Sale 1251 — The John B. Field Collection of Superb United States Stamps
Sale Date — Wednesday-Thursday, 2-3 March, 2022
Category — 1913-15 Washington-Franklin Issues (Scott 424-461)
1c-30c 1913-15 Issue (424-432, 434-438). 35 singles, including at least two of each and in some cases three or four, one each of 1c, 2c, 6c, 7c, 9c and 20c lightly hinged, others Mint N.H., each a slightly different shade, better centering than normally seen, Very Fine-Extremely Fine, Scott lists a variety of shades for these issues and this is an excellent representation of the different listed shades, while not totally complete this is a difficult group to assemble, also includes one booklet pane each of 1c and 2c, the latter with plate no. at top right
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6c Red Orange (429). Mint N.H., almost perfectly centered with Jumbo margins, vivid color, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2016 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95 Jumbo; SMQ $1,100.00)
9c Salmon Red (432). Mint N.H., vibrant color, Jumbo margins, bright and fresh, Extremely Fine Gem, ex Curtis, with 2008 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95 Jumbo; SMQ $1,150.00)
12c Copper Red (435a). Mint N.H., gorgeous color in the true Copper Red shade, wide and balanced margins, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2016 P.F. certificate (XF-Superb 95)
12c Copper Red (435a). Mint N.H., pretty shade, wide and balanced margins, Extremely Fine example of this surprisingly scarce shade
20c Ultramarine (438). Mint N.H., brilliant color on bright paper, well-balanced marginsEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 20-CENT PERF 10 SINGLE LINE WATERMARKED ISSUE, SCOTT 438.
With 1984 P.F. and 2022 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $2,500.00).
30c Orange Red (439). Mint N.H., vivid color on bright paper, wide margins, tiny natural gum skip not noted on certificate, Extremely Fine, with 1985 P.F. certificate
50c Violet (440). Mint N.H., rich color on bright paper, wide margins, Extremely Fine, with 1980 P.F. certificate
2c Carmine, Coil (444). Mint N.H. guide line pair, brilliant color, fresh and Extremely Fine, with 1989 P.F. certificate
3c Violet, Coil (445). Mint N.H. guide line pair, deep rich color and proof-like impression on bright paper, Jumbo margins all aroundEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A MAGNIFICENT MINT NEVER-HINGED GUIDE LINE PAIR OF THE 3-CENT COIL, SCOTT 445, GRADED XF-SUPERB 95 JUMBO BY P.S.E. WITHOUT QUESTION ONE OF THE FINEST IN EXISTENCE.
With 2010 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95 Jumbo; SMQ $11,000.00). Only two line pairs grade higher (at 98) and no others share this grade.
3c Violet, Coil (445). Mint N.H. pair, wide margins and magnificent centering, characteristic No. 445 deep shade, clear impression on crisp white paperEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB MINT NEVER-HINGED PAIR OF THE 3-CENT SINGLE-LINE WATERMARK PERF 10 COIL, SCOTT 445.
With 2010 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $3,900.00). Only one grades higher (at 95J) and none share this desirable grade.
3c Violet, Coil (445). Mint N.H., deep rich color and proof-like impression, unusually choice centering, Extremely Fine Gem, purchased by Mr. Field in a 1981 Siegel sale, with 2021 P.F. certificate
4c Brown, Coil (446). Mint N.H. guide line pair, exceptionally choice centering with beautifully balanced margins, deep rich color on bright paperEXTREMELY FINE GEM. AN EXCEPTIONAL MINT NEVER-HINGED GUIDE LINE PAIR OF THE 1914 4-CENT PERF 10 SINGLE-LINE WATERMARK COIL, SCOTT 446, GRADED SUPERB 98 BY P.S.E. -- THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED.
With 2009 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98; SMQ $8,250.00). Only one other Mint N.H. guide line pair has achieved the 98 grade, which is the highest awarded.
4c Brown, Coil (446). Mint N.H. pair, bright color, almost perfectly centered with enormous margins all aroundEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB MINT NEVER-HINGED PAIR OF THE 4-CENT HORIZONTAL COIL, SCOTT 446.
