Sale 1231 — The James P. Myerson Collection of Superb United States Stamps
Sale Date — Tuesday-Wednesday, 9-10 February, 2021
Category — 1913-15 Washington-Franklin Issues (Scott 424-461)
1c Green (424). Mint N.H., rich color on bright paper, perfectly centered, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2014 P.S.E. certificate (Gem 100; SMQ $800.00), the highest grade awarded and shared by only three others
2c Rose Red, Ty. I (425). Mint N.H., brilliant color, perfectly centered, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2015 P.S.E. certificate (Gem 100; SMQ $800.00), the highest grade awarded and only two others share it.
3c Deep Violet (426). Mint N.H., intense shade on bright paper, wide and balanced margins, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2015 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98; SMQ $850.00), only four grade higher
4c Brown (427). Mint N.H., rich color and detailed impression on bright paper, wide and balanced margins, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2014 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98; SMQ $1,900.00), only four grade higher (all at 98J)
5c Blue (428). Mint N.H., crisp impression on bright paper, gorgeous centering, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2006 P.F. certificate (Superb 98), by way of comparison the highest grade at P.S.E. is also a 98
6c Red Orange (429). Mint N.H., vivid color on bright paper, unusually choice centering, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2015 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98; SMQ $2,250.00), only four grade higher
7c Black (430). Mint N.H., intense shade and impression, phenomenal centering with Jumbo marginsEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A STUNNING MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF SCOTT 430, GRADED SUPERB 98 JUMBO BY P.S.E. -- THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED AND THE ONLY EXAMPLE TO ACHIEVE IT.
With 2011 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98 Jumbo; SMQ $5,750.00). The highest grade awarded and no others share it.
8c Pale Olive Green (431). Mint N.H., brilliant color on bright paper, wide and balanced margins, Extremely Fine Gem, ex "Hanover", with 2002 P.F. and 2006 P.S.E. certificates (Superb 98; SMQ $1,750.00), only three grade higher (all 98J)
9c Salmon Red (432). Mint N.H., wide margins and precise centering, vivid color, Extremely Fine, with 1999 P.F. certificate
10c Orange Yellow (433). Mint N.H., vibrant color, gorgeous centeringEXTREMELY FINE GEM MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF SCOTT 433, GRADED SUPERB 98 BY P.S.E.
With 1997 P.F. and 2017 P.S.E. certificates (Superb 98; SMQ $2,450.00), only two grade higher and five others share this desirable grade, this is the first in this grade we have offered since 2008
11c Dark Green (434). Mint N.H., deep rich color on bright paper, choice centering with wide and balanced margins, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2008 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98; SMQ $1,150.00), only four grade higher and seven others share this grade
12c Claret Brown (435). Mint N.H., rich color on bright paper, near-perfect centering, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2009 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98; SMQ $1,400.00), only two grade higher and seven others share this desirable grade
15c Gray (437). Mint N.H., rich color, choice centering with wide and balanced marginsEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A GORGEOUS MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 1914 15-CENT GRAY, SCOTT 437, GRADED SUPERB 98 BY P.S.E.
With 2016 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98; SMQ $5,250.00). Only two grade higher (both 98J) and only six others share this desirable grade
20c Ultramarine (438). Mint N.H., brilliant color, bright paper, gorgeous centeringEXTREMELY FINE GEM MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF SCOTT 438, GRADED SUPERB 98 BY P.S.E.
With 2015 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98; SMQ $6,150.00). Only one grades higher (at 100) and six others share this grade. This is difficult to obtain in higher grades -- the highest grade we have ever offered is a 95.
20c Ultramarine (438). Block of four, bottom right stamp Mint N.H., top pair h.r., vertical gum skip thru left stamps, Very Fine, Scott value as singles
30c Orange Red (439). Lightly hinged, vibrant color, wide and balanced margins, Extremely Fine Gem, with 1991 P.F. and 2008 P.S.E. certificates (OGph, XF-Superb 95; SMQ $650.00)
30c Orange Red (439). Block of four, bottom right stamp Mint N.H., others h.r. including large h.r. on top right stamp, brilliant color, unusual ink bleed at upper right of pos. 1, Very Fine, Scott value as singles
50c Violet (440). Mint N.H., brilliant color on bright paper, unusually choice centering with wide marginsEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE SINGLE-LINE WATERMARK 50-CENT PERF 10 FRANKLIN ISSUE, SCOTT 440. THIS STAMP IS GRADED SUPERB 98 BY P.S.E.
