Sale 1093 — The Curtis Collection: U.S. 20th Century and Air Post
Sale Date — Monday-Tuesday, 23-24 February, 2015
Category — 1917-18 Double Line Wmk and Bi-Color Issues (Scott 519-524)
2c Carmine (519). Mint N.H., rich color, wide margins, fresh and Extremely Fine, with 2001 A.P.S. certificate
2c Carmine (519). Bottom imprint and plate no. 4818 block of six, lightly hinged, rich color, bottom left stamp tiny thin spot not mentioned on accompanying certificate, Very Fine appearance, with 1989 P.F. certificate
2c Carmine (519). Radiant shade and sharp impression on crisp white paper, light machine cancelVERY FINE. AN INCREDIBLY BEAUTIFUL USED EXAMPLE OF SCOTT 519. A TRUE CONDITION RARITY.
Experienced philatelists know that despite the availability of this issue in unused condition, it is extremely rare in well-centered sound used condition.
With 2003 P.F. certificate
2c Carmine (519). Natural s.e. at right, tied by "New York N.Y. Washington Bridge Sta. Nov. 19 1917 11:30AM" machine cancel on locally addressed cover, stamp with tiny tear at top right and sealed tear at bottom left, Very Fine appearance, this stamp was created in 1917 when a small excess supply of the imperforate Scott 344 was returned by the New York City post office to the Bureau for credit, rather than issue the credit, the Bureau perforated the sheets and returned them to the New York City post office for public sale, this is the first on cover we have offered since 2008, with 2001 P.F. certificate
$2.00 Orange Red & Black (523). Original gum, lightly hinged, vibrant colors, wide and balanced margins, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2007 P.S.E. certificate (OGph, XF-Superb 95; SMQ $850.00)
$2.00 Orange Red & Black (523). Top double plate nos. 8177/8179 and arrow block of eight, rich colors with just a trace of oxidation at edgesVERY FINE AND SCARCE PLATE NUMBER BLOCK OF THE 1918 $2.00 ORANGE RED & BLACK.
The $2.00 and $5.00 1918 Issue are the first bi-colored dollar-denominated postage stamps issued by the United States. Both were released just three months after the famous 1918 24c Inverted Jenny, but the early printings were issued in small quantities, since stocks of the 1902 $2.00 and $5.00 1917 issue were still on hand.
According to Johl, the $2.00 Orange Red & Black was a color error on the part of the Bureau of Engraving & Printing. The official description and order for the bi-color stamps specified "Red and Black" for the $2.00. When subsequent printings appeared in 1920 and philatelists brought the matter to the attention of the Bureau, they were told "this stamp has always been this color" (Johl, p. 306). From studies of Bureau and Post Office records, it is clear that the originally-intended color was not issued until November 1920 (Scott 547), and that the earlier Orange Red stamps were mistakes. The quantity issued has been variously estimated at between 47,000 and 68,000.
With 1991 P.S.E. certificate
$2.00 Orange Red & Black (523). Deep rich colors and detailed impressions, bright paper, phenomenal centering with Jumbo margins, unobtrusive strike of oval registry cancelEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB USED EXAMPLE OF THE $2.00 ORANGE RED & BLACK 1918 FRANKLIN ISSUE. THIS MAY WELL BE THE FINEST IN EXISTENCE -- IT HAS BEEN AWARDED THE GRADE OF SUPERB 98 JUMBO BY P.S.E., WHICH IS THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED TO DATE. IT IS THE ONLY EXAMPLE TO ACHIEVE THIS GRADE.
The $2.00 and $5.00 1918 Issue are the first bi-colored dollar-denominated postage stamps issued by the United States. Both were released just three months after the famous 1918 24c Inverted Jenny, but the early printings were issued in small quantities, since stocks of the earlier $2.00 and $5.00 issues (Scott 479 and 480) were still on hand.
According to Johl, the $2.00 Orange Red & Black was a color error on the part of the Bureau of Engraving & Printing. The official description and order for the bi-color stamps specified "Red and Black" for the $2.00. When subsequent printings appeared in 1920 and philatelists brought the matter to the attention of the Bureau, they were told "this stamp has always been this color" (Johl, p. 306). From studies of Bureau and Post Office records, it is clear that the originally-intended color was not issued until November 1920 (Scott 547), and that the earlier Orange Red stamps were mistakes.
Ex Natalee Grace. With 1995 P.F. and 2009 P.S.E. certificates (Superb 98 Jumbo; unpriced in SMQ above the grade of 98, SMQ $1,750.00 as 98). This is the highest grade awarded and the only example to achieve this grade.
$2.00 Orange Red & Black (523). Jumbo margins, fresh colors, three clearly-struck registry double ovals, Extremely Fine, with 2008 P.S.E. certificate (XF 90 Jumbo; SMQ $400.00 as 90, $850.00 as 95)
$2.00 Orange Red & Black (523). Bottom arrow block of four, neat Kansas City Federal Reserve cancels, bottom left stamp creases, Very Fine appearance, scarce used position block, Scott Retail as normal block of four
$5.00 Deep Green & Black (524). Mint N.H., choice centering, fresh color, Extremely Fine, with 1985 P.F. certificate
$5.00 Deep Green & Black (524). Top double plate nos. 8178/8179 and arrow block of eight, rich colors, h.r. at bottom center, left stamps natural pre-printing paperfold, Very Fine and attractive plate block