Sale 1219 — The Edward Morton Collection of Outstanding Quality U.S. Stamps
Sale Date — Wednesday-Thursday, 8-9 April, 2020
Category — 1895 Watermarked Bureau Issue (Scott 264-278)
2c Carmine, Ty. I (265). Mint N.H., radiant color, beautifully balanced margins, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2010 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $950.00), only four grade higher
2c Carmine, Ty. II (266). Mint N.H., vivid color on crisp paper, choice centering with wide and balanced margins, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2005 P.F. and 2004 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $1,000.00), only eight grade higher
2c Carmine, Ty. III (267). Mint N.H. with left part imprint selvage, deep shade and detailed impression on crisp paper, essentially perfect centering, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2011 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98; SMQ 1,000.00), only two grade higher (at 100)
4c Dark Brown (269). Mint N.H., rich color and proof-like impression, wide margins and superior centering, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2005 and 2016 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $1,400.00), only four Mint N.H. stamps grade higher (highest is 98)
5c Chocolate (270). Mint N.H., precise centering with balanced margins, rich color on fresh paper, Extremely Fine Gem, with 1999 P.F. (showing bottom selvage) and 2006 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $850.00)
8c Violet Brown (272). Mint N.H., deep color on bright paper, gorgeous centering, Extremely Fine Gem, with 1990, 2001 and 2014 P.F. certificates (XF-Superb 95)
10c Dark Green (273). Original gum, single hinge mark, pretty color, wide and balanced margins, Extremely Fine Gem, with 1979 and 1997 P.F. certificates, with 2007 and 2013 P.S.E. certificates (OGph, XF-Superb 95; SMQ $375.00)
15c Dark Blue (274). Original gum, lightly hinged, wonderful depth of color and precise centering on bright paper, Extremely Fine Gem, with 1999 P.F. and 2009 P.S.E. certificates (OGph, XF-Superb 95; SMQ $950.00)
50c Orange (275). Original gum, radiant color, choice centering with well-balanced margins, fresh and Extremely Fine, with 2004 P.F. certificate
$1.00 Black, Ty. I (276). Original gum, essentially perfect centering with wide and balanced margins, bright shade and detailed impression on crisp paperEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SPECTACULAR ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE 1895 $1.00 TYPE I WATERMARKED BUREAU ISSUE. THIS IS THE ONLY UNUSED SCOTT 276 TO ACHEIVE THE GRADE OF SUPERB 98 FROM P.S.E.
With 1976 P.F. and 2019 P.S.E. certificates (OGph, Superb 98; SMQ $5,250.00). This is the highest grade awarded to an unused Scott 276 in any gum condition and it is shared by no others. The highest Mint N.H. grade is 95 (one example)
$1.00 Black, Ty. II (276A). Original gum, lightly hinged, outstanding centering with balanced margins, intense shadeEXTREMELY FINE GEM ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE 1895 $1.00 TYPE II WATERMARKED BUREAU ISSUE.
With 2003 P.F. certificate
$2.00 Dark Blue (277a). Original gum, intense shade and impression in the unmistakable Dark Blue color, superior centering with wide and balanced marginsEXTREMELY FINE GEM ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE 1895 $2.00 WATERMARKED BUREAU ISSUE IN THE DARK BLUE SHADE.
With 1990, 2001 P.F. and 2005 P.S.E. certificates (OGph, XF-Superb 95; SMQ $2,850.00). Only four Scott 277a stamps grade higher (at 98) and one other shares this lofty grade
$5.00 Dark Green (278). Original gum, lightly hinged, deep rich color and proof-like impression on bright paper, wide margins and choice centeringEXTREMELY FINE ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE 1895 $5.00 WATERMARKED BUREAU ISSUE.
With 2009 P.S.E. certificate (OGph, XF 90; SMQ $3,500.00). Only five hinged and one Mint N.H. grade higher