With 2004 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $2,400.00)
5c Blue, Coil (447). Mint N.H. guide line pair, intense shade and impression on bright paper, well-balanced margins, Extremely Fine, with 1986 and 1987 P.F. and 2022 P.S.E. certificates (XF 90; SMQ $975.00)
5c Blue, Coil (447). Mint N.H. guide line pair, intense shade and impression, well-proportioned margins, Extremely Fine, with 2021 P.F. certificate
5c Blue, Coil (447). Mint N.H., rich color on bright paper, well-balanced margins, Extremely Fine, with 1976 P.F. certificate
1c Green, Coil (448). Mint N.H. strip of four with joint line pair at top, rich color, choice centering, Extremely Fine, we doubt this will remain intact for much longer, with 2021 P.F. certificate, Scott value as line pair and pair
2c Red, Ty. I, Coil (449). Joint line pair, original gum, lightly hinged, intense shade and impression, remarkably choice centering for this difficult Rotary coil issueEXTREMELY FINE. A SUPERB JOINT LINE PAIR OF THE 2-CENT VERTICAL COIL, SCOTT 449. VERY SCARCE IN ANY CONDITION AND RARE IN THIS HIGH GRADE.
The 2c Type I rotary plate was used very briefly to make vertical coils issued in late 1915. It was briefly used because the Type I plate was not very deeply engraved and the curvature of the rotary press yielded impressions lacking in some of the details. The Bureau noticed this immediately, and quickly replaced it with the Type III plate (according to Scott, the EDU for No. 449 is Oct. 29, 1915 and the EDU for Type III is Dec. 10, 1915).
Ex Laehder. With 1992 and 2011 P.F. certificates
2c Red, Ty. I, Coil (449). Pair, bottom stamp Mint N.H., top stamp lightly hinged, glowing color, as fresh as the day it was printed, choice centering with unusually wide and balanced marginsVERY FINE. A BEAUTIFUL PAIR OF THE 2-CENT TYPE I VERTICAL COIL, SCOTT 449. ESPECIALLY DESIRABLE WITH THE BOTTOM STAMP IN MINT NEVER-HINGED CONDITION.
The 2c Type I rotary plate was used very briefly to make vertical coils issued in late 1915. It was briefly used because the Type I plate was not very deeply engraved and the curvature of the rotary press yielded impressions lacking in some of the details. The Bureau noticed this immediately, and quickly replaced it with the Type III plate (according to Scott, the EDU for No. 449 is Oct. 29, 1915 and the EDU for Type III is Dec. 10, 1915).
Ex "Scarsdale" and "Golden Oak". Bottom stamp with purple Ward backstamp. With 1998 P.F. and 2012 P.S.E. certificates (F-VF 75). Scott value as singles.
2c Red, Ty. I, Coil (449). Mint N.H., exceptional centering with balanced margins all around, brilliant color and detailed impressionEXTREMELY FINE MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 1915 TYPE I VERTICAL COIL.
This issue is notoriously difficult to find in Mint N.H. condition and with such choice centering. This is easily one of the finest in existence.
Ex Whitman and Myerson. With 1992 P.S.E., 1999 and 2017 P.F. certificates
2c Red, Ty. I, Coil (449). Mint N.H., radiant color, choice centering with wide marginsVERY FINE AND CHOICE. A FRESH AND SCARCE MINT NEVER-HINGED SINGLE OF THE 2-CENT VERTICAL COIL, SCOTT 449.
Ex Laehder. With 1986 P.F. certificate for a pair (bottom stamp).
2c Carmine, Ty. III, Coil (450). Mint N.H. joint line pair, glowing color on post-office fresh paper, choice centering with wide marginsEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB MINT NEVER-HINGED JOINT LINE PAIR OF THE 1915 TYPE III 2-CENT COIL, SCOTT 450.
The 2c Type III coil, Scott 450, was placed into service very shortly after the Type I coil, Scott 449, was deemed to be unacceptable for use on the rotary press. The Type I coil far outstrips the Type III in terms of attention and Scott Catalogue value. However, the Type III Scott 450 is extremely difficult to find as a Mint N.H. joint line pair with superior centering. The P.S.E. Population Report bears this out as the highest grade awarded is a mere 85 (one example).
Ex "Scarsdale" and "Golden Oak". With 2000 P.F. certificate.
1c Green, Coil (452). Mint N.H. joint line pair, bright color and crisp impression, Extremely Fine, with 1993 P.F. certificate
2c Carmine Rose, Ty. I, Coil (453). Mint N.H. joint line pair, uncharacteristically choice centering, deep rich color on post office fresh paperEXTREMELY FINE. THE 2-CENT TYPE I ROTARY COIL, SCOTT 453, IS EXCEEDINGLY DIFFICULT TO FIND IN THIS SUPERB MINT NEVER-HINGED CONDITION.
