Sale 967 — Important and Superb United States Stamps
Sale Date — Tuesday-Friday, 16-19 December, 2008
Category — 1894 Unwatermarked Bureau Issue (Scott 246-263)
1c Blue (247). Mint N.H. with plate no. 102 at top, deep rich color and sharp proof-like impression, almost perfectly centered with huge margins all aroundEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A MAGNIFICENT MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 1894 ONE-CENT UNWATERMARKED BUREAU ISSUE IN THE BLUE COLOR. ESPECIALLY DESIRABLE WITH THE PLATE NUMBER, THIS STAMP HAS BEEN AWARDED THE EXALTED GRADE OF 95 JUMBO BY P.S.E. -- THIS IS THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED TO DATE.
According to Brookman, the Ultramarine color of the one-cent stamps was unsatisfactory, and so they changed the color to the more distinctive Blue of this issue.
Ex Scarsdale. With 1987 and 2000 P.F. certificates. With 2004 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95 Jumbo; SMQ $2,450.00 as 95, $8,350.00 as 98). Only one other stamp shares this grade to date. It is important to note that this population statistic has not changed since we last offered this stamp in November 2006.
10c Dark Green (258). Mint N.H., uncommonly wide Jumbo margins, very pretty color on crisp white paperVERY FINE AND CHOICE. 10-CENT 1894 BUREAU ISSUE STAMPS ARE SELDOM FOUND WITH JUMBO MARGINS, ESPECIALLY IN MINT NEVER-HINGED POST OFFICE CONDITION.
With 2008 P.S.E. certificate (VF-XF 85 Jumbo; SMQ $1,800.00 as 85, $3,250.00 as 90)
10c Dark Green (258). Original gum, lightly hinged, exceptionally beautiful wide margins and great deep color, Extremely Fine, with 2001 P.F. and 2008 P.S.E. certificates (OGph, XF 90; SMQ $700.00)
10c Dark Green (258). Block of four, original gum, lightly hinged, beautiful color and impression, left pair with light natural gum wrinkle, Fine-Very Fine, with 2008 P.S.E. certificate
50c Orange (260). Mint N.H., radiant color on bright paper, unusually choice centering with wide and balanced marginsEXTREMELY FINE. A BEAUTIFUL MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 1894 50-CENT UNWATERMARKED BUREAU ISSUE.
With 2008 P.S.E. certificate (XF 90; SMQ $5,100.00). Surprisingly, this is the highest graded example of this issue we have offered to date (excluding the ex-Zoellner gem, which was not graded until after we last sold it). Only three have graded higher, and only three others share this grade.
50c Orange (260). Original gum, faintly hinged, uncharacteristically wide Jumbo margins, vivid color, Very Fine and choice, with 2008 P.S.E. certificate (OGph, VF-XF 85 Jumbo; SMQ $870.00 as 85, $1,250.00 as 90)
50c Orange (260). Original gum, lightly hinged, deep bright color, attractive centering, Very Fine
$1.00 Black (261). Original gum, barely hinged, sharp proof-like impression, fresh and Very Fine, with 2004 P.F. certificate
$1.00 Black (261). Exceptionally wide margins and nearly perfectly centered, beautiful impression on bright white paper, unobtrusive cancel leaves entire design clearly visibleEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A WONDERFUL USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1894 $1.00 TYPE I UNWATERMARKED BUREAU ISSUE.
With 2008 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $3,750.00). This is the only example to achieve this grade and only one grades higher (Superb 98)
$1.00 Black, Ty. II (261A). Mint N.H., intense shade and impression on bright paper, choice centering with balanced marginsEXTREMELY FINE. A SUPERB MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 1894 $1.00 UNWATERMARKED TYPE II BUREAU ISSUE.
Collectors of this issue know that it is extremely difficult to find the First Bureau issue in centered, Mint Never-Hinged condition, particularly the higher denominations. This is mostly due to production problems as the Bureau of Engraving and Printing assumed responsibility for stamp production after the American Bank Note contract expired.
Ex Scarsdale. With 1988 P.F. certificate as block of four and 2003 P.F. certificate as single. With 2004 P.S.E. certificate (VF-XF 85; SMQ $11,500.00). In our opinion this meets every criteria for XF 90.
$1.00 Black, Ty. II (261A). Original gum, lightly hinged, intense shade and impression, wide marginsEXTREMELY FINE ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE 1894 $1.00 TYPE II UNWATERMARKED BUREAU ISSUE.
Ex Morris. With 1987 P.F. and 2008 P.S.E. certificates (OGph, XF 90; SMQ $4,950.00). Only four have graded higher to date.