Sale 1245 — United States Stamps, featuring the Sacramento Collection
Sale Date — Tuesday-Thursday, 16-18 November, 2021
Category — 1894 Unwatermarked Bureau Issue (Scott 246-263)
1c Ultramarine (246). Mint N.H., wide balanced margins all around, brilliant color on pristine white paper, Extremely Fine, with 2001 and 2016 P.F. certificates (XF 90), far better than the P.F. grade suggests
1c Blue (247). Original gum, lightly hinged, Jumbo margins and well-centered, intense shade, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2009 P.S.E. certificate (OGph, XF-Superb 95 Jumbo; SMQ $375.00)
2c Pink, Ty. I (248). Mint N.H., radiant color on fresh paper, beautiful centering with Jumbo margins, Extremely Fine Gem, according to Brookman the color of this issue (like the 1c, Scott 246) proved unsatisfactory and so it was in production for only a few months before the color was changed, ex Whitman and "Golden Oak", with 1995 P.F. and 2008 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95 Jumbo; SMQ $2,000.00), only three stamps grade higher (at 98) and two share this grade
2c Carmine Lake, Ty. I (249). Mint N.H., outstanding centering with wide margins, dark shadeEXTREMELY FINE GEM MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE UNWATERMARKED 2-CENT TYPE I CARMINE LAKE, SCOTT 249.
With 2011 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $4,400.00). Only four grade higher
2c Carmine, Ty. I (250). Mint N.H., brilliant color on post-office fresh paper, Jumbo margins and precise centering, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2009 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95 Jumbo; SMQ $1,500.00), only four grade higher
2c Carmine, Ty. II (251). Mint N.H., radiant color, fresh and Fine, with 2018 P.S.A.G. certificate
2c Carmine, Ty. II (251). Original gum, brilliant color, precise centering with balanced margins, Extremely Fine Gem, with 1995 P.F. and 2010 P.S.E. certificates (OGph, XF-Superb 95; SMQ $1,300.00)
2c Carmine, Ty. III (252). Mint N.H., brilliant color, unusually choice centering with balanced marginsEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A BEAUTIFUL MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 1894 2-CENT TYPE III UNWATERMARKED BUREAU ISSUE IN THE CARMINE COLOR -- GRADED XF-SUPERB 95 BY P.S.E.
Ex Merlin and "Golden Oak". With 2011 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $4,250.00). Only one grades higher (at 98) and two others share this grade.
3c Purple (253). Mint N.H., brilliant color and proof-like impression showing every detail of the engraving, Jumbo margins and precise centeringEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB JUMBO MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE UNWATERMARKED 1894 3-CENT BUREAU ISSUE, GRADED XF-SUPERB 95 JUMBO BY P.S.E.
As collectors of the First Bureau Issue know, great difficulty was experienced in perforating the stamps, either due to poor equipment or improper operation. Choppy, ragged perfs and poor centering are so common on this issue that it is often possible to separate the 1894 unwatermarked stamps from the 1895 watermarked stamps by the appearance of the perforations alone. This example, with precise centering, Jumbo margins and perfectly formed perforations, is a true condition rarity.
With 1997 P.F. and 2017 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95 Jumbo; SMQ $7,500.00). Only one stamp grades higher -- at 98 and offered in our Sale 1199 (realized $15,000 hammer) and no others share this grade.
4c Dark Brown (254). Mint N.H., deep rich color on post-office fresh paper, choice centering with wide marginsEXTREMELY FINE GEM MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 1894 4-CENT UNWATERMARKED BUREAU ISSUE.
With 2017 P.F. certificate (XF-Superb 95)
5c Chocolate (255). Mint N.H., deep rich color on bright paper, outstanding centeringEXTREMELY FINE GEM MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 1894 5-CENT UNWATERMARKED BUREAU ISSUE.
With 1997 P.F. and 2004 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $2,900.00). Only three grade higher (highest is 98)
6c Dull Brown (256). Mint N.H., intense shade and proof-like impression, beautiful centering with unusually wide marginsEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A GORGEOUS MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 1894 6-CENT UNWATERMARKED BUREAU ISSUE.
Ex Beckley, "Hanover" and "Clipper City". With 2003 P.F. and 2005 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $3,750.00). Only three grade higher (one 95J and two 98).
8c Violet Brown (257). Original gum, intense shade, choice balanced margins, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2007 P.S.E. certificate (OGh, XF-Superb 95; SMQ $500.00)
10c Dark Green (258). Original gum, lightly hinged, rich color, nicely balanced margins, Extremely Fine, with 2001 P.F. and 2008 P.S.E. certificates (XF 90; SMQ $500.00)
15c Dark Blue (259). Original gum, with part imprint top selvage, Jumbo margins and precise centering, wonderful depth of color, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2004 P.S.E. certificate (OGph, XF-Superb 95 Jumbo; SMQ $1,500.00), this is the highest grade awarded to a hinged example and is shared by only one other (one Mint N.H. grades 98)
15c Dark Blue (259). Original gum, lightly hinged, well-centered, deep proof-like color and impression, Extremely Fine, with 1987 P.F. certificate
50c Orange (260). Original gum, lightly hinged, vivid color, well-centered, fresh and Extremely Fine, with 1978 P.F. and 2007 P.S.E. certificates (OGph, XF 90; SMQ $800.00)
50c Orange (260). Original gum, brilliant color, attractive centering and margins, fresh and Very Fine, with 1985 P.F. certificate
$1.00 Black (261). Original gum, lightly hinged, essentially perfectly centered with Jumbo margins, intense shade and detailed impressionEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A MAGNIFICENT ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE 1894 $1.00 TYPE I UNWATERMARKED BUREAU ISSUE.
