Sale 1057 — The Curtis Collection: 1847-1901 Issues
Sale Date — Thursday, 7 November, 2013
Category — 1897-1903 Change of Colors (Scott 279-284)
1c Deep Green (279). Mint N.H., brilliant color on crisp paper, perfectly centered, Extremely Fine Gem, a superb stamp in every respect, with 2012 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98; SMQ $1,000.00), only three have graded higher
2c Rose Carmine, Ty. IV (279Bc). Mint N.H., radiant color as fresh as the day it was printed, crisp paper, perfectly centered with unusually wide margins all around, long and full perforationsEXTREMELY FINE GEM. THIS MAGNIFICENT MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 1898 2-CENT TYPE IV ROSE CARMINE HAS BEEN GRADED GEM 100 BY P.S.E. -- THIS IS BY FAR THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED. A SUPERB STAMP IN EVERY RESPECT AND WITHOUT QUESTION THE FINEST IN EXISTENCE.
The Rose Carmine shade (offered here) should not be confused with its more common brethren in the more readily available shades. According to Brookman, "The really scarce shade of the 1898 2c is the Rose Carmine. It is a shade not too unlike the Pink of the 1861 Series except that it is considerably darker."
Ex Merlin. With 2007 P.S.E. certificate (Gem 100; unpriced in SMQ above the grade of 98, SMQ $22,000.00 as 98). This is the highest grade awarded and the only example to achieve this grade.
5c Dark Blue (281). Mint N.H., deep rich color and proof-like impression, wide and balanced margins, Extremely Fine Gem, a beautiful stamp, with 2008 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $725.00)
10c Brown, Ty. I (282C). Mint N.H., pretty pastel color, well-balanced marginsEXTREMELY FINE. A BEAUTIFUL MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 1898 10-CENT BROWN TYPE I.
With 1991 P.F. certificate
10c Orange Brown, Ty. II (283). Mint N.H., pretty shade, wide margins, fresh and Extremely Fine, with 2011 P.S.E. certificate (XF 90; SMQ $1,200.00)
15c Olive Green (284). Original gum, lightly hinged, rich color and proof-like impression, beautiful centering with Jumbo margins, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2009 P.S.E. certificate (OGph, XF-Superb 95 Jumbo; SMQ $580.00 as 95, $1,100.00 as 98), only one has graded higher (at 98) and no others share this grade, the paucity of higher grades also extends to Mint N.H. stamps -- only one has graded higher than 95