With 2009 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98; SMQ $12,000.00). Only one grades higher.
1c Green, Coil (441). Mint N.H. pair, detailed impression, perfectly centered, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2006 P.S.E. certificate (Gem 100; SMQ $750.00), only one grades higher and four other pairs share this grade
1c Green, Coil (441). Mint N.H., deep rich color on bright paper, perfectly centered, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2008 P.S.E. certificate (Gem 100; SMQ $400.00), only three grade higher
2c Carmine, Ty. I, Coil (442). Mint N.H. pair, brilliant color, choice centering with Jumbo margins, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2007 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98 Jumbo; SMQ $725.00), only two grade higher
2c Carmine, Ty. I, Coil (442). Mint N.H., brilliant color, perfectly centered, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2014 P.S.E. certificate (Gem 100; SMQ $500.00), only one grades higher and four others share this desirable grade
1c Green, Coil (443). Mint N.H. pair, rich color on bright paper, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2007 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98; SMQ $1,000.00), the highest grade awarded and shared by only two others
1c Green, Coil (443). Mint N.H., mathematically perfect centering with wide margins, bright and fresh in every respect, Extremely Fine Gem, a superb stamp, ex Depew, with 2017 P.S.E. and 2019 P.F. certificates (Gem 100; SMQ $1,200.00), the highest grade awarded and the only to achieve it
2c Carmine, Coil (444). Mint N.H. pair, brilliant color, gorgeous centering with wide and balanced margins, Extremely Fine Gem
3c Violet, Coil (445). Mint N.H. guide line pair, deep rich color and proof-like impression on bright paper, phenomenal centering with unusually wide and balanced marginsEXTREMELY FINE GEM. THIS MAGNIFICENT MINT NEVER-HINGED GUIDE LINE PAIR OF THE 3-CENT COIL, SCOTT 445, IS WITHOUT QUESTION ONE OF THE FINEST IN EXISTENCE. THIS GUIDE LINE PAIR IS GRADED SUPERB 98 BY P.S.E. -- THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED.
The Perf 10 coils were issued as a middle ground between the previous Perf 12 coils, which separated too easily, and the Perf 8.5 coils, which were too difficult to separate. The Perf 10 Scott 445, printed by flat plate method, has an earliest known date of use of August 13, 1915. The rotary press coils followed shortly thereafter, with the 3c horizontal rotary coil issued in February 1916 (Scott 456). With a relatively short period of production, choice examples of Scott 445 are difficult to find. When you add Mint N.H. gum and the guide line pair format, the degree of difficulty increases exponentially. This superb Mint N.H. guide line pair is easily among the few finest known.
With 2010 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98; SMQ $14,000.00). The highest grade awarded and one of two to achieve it.
3c Violet, Coil (445). Hinged at top right but no remnant, mathematically perfect centering with beautiful wide margins, rich color, Extremely Fine Gem, with 1999 P.F. and 2009 P.S.E. certificates (OGh, Gem 100; SMQ $1,800.00), the highest grade awarded, this is one of only three singles to have achieved this exalted grade (none are Mint N.H.)
4c Brown, Coil (446). Mint N.H., rich color and proof-like impression on bright paper, gorgeous centering with wide marginsEXTREMELY FINE GEM MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF SCOTT 446, GRADED SUPERB 98 BY P.S.E.
With 2017 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98; SMQ $2,400.00). Only one grades higher (at 100) and four others share this grade
4c Brown, Coil (446). Mint N.H. pair, bright shade and paper, mathematically perfect centeringEXTREMELY FINE GEM PAIR OF SCOTT 446, GRADED GEM 100 BY P.S.E.
With 2015 P.S.E. certificate (Gem 100; SMQ $10,500.00). Remarkably, two grade higher but none share this desirable grade.