With 1992 P.F. and 2012 P.S.E. certificates (OGph, XF-Superb 95 Jumbo; SMQ $4,000.00). Only three grade higher and five others share this grade.
$1.00 Black (261). Original gum, lightly hinged, Jumbo margins all around, proof-like impressionEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB JUMBO-MARGINED ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE 1894 $1.00 TYPE I UNWATERMARKED BUREAU ISSUE.
Ex Drucker. With 1980 and 2002 P.F. certificates
$1.00 Black, Ty. II (261A). Mint N.H., detailed impression on bright paperVERY FINE MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 1894 $1.00 TYPE II UNWATERMARKED BUREAU ISSUE.
With 2006 and 2018 P.S.E. certificates (VF 80; SMQ $6,500.00)
$1.00 Black, Ty. II (261A). Original gum, lightly hinged, intense impression on crisp paper, unusually choice centering with wide and balanced marginsEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE 1894 $1.00 TYPE II UNWATERMARKED BUREAU ISSUE.
With 1990 P.F. and 2008 P.S.E. certificates (OGph, XF-Superb 95; SMQ $6,800.00). This issue is difficult to obtain in the higher grades -- only two hinged examples grade higher (both 98) and two others share this desirable grade.
$1.00 Black, Ty. II (261A). Original gum, deep shade and sharp impression, Very Fine, with 1974 P.F. certificate
$2.00 Bright Blue (262). Original gum, lightly hinged, exceptional Jumbo margins and essentially perfect centering, gorgeous color on bright paperEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB LIGHTLY HINGED JUMBO-MARGINED EXAMPLE OF THE 1894 $2.00 UNWATERMARKED BUREAU ISSUE, GRADED XF-SUPERB 95 JUMBO BY P.S.E. -- THIS IS THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED AND THE ONLY TO ACHIEVE IT.
The 1894 unwatermarked issue was the first U.S. stamp issue printed by the Bureau of Engraving & Printing. This issue is notoriously difficult to find well-centered, as production was marred by initial problems as the Bureau feverishly worked to satisfy the public demand for stamps. The $2.00 is one of the rarest of the set in original-gum condition with choice centering. This Jumbo-margined example is truly exceptional.
With 2014 P.S.E. certificate (OGph, XF-Superb 95 Jumbo; SMQ $11,000.00). This is the highest grade awarded to any original-gum Scott 262 and it is shared by only two others. The highest graded Mint N.H. example is XF 90.
$2.00 Bright Blue (262). Original gum, lightly hinged, rich color and detailed impression, Very Fine, with photocopy of 1992 P.F. certificate for a block of four
$5.00 Dark Green (263). Original gum, lightly hinged, gorgeous deep color and proof-like impression, perfectly centered with wide marginsEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A STUNNING ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE 1894 $5.00 UNWATERMARKED BUREAU ISSUE, GRADED SUPERB 98 BY P.S.E.
The 1894 Unwatermarked issue was the first U.S. postage issue to be printed by the Bureau of Engraving & Printing, after the contract with American Bank Note Co. expired. The first stamps printed by the Bureau are notoriously difficult to find well-centered, as production was marred by initial problems as they geared up to meet the needs of the public for stamps. The designs through the $1.00 were kept the same from the 1890 ABN Co. issue, with the addition of corner triangles to distinguish the printings. The use of the same designs is another indication of the time pressure that may have caused some of the initial production problems. The $5.00 is one of the two or three most difficult denominations to find in superb condition.
With 2004 P.F. and 2008 P.S.E. certificates (OGph, Superb 98; SMQ $21,000.00). Only four others share this grade and only one grades higher (at 100). Collectors waiting for a Mint N.H. example in higher grades will have a very long wait -- the highest grade awarded thus far to a Mint N.H. copy is VF 80.
$5.00 Dark Green (263). Original gum, lightly hinged, deep rich color on bright paperFRESH AND VERY FINE LIGHTLY HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 1894 $5.00 UNWATERMARKED BUREAU ISSUE.
With 1975 and 2016 P.F. certificates
$5.00 Dark Green (263). Original gum, lightly hinged, dark color and detailed impression, well-centeredVERY FINE AND CHOICE ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE 1894 $5.00 UNWATERMARKED BUREAU ISSUE.
With 1987 P.F. certificate
$5.00 Dark Green (263). Block of four with wide right part arrow selvage, original gum, deep rich color and proof-like impression on bright paper, beautiful centering almost unheard of for a block of this issueFRESH AND VERY FINE. AN EXCEEDINGLY RARE ORIGINAL-GUM PART-ARROW MARGIN BLOCK OF THE 1894 $5.00 UNWATERMARKED BUREAU ISSUE. EASILY ONE OF THE FINEST BLOCKS IN EXISTENCE.
A review using Power Search demonstrates the rarity of Scott 263 in block form with choice centering. This part-arrow block, with perfs well clear all around in each stamp, is easily one of the finest known.
With 1970 P.F. and 2021 P.S.E. certificates. From our 1969 Rarities of the World sale where this block realized almost double the then-current Scott value