Sale 1231 — The James P. Myerson Collection of Superb United States Stamps
Sale Date — Tuesday-Wednesday, 9-10 February, 2021
Category — 1919-20 Issues (Scott 537-550)
3c Violet (537). Mint N.H., huge Jumbo margins and perfect centering, vivid color on post-office fresh paper, Extremely Fine Gem, the ultimate 3c World War I "Victory" stamp, ex "Westchester" and Prager, with 1990 P.F., 1991 and 2008 P.S.E. certificates (Gem 100 Jumbo; SMQ $850.00 as 100, unpriced in the 100 Jumbo grade), only three other stamps share this highest of grades
1c Green, Rotary Perf 11 x 10 (538). Mint N.H., intense shade and impression, wide and balanced margins, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2004 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98; SMQ $750.00), only four grade higher
2c Carmine Rose, Ty. II, Rotary Perf 11 x 10 (539). Mint N.H., rich color and sharp impression, wide balanced margins and choice centeringEXTREMELY FINE. A SUPERB MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THIS RARE ROTARY-PRESS WASTE ISSUE. AN EXCEEDINGLY DIFFICULT STAMP TO FIND IN SUCH CONDITION. THIS IS THE FINEST WE HAVE EVER OFFERED.
At the beginning or end of a coil-stamp print run from the 170-subject rotary plates, some leading or trailing paper was left over that was too short for rolling into 500-stamp rolls. In 1919, the Bureau devised a plan to salvage this waste by converting the stamps from coil stamps into sheet stamps. This was accomplished by cutting the sheets into panes and putting the panes through the flat-plate perforator in use at the time, giving the stamps perforations on all sides.
Since Scott 539 was put through two different perforating machines of differing gauges at different times, most of the stamps are off-center. The stamp offered here is a true condition rarity by virtue of its centering, margins and Mint N.H. state.
Ex "Piedmont", "Scarsdale" and "Hanover". With 1968, 1988, 2000 and 2007 P.F. certificates (VF-XF 85). By way of comparison, the highest grade in P.S.E.'s Population Report is 80 (one example).
2c Carmine Rose, Ty. III, Rotary Perf 11 x 10 (540). Mint N.H., brilliant color, choice centering for this difficult issue, Extremely Fine, with 2015 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $250.00), only six grade higher (all at 98)
2c Carmine Rose, Ty. III, Rotary Perf 11 x 10, Vertical Pair, Imperforate Horizontally (540a). Top plate no. 13740 block of six, lightly hinged at top, intense shade, Fine-Very Fine, Scott value as plate block of four and pair
3c Violet, Ty. II (541). Mint N.H., detailed impression on bright paper, Extremely Fine, with 2009 P.F. certificate
1c Green, Perf 10 (543). Mint N.H., bright color and crisp impression, beautiful centering, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2008 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98; SMQ $225.00), only three grade higher (one at 98J, two at 100)
1c Green, Rotary (545). Lightly hinged, rich color, choice centering, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2007 P.S.E. certificate (OGph, XF-Superb 95; SMQ $450.00)
2c Carmine Rose, Ty. III, Rotary (546). Mint N.H. with plate no. "S 30" selvage at top, rich color and detailed impression, perfectly centered with well-balanced marginsEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 2-CENT ROTARY WASTE ISSUE, SCOTT 546, WHICH IS GRADED SUPERB 98 BY P.S.E. THIS IS THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED AND ONLY ONE OTHER SHARES IT.
According to Johl (p. 228), Scott 546 was printed on a rotary press and was perforated 11 on all sides, unlike waste issues such as Scott 539, which was perforated 11 on one side and 10 on the other. Collectors and dealers at the time were generally unaware that rotary press stamps had been issued in sheet form with the same perforations as flat plate stamps, so this issue was overlooked and most were either used or destroyed.
Ex "Hanover". With 2011 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98; SMQ $5,250.00). This is the highest grade awarded and only one other shares this desirable grade.
$2.00 Carmine & Black (547). Mint N.H., deep rich colors, beautiful centering with wide marginsEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE $2.00 CARMINE & BLACK, GRADED SUPERB 98 BY P.S.E.
Ex "Hanover". With 2011 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98; SMQ $2,350.00). Only one grades higher.
$2.00 Carmine & Black (547). Center line block of four, bottom left stamp Mint N.H., others lightly hinged, unusual and attractive pale shade, Very Fine and choice, Scott value as singles
$2.00 Carmine & Black (547). Mint N.H. bottom arrow block of four, incredibly deep rich colors, choice centering, Extremely Fine, a beautiful multiple, with 2013 P.S.E. certificate (XF 90)
$2.00 Lake & Black (547a). Mint N.H., intense color and proof-like impression, fresh and Extremely Fine, with 2016 P.S.A.G. certificate (95 NH)
1c Pilgrim Tercentenary (548). Mint N.H., rich color, near perfect centering with wide margins, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2018 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98; SMQ $450.00), only seven grade higher (all at 98J)
5c Pilgrim Tercentenary (550). Mint N.H., intense shade on bright paper, mathematically precise centering with wide and balanced marginsEXTREMELY FINE GEM. AN EXCEPTIONAL MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 5-CENT PILGRIM ISSUE, AWARDED THE PERFECT GRADE OF GEM 100 BY P.S.E.
With 2011 P.S.E. certificate (Gem 100; SMQ $4,500.00). Only one grades higher and four others share this grade