Sale 1034 — The Merlin Collection of Superb United States Stamps
Sale Date — Wednesday-Thursday, 28-29 November, 2012
Category — 1914-17 Washington-Franklin Issues (Scott 441-485)
1c Green, Coil (441). Mint N.H. pair, wide margins and almost mathematically perfect centering, rich color, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2007 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98; SMQ $250.00)
2c Carmine, Ty. I, Coil (442). Mint N.H. pair, mathematically perfect centering with wide margins, brilliant color on post-office fresh paper, Extremely Fine Gem, a stunning coil pair in the finest condition attainable, with 2008 P.S.E. certificate (Gem 100 Jumbo; unpriced in SMQ above the grade of 98, SMQ $400.00 as 98), this is the only pair to achieve this highest possible grade
2c Carmine, Ty. I, Coil (442). Mint N.H., brilliant color, perfectly centered with Jumbo margins, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2011 P.S.E. certificate (Gem 100 Jumbo; unpriced above the grade of 98 in SMQ, SMQ $200.00 as 98), this is the highest grade possible on the grading chart and the only example to achieve it
1c Green, Coil (443). Mint N.H. guide line pair, deep rich color, wide and well-balanced margins, Extremely Fine, with 2003 P.S.E. certificate (XF 90; SMQ $540.00)
2c Carmine, Coil (444). Guide line pair, single small hinge mark, intense shade and impression, gorgeous centering, Extremely Fine Gem, with 1998 and 2005 P.F. certificates
2c Carmine, Coil (444). Pair, brilliant color, mathematically perfect centering, Extremely Fine Gem, a superb coil pair, with 1980 P.F. and 2008 P.S.E. certificates (OGph, Gem 100; unpriced in SMQ above the grade of 98, SMQ $370.00 as 98), this is the highest grade awarded and only one other pair (and one line pair) has equaled it
3c Violet, Coil (445). Guide line pair, single small hinge mark at top, deep rich color on bright paper, mathematically perfect centering with wide marginsEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SPECTACULAR GUIDE LINE PAIR OF THE 3-CENT SINGLE-LINE WATERMARK PERF 10 COIL, SCOTT 445, WHICH HAS BEEN AWARDED THE PERFECT GRADE OF GEM 100 BY P.S.E.
According to Johl (p. 143) this issue was mainly used for special mailing purposes such as samples and pamphlets which were sent out in large quantities by individual mailers and resulted in limited distribution among collectors.
With 2010 P.S.E. certificate (Gem 100; unpriced in SMQ above the grade of 98, SMQ $3,700.00 as 98). This is the only example of Scott 445 to achieve this perfect grade in any format or condition, and none have been graded higher
3c Violet, Coil (445). Mint N.H., intense color, Very Fine and choice, with 2011 P.S.E. certificate (VF-XF 85; SMQ $625.00)
4c Brown, Coil (446). Pair, lightly hinged, deep rich color, choice centering with the left stamp especially so, Extremely Fine, with 1995 P.F. certificate
5c Blue, Coil (447). Guide line pair, outstanding centering with choice balanced margins, rich color, Extremely Fine Gem, with 1989 P.F. certificate
1c Green, Coil (448). Mint N.H. joint line pair, intense shade and impression, beautifully centered with wide margins, Extremely Fine, with 2005 P.S.E. certificate (XF 90; SMQ $340.00), only two joint line pairs have been graded higher (both at 95) and only one other shares this grade
1c Green, Coil (452). Mint N.H. joint line pair, bright color, wide and balanced margins, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2003 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $500.00)
2c Red, Ty. II, Coil (454). Mint N.H. pair, vivid color, choice centering, Extremely Fine Gem, with 1991 P.F. and 2008 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $1,150.00), only five have graded higher (highest at 98J)
2c Carmine, Ty. III, Coil (455). Mint N.H. joint line pair, perfectly centered, rich color, Extremely Fine Gem
3c Violet, Coil (456). Joint line pair, exceptionally well-centered, bright shade on fresh paper, Extremely Fine Gem, a superb line pair, with 2006 P.S.E. certificate (OGph, XF-Superb 95; SMQ $2,050.00), this is the highest grade awarded to a line pair in any gum condition, only two other hinged and one Mint N.H. have equaled it
3c Violet, Coil (456). Gum slightly disturbed in one corner from hinge removal, rich color and choice centering, Extremely Fine Gem, with 1999 A.P.S. certificate
4c Brown, Coil (457). Mint N.H. joint line pair, choice centering with wide margins, fresh color on bright paper, Extremely Fine, ex Floyd, with 1980 and 2001 P.F. certificates
