Sale 1034 — The Merlin Collection of Superb United States Stamps
Sale Date — Wednesday-Thursday, 28-29 November, 2012
Category — 1913 Panama Pacific Issue (Scott 397-404)
1c Panama-Pacific (397). Mint N.H., beautiful wide margins and mathematically perfect centering, deep rich color on post-office fresh paper, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2006 P.S.E. certificate (Gem 100; SMQ $625.00 as 98, unpriced in higher grade), one of only five Mint N.H. examples awarded this lofty grade with only one higher
2c Panama-Pacific (398). Mint N.H., Jumbo margins and precise centering, vibrant color, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2006 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98 Jumbo; SMQ $750.00 as 98, unpriced in higher grade), only two examples have been graded higher (at 100) and only two others share this grade
5c Panama-Pacific (399). Mint N.H., deep color and proof-like impression, post-office fresh, perfectly centered with Jumbo marginsEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A STUNNING MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 5-CENT PERF 12 PANAMA-PACIFIC ISSUE.
Ex Whitman. With 2000 P.F. and 2008 P.S.E. certificates (Superb 98 Jumbo; unpriced in SMQ above the grade of 98, SMQ $1,750.00 as 98). Only one example has graded higher and only two others share this grade
10c Orange Yellow, Panama-Pacific (400). Mint N.H., vibrant color, Jumbo margins and almost mathematically precise centering, tiny natural inclusion not mentioned on accompanying certificatesEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 10-CENT ORANGE YELLOW PERF 12 PANAMA-PACIFIC ISSUE.
Ex Whitman. With 1997 P.F. and 2009 P.S.E. certificates (Superb 98 Jumbo; unpriced in SMQ above the grade of 98, SMQ $2,450.00 as 98). Only one example has been graded higher (at 100) and only three others share this grade
10c Orange, Panama-Pacific (400A). Mint N.H., gorgeous bright color and detailed impression, Jumbo margins and choice centering, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2000 P.F. (for block, this the upper left stamp) and 2005 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95 Jumbo; SMQ $1,250.00 as 95, $4,500.00 as 98)
1c Panama-Pacific, Perf 10 (401). Mint N.H., Jumbo margins and well-centered, bright color and paper, Extremely Fine Gem, with 1998 P.F. and 2006 P.S.E. certificates (XF 90 Jumbo; SMQ $150.00 as 90, $325.00 as 95)
2c Panama-Pacific, Perf 10 (402). Mint N.H., brilliant color and crisp impression, perfectly centered with wide marginsEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 2-CENT PANAMA-PACIFIC PERF 10 ISSUE GRADED SUPERB 98 P.S.E.
With 1992 P.F. and 2007 P.S.E. certificates (Superb 98; SMQ $2,850.00 as 98). Only two examples have graded higher and only five others share this grade
5c Panama-Pacific, Perf 10 (403). Jumbo margins with flawless centering, barest trace of hinging, strong color on fresh paperEXTREMELY FINE GEM. AN ABSOLUTELY ASTOUNDING EXAMPLE OF THE 5-CENT PANAMA-PACIFIC PERF 10, GRADED GEM 100 JUMBO BY P.S.E.
With 2007 P.S.E. certificate (Gem 100 Jumbo; SMQ $660.00 for 98, unpriced in higher grades), this is the only example awarded this ultimate grade, the closest second is one 98 OGph and three 98J OGnh
5c Panama-Pacific, Perf 10 (403). Mint N.H., intense color on bright white paper, balanced Jumbo margins, post-office fresh, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2007 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95 Jumbo; SMQ $1,525.00 as 95, $3,750.00 as 98)
10c Panama-Pacific, Perf 10 (404). Mathematically centered within wide and perfectly balanced margins, bright color on post-office fresh paperEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SPECTACULAR ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE 10-CENT PERF 10 PANAMA-PACIFIC, WHICH HAS BEEN AWARDED THE PERFECT GRADE OF GEM 100 BY P.S.E.
With 1985 P.F. and 2011 P.S.E. certificates (OGph, Gem 100; unpriced in SMQ above the grade of 98, SMQ $2,150.00 as 98). This is the highest grade awarded to a hinged stamp, with the next highest a 98. For the collector who values centering more than never-hinged gum, this stamp presents a rare opportunity, and would be a marvelous capstone to a superb Panama-Pacific set.
10c Panama-Pacific, Perf 10 (404). Single small hinge mark, intense shade and impression, choice centering with well-balanced margins, Extremely Fine, with 2003 P.S.E. certificate (OG, XF 90; SMQ $875.00)