5c Blue, Coil (447). Mint N.H. guide line pair, almost mathematically perfect centering with wide margins, incredibly deep color on bright paperEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB MINT NEVER-HINGED GUIDE LINE PAIR OF THE 1914 5-CENT PERF 10 SINGLE-LINE WATERMARK COIL, SCOTT 447, GRADED SUPERB 98 BY P.S.E.
Ex "Clipper City". With 2008 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98; SMQ $3,300.00). Only two grade higher and only five others share this desirable grade
5c Blue, Coil (447). Mint N.H., deep rich color and proof-like impression, mathematically perfect centering, Extremely Fine Gem, a stunning stamp, with 2010 P.S.E. certificate (Gem 100; SMQ $1,600.00), the highest grade awarded and only two others share it
1c Green, Coil (448). Mint N.H. pair, deep rich color, gorgeous centering, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2008 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98; SMQ $1,000.00), only one grades higher (at 100, realized $2,800 in one of our 2019 auctions) and four others share this grade
1c Green, Coil (448). Mint N.H., radiant color and finely detailed impression showing every nuance of the design, mathematically perfect centering with wide margins, Extremely Fine Gem, an exceptional stamp in every respect, ex Odeneal, with 2007 P.S.E. certificate (Gem 100; SMQ $1,000.00), only one grades higher and three others share this desirable grade
2c Red, Ty. I, Coil (449). Pair, lightly hinged, radiant color, well-balanced marginsVERY FINE AND CHOICE PAIR OF THE 2-CENT VERTICAL COIL, SCOTT 449.
The 2c Type I rotary plate was used very briefly to make vertical coils issued in late 1915. It was briefly used because the Type I plate was not very deeply engraved and the curvature of the rotary press yielded impressions lacking in some of the details. The Bureau noticed this immediately, and quickly replaced it with the Type III plate (according to Scott, the EDU for No. 449 is Oct. 29, 1915 and the EDU for Type III is Dec. 10, 1915).
Ex Laehder. With 1993 P.F. certificate.
2c Red, Ty. I, Coil (449). Mint N.H., exceptional centering with wide margins all around, brilliant color and detailed impressionEXTREMELY FINE AND EXTREMELY RARE MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 1915 TYPE I VERTICAL COIL.
This issue is notoriously difficult to find in Mint N.H. condition and with such choice centering. This is easily one of the finest in existence.
Ex Whitman. With 1992 P.S.E. and 1999 and 2017 P.F. certificates
2c Carmine, Ty. III, Coil (450). Mint N.H., radiant color on crisp paper, phenomenal centering with wide and balanced margins all around, Extremely Fine Gem, superb in every respect, ex Depew, with 2011 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98; SMQ $1,100.00), the highest grade awarded and shared by only two others
1c Green, Coil (452). Mint N.H. pair, perfect centering, bright color, Extremely Fine Gem, ex Depew, with 2015 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98; SMQ $450.00), only three grade higher
1c Green, Coil (452). Mint N.H., rich color and detailed impression, perfectly centered, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2017 P.S.E. certificate (Gem 100; SMQ $600.00), the highest grade awarded and shared by only three others
2c Carmine Rose, Ty. I, Coil (453). Mint N.H. pair, brilliant color, unusually choice centering for this difficult issueEXTREMELY FINE. THE 2-CENT TYPE I ROTARY COIL, SCOTT 453, IS EXCEEDINGLY DIFFICULT TO FIND IN THIS SUPERB MINT NEVER-HINGED CONDITION.
With copy of 1995 P.F. and with 2015 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $2,650.00). The highest grade awarded and shared by only one other.
2c Carmine Rose, Ty. I, Coil (453). Mint N.H., gorgeous centering with wide and balanced margins, intense shade and impression on bright paperEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 2-CENT TYPE I ROTARY COIL, SCOTT 453, GRADED SUPERB 98 BY P.S.E. -- THE HIGEST GRADE AWARDED.
Ex Whitman and Depew. With 1993 P.F. and 2010 P.S.E. certificates (Superb 98; SMQ $2,750.00). The highest grade awarded and shared by only one other.