4c Brown, Coil (457). Mint N.H. pair, intense shade and impression, beautiful centering, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2008 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98; SMQ $775.00), this is the highest grade awarded
5c Blue, Coil (458). Mint N.H. pair, nice centering and margins, strong color, Extremely Fine, with 2005 P.S.E. certificate (XF 90; SMQ $225.00)
2c Carmine, Ty. I, Imperforate Coil (459). Mint N.H. pair, large even margins all around, radiant color, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2004 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $700.00)
$1.00 Violet Black (460). Lightly hinged, outstanding margins and centering, detailed impression and intense shade, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2005 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $1,300.00)
2c Pale Carmine Red, Ty. I (461). Mint N.H., radiant color, unusually choice centering, fresh and Extremely Fine, with 1984 P.F. and 2004 P.S.E. certificates (XF 90; SMQ $650.00)
1c Green (462). Mint N.H., perfectly centered with Jumbo margins, gorgeous color on bright paper, Extremely Fine Gem, a magnificent stamp, with 1988 P.F. and 2009 P.S.E. certificates (Superb 98 Jumbo; unpriced in SMQ above the grade of 98, SMQ $900.00 as 98), only one example has been graded higher and only two others share this grade
4c Orange Brown (465). Mint N.H., choice centering, rich color, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2005 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $650.00)
5c Blue (466). Mint N.H., almost perfectly centered, bright color, post-office fresh, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2001 P.F. and 2006 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $1,100.00)
5c Carmine, Error (467). Mint N.H., intact perfs at sides showing portions of both adjoining stamps, brilliant color, superior centering with balanced marginsEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 5-CENT ROSE PERF 10 ERROR.
With 2007 P.F. (XF-Superb 95) and 2008 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $5,000.00)
6c Red Orange (468). Mint N.H., radiant color as fresh as the day it was printed, perfectly centered with wide and balanced margins, long and full perforations all aroundEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 6-CENT 1916 ISSUE, WHICH HAS BEEN GRADED SUPERB 98 BY P.S.E. -- THIS IS THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED.
With 2005 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98; SMQ $4,200.00). This is the highest grade awarded and it is shared by only three others
7c Black (469). Mint N.H., essentially perfect centering with Jumbo margins, deep shade and crisp impression on bright white paperEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SPECTACULAR MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 7-CENT PERF 10 UNWATERMARKED ISSUE, WHICH HAS BEEN GRADED SUPERB 98 JUMBO BY P.S.E. THIS IS THE ONLY STAMP TO ACHIEVE THIS DESIRABLE GRADE.
With 2000 P.F. and 2010 P.S.E. certificates (Superb 98 Jumbo; unpriced in SMQ above the grade of 98, SMQ $3,950.00 as 98). This is the only Mint N.H. stamp to achieve this grade with none higher
8c Olive Green (470). Mint N.H., luminous color on post-office fresh paper, choice balanced margins, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2006 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $850.00)
9c Salmon Red (471). Mint N.H., vibrant color on post-office fresh paper, exceptionally well-centered with Jumbo marginsEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A BEAUTIFUL MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 1916 9-CENT PERF 10 UNWATERMARKED ISSUE WHICH HAS BEEN GRADED SUPERB 98 JUMBO BY P.S.E.
With 1997 P.F. and 2011 P.S.E. certificates (Superb 98 Jumbo; unpriced in SMQ above the grade of 98, SMQ $2,500.00 as 98). This is the highest grade awarded and no other examples of Scott 471 in any condition have equaled it
10c Orange Yellow (472). Mint N.H., vivid color as fresh as the day it was printed, mathematically perfect centering with wide margins, long and full perforations all aroundEXTREMELY FINE GEM. THIS STUNNING MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 1916 10-CENT PERF 10 UNWATERMARKED ISSUE HAS BEEN GRADED GEM 100 BY P.S.E. -- THIS IS THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED AND THE ONLY EXAMPLE TO ACHIEVE THIS GRADE.
