Sale 1163 — The Clipper City Collection of Superb U.S. Stamps
Sale Date — Tuesday, 19 September, 2017
Category — 1909 Bluish Paper Issue (Scott 357-366)
1c Green, 2c Carmine, Bluish (357-358). Mint N.H., rich colors on deeply blued paper, fresh and Extremely Fine, 1c with 2009 P.S.E. certificate (XF 90), 2c with 2007 P.F. certificate (XF 90), total SMQ as both P.S.E. graded $715.00
3c Deep Violet, Bluish (359). Lightly hinged, rich color on deeply blued paper, well-centered with wide and balanced marginsEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SPECTACULAR EXAMPLE OF THE 1909 3-CENT ON BLUISH PAPER, GRADED SUPERB 98 BY P.S.E. THIS IS THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED IN ANY CATEGORY.
Ex "Golden Oak". With 1974 P.F. and 2014 P.S.E. certificates (OGph, Superb 98; SMQ $5,000.00). No other Scott 359 shares this exalted grade. There are four hinged stamps graded 95, as well as one used and one Mint N.H. graded 90. This is a true condition rarity
5c Blue, Bluish (361). Barest trace of hinging, deep rich color on nicely blued paper, well-proportioned margins, characteristic intense watermarkEXTREMELY FINE. A BEAUTIFUL EXAMPLE OF THE 5-CENT ON BLUISH PAPER. SCARCE IN SUCH WONDERFUL CONDITION.
The 5c on Bluish is the scarcest of the regularly issued stamps. The 4c and 8c values were not sold in post offices but reached collectors' hands through the Travers-Steinmetz exchange and the National Museum trades to H. F. Colman.
Ex Weill Brothers. With 1973 and 2009 P.F. certificates (XF 90 XQ), the XQ designation is used by the Philatelic Foundation to underscore the exceptional quality of the stamp.
6c Red Orange, Bluish (362). Choice centering, lovely vibrant color, Extremely Fine example of the 6c on Bluish, with 1986 and 2007 P.F. certificates (XF 90)
10c Yellow, Bluish (364). Vivid color, essentially perfect centering with well-proportioned marginsEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB EXAMPLE OF THE 10-CENT ON BLUISH PAPER.
With 1976 P.F. and 2010 P.S.E. certificates (OGph, XF-Superb 95; SMQ $3,600.00). This is the highest grade awarded and only four other examples have achieved it (one is Mint N.H.)
13c Bluish Green, Bluish (365). Rich color and proof-like impression on deeply blued paper, wide and balanced marginsEXTREMELY FINE. A BEAUTIFUL ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE 13-CENT ON BLUISH.
Small pencil notation on gum not noted on accompanying certificate. With 2017 P.S.E. certificate (OGph, XF 90; SMQ $4,000.00). Only six have graded higher (all at 95)
15c Pale Ultramarine, Bluish (366). Brilliant color on blued paper, unusually choice centering with wide and balanced marginsEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE 15-CENT ON BLUISH PAPER.
With 2012 P.S.E. certificate (OGh, XF-Superb 95; SMQ $3,500.00). Only one unused stamp has been graded higher by P.S.E. (hinged, at 98) and only one other shares this grade. The highest Mint N.H. example is graded 90