2c Red, Ty. II, Coil (454). Mint N.H. pair, radiant color, almost mathematically perfect centering with wide margins, Extremely Fine Gem, a superb Mint N.H. pair, ex Whitman, with 1993 P.F. and 2008 P.S.E. certificates (Superb 98; SMQ $2,000.00), only three grade higher
2c Red, Ty. II, Coil (454). Mint N.H., brilliant color, wide and balanced margins, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2015 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $525.00)
2c Carmine, Ty. III, Coil (455). Mint N.H. pair, brilliant color, perfectly centered with wide margins, Extremely Fine Gem, a beautiful pair, ex "Scarsdale", with 2009 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98; SMQ $475.00), only one grades higher
2c Carmine, Ty. III, Coil (455). Mint N.H., radiant color, crisp impression, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2017 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98; SMQ $350.00), only one grades higher (at 98J) and five others share this grade, this is the first in this grade we have offered
3c Violet, Coil (456). Mint N.H., rich color on bright paper, unusually choice centeringEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A STUNNING MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF SCOTT 456, GRADED SUPERB 98 BY P.S.E.
With 2015 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98; SMQ $3,350.00). Only one grades higher (at 100) and three others share this grade. This is the first in this grade we have offered
3c Violet, Coil (456). Mint N.H. pair, crisp impression phenomenal centeringEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB MINT NEVER-HINGED PAIR OF THE 3-CENT HORIZONTAL COIL, SCOTT 456, GRADED SUPERB 98 BY P.S.E. -- THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED.
With 2008 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98; SMQ $7,000.00). The highest grade awarded and shared by only two others.
4c Brown, Coil (457). Mint N.H. pair, bright shade, detailed impression, perfectly centered with wide and balanced margins, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2002 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98; SMQ $925.00), the highest grade awarded and shared by only seven others
5c Blue, Coil (458). Mint N.H. pair, deep rich color and proof-like impression, perfectly centered with unusually wide and balanced margins, Extremely Fine Gem, a magnificent Mint N.H. pair, ex "Scarsdale", with 2004 P.F. and 2007 P.S.E. certificates (Superb 98; SMQ $925.00), the highest grade awarded and shared by only five others
2c Carmine, Ty. I, Imperforate Coil (459). Mint N.H. joint line pair without crease between stamps, exceptionally well-balanced margins, rich colorEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB MINT NEVER-HINGED JOINT LINE PAIR OF SCOTT 459, IN THE DESIRABLE FORMAT WITHOUT A CREASE, GRADED SUPERB 98 BY P.S.E.
Ex Depew. With 1988 P.F. (for strip of four) and 2008 P.S.E. certificates (Superb 98; SMQ $3,250.00), the highest grade awarded and shared by only one other
2c Carmine, Ty. I, Imperforate Coil (459). Mint N.H., perfect centering, bright and fresh, Extremely Fine Gem, a superb stamp, ex Depew, with 2013 P.S.E. certificate (Gem 100; SMQ $850.00), the highest grade awarded and shared by only one other
2c Pale Carmine Red, Ty. I (461). Lightly hinged, brilliant color, unusually choice centering, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2014 P.S.E. certificate (OGph, Superb 98; SMQ $850.00), the highest grade awarded to either a hinged or Mint N.H. example
$1.00 Violet Black (460). Mint N.H., deep rich color and proof-like impression, almost perfectly centered with wide and balanced marginsEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 1915 $1.00 PERF 10 ON DOUBLE-LINE WATERMARKED PAPER, SCOTT 460. THIS STAMP IS GRADED SUPERB 98 BY P.S.E.
The change from 12-gauge to 10-gauge perforations occurred after single-line watermark paper was introduced. However, unlike the other denominations, the $1.00 was never printed on the new single-line watermark paper. The 50c and $1.00 denominations were originally printed in sheets of 200, and the Bureau still had stocks of the double-line watermark paper in this size on hand. The other denominations were printed in sheets of 400. The Bureau continued to use up their stocks of this paper, but the stamps were perforated on the newly-outfitted Perf 10 perforating machines.
Ex "Hanover". With 2007 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98; SMQ $13,750.00). Only one has graded higher (at 98J, realized $17,000 in our 2019 Rarities sale) and four others share this desirable grade.