Sale 1219 — The Edward Morton Collection of Outstanding Quality U.S. Stamps
Sale Date — Wednesday-Thursday, 8-9 April, 2020
Category — 1875 Re-Issue of 1869 Pictorial Issue (Scott 123-133a)
1c Buff, Re-Issue (123). Rich color on bright paper, perfectly centered, neat blue cork cancelEXTREMELY FINE GEM USED EXAMPLE OF THE ONE-CENT 1869 PICTORIAL RE-ISSUE, GRADED XF-SUPERB 95 BY P.S.E.
With 2005 P.F. and 2006 and 2012 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $2,900.00). Only one grades higher (at 98) and four others share this desirable grade. Scott Retail with no premium for the colored cancel
2c Brown, Re-Issue (124). Well-balanced margins, rich color and detailed impression on fresh paper, light but clear cancelEXTREMELY FINE. A BEAUTIFUL USED EXAMPLE OF THE 2-CENT 1869 PICTORIAL RE-ISSUE. RARE IN SUCH CHOICE CONDITION.
Ex Kirke. With 1998, 2005 and 2006 P.F. certificates (XF 90). With 2007 P.S.E. certificate (XF 90; SMQ $2,000.00). Only four grade higher (two at 95 and two at 95J, we have only sold one, a 95J, back in 2008), only three others share this grade
3c Blue, Re-Issue (125). Bright shade and proof-like impression, remarkably well-centered, natural straight edge at left, used with 2c Brown, Re-Issue (124), rich color, both stamps tied by "New York A Mar. 18 4 PM" 1884 duplex datestamp and "A" oval grid on piece of 4c Green entire (U255), stamps lifted and hinged in place, the piece itself has an internal scuff and tear that has been mended with archival tape, not affecting the stamps which are soundVERY FINE. AN EXTREMELY RARE DATED PIECE BEARING THE 3-CENT 1869 PICTORIAL RE-ISSUE. ONLY ONE COVER IS KNOWN TO EXIST.
The 3c 1869 Re-Issue is extremely rare in used condition. Our census of Scott 125 in used condition, available at http://siegelauctions.com/census/us/scott/125, contains only 16 copies, including this example on piece and one on the Caspary cover, which realized $115,000 hammer in a 2016 Spink auction. Although at least one other off-cover stamp shows an earlier date (same New York duplex dated "Mar 10"), this piece is the only example known to us that has a clearly-defined year date. It is arguably the EDU of the 3c 1869 Re-Issue.
Census No. 125-CAN-PCE-14. Ex Coulter and Collier. With 1975 P.F. certificate. Scott Catalogue notes "Very few authenticated sound used copies of No. 125 are recorded. The used value is for an attractive fine to very fine example with minimal faults" (our emphasis)
6c Blue, Re-Issue (126). Choice centering for this difficult issue with wide margins, rich color on bright paper, unobtrusive strike of duplex cancelEXTREMELY FINE USED EXAMPLE OF THE 6-CENT 1869 PICTORIAL RE-ISSUE. ONE OF THE MOST DIFFICULT DENOMINATIONS TO OBTAIN IN SUCH CHOICE USED CONDITION.
SMQ estimates that approximately 30 are known used. Ex Twigg-Smith and Dr. Dauer. With 2001 P.F. and 2005 P.S.E. certificates (VF-XF 85; SMQ $4,500.00). Only three grade higher: a 98 which brought $23,000 in 2019, a 95 which brought $10,500 in 2012 and a 90.
10c Yellow, Re-Issue (127). Vibrant color, unusually choice centering with wide margins, unobtrusive quartered cork cancelEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A BEAUTIFUL USED EXAMPLE OF THE 10-CENT 1869 PICTORIAL RE-ISSUE.
This issue is considerably scarcer in used condition. SMQ estimates approximately 30 are known used. The highest grade awarded to a used copy is one at 90J. With 1967 and 1998 P.F. certificates
12c Green, Re-Issue (128). Deep rich color and proof-like impression, choice centering with wide and balanced margins, bold strike of duplex cancelEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB USED EXAMPLE OF THE 12-CENT 1869 PICTORIAL RE-ISSUE.
The 12c is the second rarest value of the 1869 Re-issue set in used condition. The Rose book estimates 15-25 extant used copies and SMQ estimates 20 extant. In our opinion, this stamp ranks among the three or four finest.
With 2006 P.F. certificate
15c Brown & Blue, Re-Issue (129). Wide margins and choice centering, rich colors, New York oval registry cancel leaves entire design clearly visibleEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB USED EXAMPLE OF THE 15-CENT 1869 PICTORIAL RE-ISSUE.
Ex Dr. Morris. With 1998 P.F. certificate
24c Green & Violet, Re-Issue (130). Intense shades and impressions on bright paper, bold strike of oval registry cancel, unusually wide marginsEXTREMELY FINE USED EXAMPLE OF THE 24-CENT 1869 PICTORIAL RE-ISSUE. SCARCE WITH SUCH WIDE MARGINS.
With 1980 and 2004 P.F. certificates
30c Blue & Carmine, Re-Issue (131). Incredibly deep and rich colors on bright white paper, perfectly centered with wide margins, bold strike of cork cancelEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB USED EXAMPLE OF THE 30-CENT 1869 PICTORIAL RE-ISSUE.
SMQ estimates that approximately 40 examples of the 30c 1875 Re-Issue are known used. Our experience has been that many are either off-center or have small faults. The combination of color, impression, paper, margins and centering makes this one of the most desirable used 30c 1869 Re-Issue stamps in existence.
Ex Twigg-Smith. With 2001 P.F. certificate
90c Carmine & Black, Re-Issue (132). Deep rich colors on bright paper, bold quartered cork cancel, choice centering with well-proportioned marginsVERY FINE AND CHOICE. A BEAUTIFUL USED EXAMPLE OF THE 90-CENT 1869 PICTORIAL RE-ISSUE.
SMQ estimates that approximately 40 used copies exist and our own experience confirms this estimate. Most are either off-center or have small faults.
Ex Koppersmith. With 1987, 1999 and 2005 P.F. certificates
1c Buff, 1880 Re-Issue (133). Bright color, well-balanced margins, neat strike of circular datestamp cancel, Extremely Fine, with 2014 P.F. certificate (XF 90)
1c Brown Orange, 1881 Re-Issue (133a). Rich color, bold strike of unusual outline Maltese Cross fancy cancel, Very Fine and choice, fancy cancels are rare on the 1869 Re-Issue, ex Dr. Morris, with 2011 P.F. certificate