With 2011 P.S.E. certificate (Gem 100; unpriced in SMQ above the grade of 98, SMQ $4,950.00 as 98). This is the highest grade awarded and has been equaled by no others. The 1916-17 Perf 10 Unwatermarked Issue (Scott 462-480) is difficult to obtain in the higher grades. For the 20 Scott numbers in the series only seven Mint N.H. stamps representing six different numbers have been graded Gem 100
11c Dark Green (473). Mint N.H., Jumbo margins and precise centering, intense color on fresh paper, Extremely Fine Gem, with 1993 P.F. and 2008 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95 Jumbo; SMQ $600.00 as 95, $2,150.00 as 98)
15c Gray (475). Mint N.H., deep shade on bright paper, perfectly centered with wide marginsEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A REMARKABLE MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 1916 15-CENT PERF 10 UNWATERMARKED ISSUE, WHICH HAS BEEN GRADED SUPERB 98 BY P.S.E. -- THIS IS THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED.
With 2010 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98; SMQ $7,000.00). Only four others have achieved this grade with none higher -- a statistic that has not changed in the last three years
20c Light Ultramarine (476). Mint N.H., deep rich color on post-office fresh paper, perfectly centered with wide marginsEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 1916 20-CENT PERF 10 UNWATERMARKED ISSUE, SCOTT 476, WHICH HAS BEEN GRADED SUPERB 98 BY P.S.E.
With 2010 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98; SMQ $8,000.00). Only one has been graded higher (at 98J) and only four others share this grade
50c Light Violet (477). Mint N.H. with bottom selvage, vivid color on fresh paper, perfectly centered with wide and balanced margins, light Scott no. pencil notation in selvage onlyEXTREMELY FINE GEM. THIS STUNNING MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 50-CENT PERF 10 FRANKLIN ISSUE ON UNWATERMARKED PAPER HAS BEEN AWARDED THE GRADE OF SUPERB 98 BY P.S.E. ONLY ONE OTHER STAMP HAS ACHIEVED THIS HIGHLY SOUGHT-AFTER GRADE, WHICH IS THE HIGHEST AWARDED.
With 2008 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98; SMQ $17,500.00). Since this stamp was graded in 2008 no other Mint N.H. examples have exceeded the grade of 95
$1.00 Violet Black (478). Choice margins and wonderfully well-centered, lightly hinged, intense color, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2006 P.S.E. certificate (OGph, XF-Superb 95; SMQ $1,100.00), only four have graded higher (all at 98)
$2.00 Dark Blue (479). Mint N.H., deep rich color and proof-like impression, outstanding centering with wide marginsEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 1917 $2.00 MADISON PERF 10 ISSUE, WHICH HAS BEEN GRADED SUPERB 98 BY P.S.E.
With 2008 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98; SMQ $2,750.00). Only one has graded higher (at 100) and eight others share this grade.
$5.00 Light Green (480). Mint N.H., brilliant color on bright paper, almost mathematically precise centering with wide marginsEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A DAZZLING MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 1917 $5.00 MARSHALL PERF 10 ISSUE, WHICH HAS BEEN GRADED SUPERB 98 BY P.S.E.
With 2011 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98; SMQ $2,300.00). This is the highest grade awarded and it is shared by nine others
5c Carmine, Imperforate, Error (485). Mint N.H., massive margins all around, including part of five adjoining stamps, brilliant colorEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A BEAUTIFUL MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 5-CENT CARMINE IMPERFORATE ERROR.
During the course of production of the normal 2c plate No. 7942, three positions were noted to be defective. The plate was returned to the siderographer, who burnished out the three positions and mistakenly re-entered them using a transfer roll for the 5c stamp. The error passed unnoticed and the sheets were issued to the public Perf 10, Imperforate and Perf 11 (Scott 467, 485 and 505). The imperforate is by far the rarest of the three.
With 2010 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98; SMQ $25,000.00).