Sale 1057 — The Curtis Collection: 1847-1901 Issues
Sale Date — Thursday, 7 November, 2013
Category — 1887 American Bank Note Co. Issue (Scott 205-218)
5c Yellow Brown (205). Original gum, lightly hinged, Jumbo margins and essentially perfect centering, bright shade on fresh paper, Extremely Fine Gem, a superb stamp in every respect, with 1998 P.F. and 2003 P.S.E. certificates (OGph, Superb 98 Jumbo; unpriced in SMQ above the grade of 98, SMQ $2,000.00 as 98), only one has graded higher and none share this grade
3c Blue Green (207). Mint N.H., deep rich color and proof-like impression, gorgeous centering with wide and balanced margins, Extremely Fine Gem, a gorgeous stamp, with 2009 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $2,100.00), this is the highest grade awarded and it is shared by only four others
6c Deep Brown Red (208a). Original gum, barest trace of hinging, deep rich color, exceptional centering, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2007 P.S.E. certificate (OGph, XF-Superb 95; SMQ $1,750.00), only two have graded higher
10c Brown (209). Original gum, lightly hinged, choice centering, strong color and impression, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2006 P.S.E. certificate (OGph, XF-Superb 95; SMQ $500.00)
4c Blue Green (211). Original gum, lightly hinged, deep rich color, perfect centering with wide marginsEXTREMELY FINE GEM MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF 4-CENT 1883 AMERICAN BANK NOTE ISSUE, WHICH HAS BEEN GRADED SUPERB 98 BY P.S.E. THIS IS THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED IN ANY CATEGORY.
With 2008 P.S.E. certificate (OGph, Superb 98; SMQ $2,200.00). This is the only stamp to achieve this grade in any condition category, with none higher
1c Ultramarine (212). Mint N.H., bright color on post-office fresh paper, Jumbo margins all aroundEXTREMELY FINE GEM MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE ONE-CENT 1887 AMERICAN BANK NOTE ISSUE.
With 2004 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95 Jumbo; SMQ $2,300.00 as 95, $7,700.00 as 98)
2c Green (213). Mint N.H., radiant color, Jumbo margins, Extremely Fine Gem, a huge stamp, with 2002 P.F. and 2006 P.S.E. certificates (XF 90 Jumbo; SMQ $335.00 as 90, $950.00 as 95)
4c Carmine (215). Original gum, lightly hinged, vivid color, Jumbo margins, Extremely Fine Gem, with 1979 P.F. and 2006 P.S.E. certificates (OGph, XF 90 Jumbo; SMQ $500.00 as 90, $775.00 as 95)
5c Indigo (216). Original gum, lightly hinged, outstanding centering, rich color, Extremely Fine Gem, with 1991 P.F. certificate
30c Orange Brown (217). Mint N.H., beautiful glowing color on fresh paper, essentially perfect centering with wide margins all aroundEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 1888 30-CENT AMERICAN BANK NOTE COMPANY ISSUE.
Ex Zoellner. With 1985, 1998 P.F. and 2007 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $5,100.00). Only three others shares this grade and only one has graded higher (at 98)
30c Orange Brown (217). Original gum, lightly hinged, Jumbo margins and choice centering, fresh color, Extremely Fine, with 2002 P.F. and 2009 P.S.E. certificates (OGph, XF 90 Jumbo; SMQ $675.00 as 90, $1,425.00 as 95)
30c Orange Brown (217). Original gum, bright color, well-centered, Very Fine and choice
90c Purple (218). Original gum, lightly hinged, perfect centering, gorgeous rich color on fresh paperEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE 1888 90-CENT PURPLE, WHICH HAS BEEN GRADED SUPERB 98 BY P.S.E.
With 2009 P.S.E. certificate (OGph, Superb 98; SMQ $5,800.00). This is one of only three examples to achieve this desirable grade, with none higher