Sale 1297 — United States Stamps
Sale Date — Tuesday-Thursday, 31 October-2 November, 2023
Category — 1901 Pan-American Issue including Inverts (Scott 294-299)
1c-10c Pan-American (294-299). Mint N.H. rich colors, fresh and Very Fine set, 10c with 2002 P.F. certificate
1c-10c Pan-American, "Ultramar" Ovpt. (294S-299S). Each with clear blue "Ultramar" overprint, unused, all except 2c no gum, bright colors, several with thins probably from removal from ledger page, a couple with creases as well, 10c clipped corner
VERY FINE APPEARANCE. A RARE COMPLETE SET OF THE "ULTRAMAR" OVERPRINTS ON THE PAN-AMERICAN ISSUE.
According to James Bendon's U.P.U. Specimen Stamps, the Portuguese Ministry for the Colonies was originally supplied with 35 Specimen stamps for distribution. This number was reduced to 25 in 1900. Between 1900 and 1910, the "Ultramar" overprint, meaning "overseas", was applied, and the stamps were distributed to the various colonies. With a few exceptions, this was replaced with "Colonias" in 1911.
1c Green & Black, Pan-American (294). Mint N.H. with bottom imprint selvage, perfect centering on post office fresh paper, deep rich colors, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2020 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98), only four Mint N.H. grade higher
1c Green & Black, Pan-American (294). Mint N.H., essentially perfect centering, rich color on bright white paper, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2008 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98), only four grade higher
1c Green & Black, Pan-American, Center Inverted (294a). Disturbed original gum and h.r. at top, deep rich colors, tiny thins from old hinge removal
FINE APPEARING ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE ONE-CENT PAN-AMERICAN INVERT.
According to Johl, the 1c Pan-American Inverts were found in at least four different post offices around the country soon after release of the issue in May 1901, including Bessemer Ala., Richmond Va., Utica N.Y. and Connecticut.
With 2019 P.F. certificate.
2c Carmine & Black, Pan-American, Center Inverted (295a). Original gum, nicely centered with balanced margins, deep rich color, small thin spot and small tear in same location at bottom, that area also with some faint staining probably from an old attempt at sealing the small tear
VERY FINE APPEARING ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE 2-CENT PAN-AMERICAN INVERT.
The 2c is the rarest of the three Pan-American Inverts. It is surmised that approximately 200 were issued through the post office, with two distinct shades known. Our Levi records contain the intact block (4), reconstructed block (4) and 64 unused singles for a total of 72 unused. There are also seven used singles. Many of the unused singles have disturbed gum or no gum, and/or are off center to top or top left.
With 2016 P.S.E. certificate mentioning only the small thin and tear.
2c Carmine & Black, Pan-American (295). Mint N.H., essentially perfect centering with wide margins for this issue, bright and fresh, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2014 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98), only five grade higher
4c Deep Red Brown & Black, Pan-American (296). Mint N.H., rich colors and proof-like impressions, essentially perfectly centered with unusually wide margins for this difficult issue
EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 4-CENT PAN-AMERICAN ISSUE.
With 2004 and 2020 P.F. certificates (Superb 98 XQ). The "XQ" stands for "Extraordinary Quality".
4c Deep Red Brown & Black, Pan-American (296). Wide margins and outstanding centering, bold double oval cancel, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2016 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95), only two grade higher (at 98)
5c Ultramarine & Black, Pan-American (297). Mint N.H. block of four, bright color and well-centered, Very Fine and choice, with 2014 P.S.E. certificate
5c Ultramarine & Black, Pan-American (297). Bottom left corner imprint, plate nos. 1140 and 1141 and arrow block of twelve, barely hinged (if at all), deep rich colors, unusually choice centering throughout
EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB PLATE BLOCK OF TWELVE OF THE 5-CENT PAN-AMERICAN ISSUE FROM THE DESIRABLE BOTTOM PLATE POSITION.
Bottom plate blocks are more desirable, because they show plate numbers from both the vignette and frame plates.
With 1981 P.F. certificate. Scott value as plate block of ten and two singles.
8c Brown Violet & Black, Pan-American (298). Bottom left imprint and plate nos. 1150 and 1143 block of ten with part arrow at right, barest trace of hinging on two stamps, others Mint N.H., deep rich color
FINE-VERY FINE. A RARE BOTTOM IMPRINT AND PLATE NUMBER BLOCK OF TEN OF THE 8-CENT PAN-AMERICAN ISSUE.
Bottom plate blocks are particularly scarce and are assigned a premium by Scott Catalogue, as they show plate numbers from both the frame and vignette.
8c Brown Violet & Black, Pan-American (298). Mint N.H. choice centering and rich colors, Extremely Fine, with 2010 P.S.E. (ungraded) and 2022 P.F. certificates (XF 90)
8c Brown Violet & Black, Pan-American (298). Outstanding centering and margins, rich colors, face-free cancel, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2016 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95), only four used examples grade higher
10c Yellow Brown & Black, Pan-American (299). Mint N.H., wide margins, fresh colors, Extremely Fine, ex "Adventurer", with 1977 and 2023 P.F. certificates (XF 90)