Sale 1219 — The Edward Morton Collection of Outstanding Quality U.S. Stamps
Sale Date — Wednesday-Thursday, 8-9 April, 2020
Category — 1879 American Bank Note Co. Issue (Scott 182-191)
1c Dark Ultramarine (182). Enormous margins all around, blue Cincinnati circular datestamp cancel, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2004 P.F. certificate
1c-10c 1879 American Bank Note Company Issue (182, 184, 186-188). Including three 3c and two 6c, each selected by Mr. Morton for superior centering and cancellation, 1c with large 5-Point Star cancel, 3c with blue segmented cork graded 95 and ex Kirke, another 3c with blue target cancel, third 3c with N.Y. duplex and graded 90 and ex Kirke, one 6c with purple 5-Point Star, other 6c with cork cancel graded 90 and ex Kirke, No. 187 with blue straightline town cancel, No. 188 with target cancel, Extremely Fine and desirable group, each with at least one certificate
2c Vermilion (183). Brilliant color on bright paper, perfectly centered with wide margins, neat duplex cancel, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2007 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98 Jumbo; SMQ $900.00), the highest grade awarded and shared by only three others
3c Green (184). Gorgeous centering with Jumbo margins, deep rich color, neat strike of propeller-style cork cancel and circular datestamp, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2013 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98 Jumbo; SMQ $600.00), only three grade higher
5c Blue (185). Deep rich color and proof-like impression, perfectly centered with Jumbo margins, unobtrusive strike of duplex cancelEXTREMELY FINE GEM EXAMPLE OF THE 5-CENT TAYLOR, SCOTT 185, GRADED GEM 100 BY P.S.E. -- THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED AND THE ONLY TO ACHIEVE IT.
With 2018 P.S.E. certificate (Gem 100; SMQ $2,000.00). The highest grade awarded and the only to achieve it.
6c Pink (186). Huge margins and choice centering, beautifully struck blue circle of 16 wedges "sunburst" cancel with rim of blue town datestamp at bottomFRESH AND EXTREMELY FINE. A STUNNING USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1879 6-CENT AMERICAN BANK NOTE COMPANY ISSUE, SCOTT 186, WITH A VERY UNUSUAL CANCEL.
Ex "Golden Oak". With 1992 P.F. certificate
10c Brown, With Secret Mark (188). Choice centering with Jumbo margins, rich color, central strike of target cancel, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2000 and 2018 P.F. and 2009 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95 Jumbo; SMQ $775.00), only four grade higher
15c Red Orange (189). Vivid color and crisp impression, absolutely massive margins, face-free strike of registry oval cancel, Extremely Fine Gem, a phenomenal stamp in every respect, ex Merlin, with 1984 P.F. and 2007 P.S.E. certificates (Superb 98 Jumbo; SMQ $1,500.00), only one grades higher (at 100J, offered in our "Natalee Grace" sale where it realized $3,750 hammer) and one other share this grade
30c Full Black (190). Intense shade and impression, gorgeous centering with unusually wide and balanced margins, bold registry oval cancel, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2011 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $825.00), only six grade higher (at 95J and 98)
90c Carmine (191). Brilliant color, unusually choice centering with wide and balanced margins, bold cancelEXTREMELY FINE GEM. THE 1879 90-CENT AMERICAN BANK NOTE COMPANY ISSUE IS AN EXTREMELY DIFFICULT ISSUE TO OBTAIN IN SUCH PRISTINE CONDITION.
Ex Bowman. With 1992 and 2001 P.F. and 2008 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $3,000.00). Only two grade higher (at 95J and 98) and only three others share this grade.