Sale 978 — The Beverly Hills Collection of Outstanding United States Stamps
Sale Date — Friday, 4 December, 2009
Category — Officials
12c Agriculture (O6). Original gum, lightly hinged, vibrant color as fresh as the day it was printed, well-proportioned margins, Extremely Fine, a pretty stamp, P.S.E. encapsulated (XF 90; SMQ $950.00)
30c Navy (O44). Original gum, rich color on bright paper, unusually choice centering for this difficult issue, Extremely Fine Gem, P.S.E. encapsulated (OGh, XF-Superb 95; SMQ $1,200.00), only one has graded higher to date in the P.S.E. Population Report and only one shares this grade
24c War (O91). Original gum, lightly hinged, bright color, wide and balanced margins, Extremely Fine Gem, P.S.E. encapsulated (OGh, XF-Superb 95; SMQ $335.00), this is the highest grade awarded to date
30c War (O92). Original gum, essentially precise centering, light pastel color, Extremely Fine Gem, P.S.E. encapsulated (OGph, XF-Superb 95; SMQ $485.00), this is the highest grade awarded to date
1c Agriculture, Soft Paper (O94). Bottom right corner margin single, without gum as issued, intense color, perfect centering with Jumbo marginsEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A MAGNIFICENT POSITION PIECE OF THE ONE-CENT AGRICULTURE ON SOFT PAPER, GRADED SUPERB 98 JUMBO BY P.S.E -- THE ONLY EXAMPLE TO ACHIEVE THIS GRADE. THIS STAMP IS MOST LIKELY THE FINEST EXAMPLE IN EXISTENCE.
As discerning collectors know, the Officials can be extremely difficult to obtain in sound, centered condition -- particularly among the American printings on soft porous paper. The example offered here, with sheet margin on two sides and with Jumbo margins, is truly extraordinary.
1994 P.F. certificate no longer accompanies. P.S.E. encapsulated (Superb 98 Jumbo; unpriced in SMQ above the grade of 98, SMQ $18,900.00 as 98). This is the only example to be awarded this exalted grade in the P.S.E. Population Report. The next closest grade is a 90.