5,250.00). Only two have graded higher (both 98J) and only six others share this desirable grade
20c Ultramarine (438). Mint N.H., brilliant color on bright paper, well-balanced marginsEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A BEAUTIFUL MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF SCOTT 438.
With 2004 P.F., 2004 and 2010 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $2,500.00). Nine have graded higher (one 95J, seven 98 and one 100). Despite these relatively high Population Report numbers it is difficult to obtain in higher grades -- the highest grade we have offered in our auctions is a 95.
20c Ultramarine (438). Mint N.H., bright color, Very Fine, with 2004 P.F. certificate
30c Orange Red (439). Mint N.H., vibrant color on bright paper, long and full perforationsEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A STUNNING MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 1914 30-CENT PERF 10 SINGLE-LINE WATERMARK ISSUE, GRADED SUPERB 98 BY P.S.E. -- THIS IS THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED AND ONLY ONE OTHER SHARES IT.
With 2008 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98; SMQ $8,250.00). This is the highest grade awarded and only one other shares it, a statistic that has not changed since 2008
30c Orange Red (439). Mint N.H., intense shade, fresh and Very Fine, with 2007 P.S.E. certificate (F-VF 75; SMQ $325.00)
50c Violet (440). Mint N.H., radiant color on crisp paper, gorgeous centeringEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE SINGLE-LINE WATERMARK 50-CENT PERF 10 FRANKLIN ISSUE, SCOTT 440. THIS STAMP IS GRADED SUPERB 98 BY P.S.E. ONLY ONE HAS GRADED HIGHER.
With 2007 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98; SMQ $12,000.00). Only one has graded higher (at 100, realized $18,000 hammer in our recent Hanover sale) and only five others share this desirable grade. These population statistics have not changed in four years
50c Violet (440). Mint N.H., bright color, outstanding centeringEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A BEAUTIFUL MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 50-CENT PERF 10 WATERMARKED FRANKLIN, SCOTT 440.
With 1994 P.F. and 2007 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $5,250.00).
50c Violet (440). Mint N.H., well-centered with balanced margins, fresh color, Extremely Fine, with 2010 P.S.E. certificate (XF 90; SMQ $1,850.00)