With 1983, 1995 P.F. and 2013 P.S.E. certificates (XF 90; SMQ $2,750.00). Only three Mint N.H. line pairs have achieved this grade, with none higher.
2c Carmine Rose, Ty. I, Coil (453). Pair, Mint N.H. except for pencil on gum so we are cataloguing it as hinged, radiant color, Extremely Fine
2c Carmine Rose, Ty. I, Coil (453). Mint N.H., rich color, wide margins, Extremely Fine, with 1988 P.F. certificate
2c Red, Ty. II, Coil (454). Mint N.H. joint line strip of four, brilliant color, choice centering, right stamp in line pair small inclusion spot not mentioned on certificate, Extremely Fine, witth 1991 P.F. certificate, Scott value as joint line pair and two singles
2c Red, Ty. II, Coil (454). Mint N.H. joint line pair, bright shade, well-proportioned margins, Extremely Fine, with 1993 P.F. certificate
2c Red, Ty. II, Coil (454). Mint N.H. pair, radiant color, gorgeous centering, Extremely Fine Gem, with 1992 P.F. (as strip of three) and 2022 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $1,150.00)
2c Red, Ty. II, Coil (454). Mint N.H. pair, detailed impression, well-balanced margins, Extremely Fine, with 1991 P.F. and 2022 P.S.E. certificates (XF 90; SMQ $575.00)
2c Carmine, Ty. III, Coil (455). Mint N.H. joint line pair, brilliant color, almost perfectly centered with wide margins, Extremely Fine Gem, ex "Scarsdale" and "Golden Oak", with 1994 P.F. certificate
3c Violet, Coil (456). Mint N.H. joint line pair, bright shade on crisp paper, gorgeous centering with wide and balanced marginsEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB MINT NEVER-HINGED JOINT LINE PAIR OF THE 3-CENT HORIZONTAL COIL, SCOTT 456.
Ex Whitman. With 1997 P.F. certificate
3c Violet, Coil (456). Mint N.H. pair, bright shade, crisp impression on post-office fresh paper, perfectly centeredEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB MINT NEVER-HINGED PAIR OF THE 3-CENT HORIZONTAL COIL, SCOTT 456, GRADED SUPERB 98 BY P.S.E. -- THIS IS THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED.
With 1986 P.F. and 2008 P.S.E. certificates (Superb 98; SMQ $7,000.00). This is the highest grade awarded and only two other pairs share this lofty grade.
3c Violet, Coil (456). Mint N.H., bright color and paper, beautiful centering, Extremely Fine Gem, with 1985 P.F. and 2022 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $1,750.00), only five grade higher
4c Brown, Coil (457). Mint N.H. joint line pair, bright color, Very Fine and choice, with 1991 P.F. certificate
5c Blue, Coil (458). Mint N.H. joint line pair, rich color and detailed impression, beautiful centering with Jumbo margins on all sidesEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A STUNNING MINT NEVER-HINGED JOINT LINE PAIR OF THE 5-CENT HORIZONTAL COIL, SCOTT 458, GRADED SUPERB 98 JUMBO BY P.S.E. -- THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED.
Ex "Hanover". With 2009 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98 Jumbo; SMQ $2,750.00). This is the highest grade awarded and only one other shares it.
5c Blue, Coil (458). Mint N.H. pair, deep rich color, well-proportioned margins, Extremely Fine, with 2022 P.S.E. certificate (XF 90; SMQ $250.00)
2c Carmine, Ty. I, Imperforate Coil (459). Mint N.H. joint line pair without crease between stamps, large even margins, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2019 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $1,950.00)
2c Carmine, Ty. I, Imperforate Coil (459). Mint N.H. pair, large and even margins, brilliant color, Extremely Fine, with 2018 P.F. certificate (XF 90 XQ), the "XQ" stands for "Extraordinary Quality"
2c Carmine, Ty. I, Imperforate Coil (459). Mint N.H., large margins, brilliant color, Extremely Fine
$1.00 Violet Black (460). Mint N.H., deep rich color and proof-like impression, perfectly centered with wide margins all aroundEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE PERF 10 DOUBLE-LINE WATERMARK $1.00 FRANKLIN.
With 1990 (for block) and 2000 P.F. certificates.
2c Pale Carmine Red, Ty. I (461). Mint N.H., rich color, well-balanced margins, Extremely Fine and attractive, with 1997 P.S.E. certificate for block