Sale 962 — United States Stamps
Sale Date — Wednesday-Friday, 24-26 September, 2008
Category — Offices in China
2c-$2.00 Offices in China (K1-K18). H.r., rich colors, few minor imperfections, Fine-Very Fine
2c on 1c Offices in China (K1). Deep rich color on bright paper, neat strike of easily readable Shanghai cancel, unusually choice centering, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2008 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $440.00), this is the highest graded awarded to date to a used stamp and only one other shares this grade
2c on 1c Offices in China (K1). Wide right plate no. 13222 block of six, tied by "U.S. Postal Agency, Shanghai, China, Dec. 29, 1922" duplex cancels on cover to Cleveland O., Fine-Very Fine, cancelled three days prior to closing of the post office, Scott Retail as two used singles and a used block of four
4c on 2c Offices in China (K2). Mint N.H., fabulous flawless centering with wonderful deep rich color, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2008 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98; SMQ $1,450.00), this and one other are the only two No. K2 98's in the P.S.E. Population Report, none higher
8c on 4c Offices in China (K4). Mint N.H., beautifully centered, rich color, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2008 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $1,150.00), this and one other No. K4 share this grade, only three higher
10c on 5c Offices in China (K5). Mint N.H., prefect centering, intense color on pristine paperEXTREMELY FINE GEM. AN IDEAL EXAMPLE OF A MINT NEVER-HINGED 10-CENT ON 5-CENT OFFICES IN CHINA ISSUE.
With 2008 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98; SMQ $2,700), only two others recorded in this grade with one higher
12c on 6c Offices in China (K6). Mint N.H., attractive margins and vivid color, Extremely Fine, with 2002 P.F. certificate
14c on 7c Offices in China (K7). Mint N.H., choice margins and centering, intense color on crisp white paper, Extremely Fine Gem, difficult to find in this high quality, with 2008 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $1,500.00)
16c on 8c Offices in China (K8). Mint N.H., pretty shade as fresh as the day it was printed, crisp paper, perfectly centered with wide and balanced marginsEXTREMELY FINE GEM. THIS GORGEOUS MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 16-CENT ON 8-CENT OFFICES IN CHINA HAS BEEN GRADED SUPERB 98 BY P.S.E. -- ONLY ONE HAS GRADED HIGHER TO DATE.
With 2008 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98; SMQ $2,850.00). Only one has graded higher to date (at 98J) and only two others share this grade. A review of the P.S.E. Population Report for the underlying stamp, Scott 508, will also give an indication of its rarity in higher grades. The significantly more available Scott 508 only has nine stamps graded 98 or above.
16c on 8c Offices in China (K8). Mint N.H., choice balanced margins, essentially perfectly centered, lovely pastel color, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2008 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $1,250.00)
20c on 10c Offices in China (K10). Mint N.H., almost perfectly centered, strong color, Extremely Fine, with 2008 P.S.E. certificate (XF 90; SMQ $410.00)
20c on 10c Offices in China (K10). Mint N.H., fresh glowing color, Very Fine, ex Vineyard, with 2002 P.F. certificate
24c on 12c Offices in China (K11). Uncommonly wide margins and precisely centered, wonderful deep rich color on fresh white paper, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2008 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98; SMQ $425.00), only two others (one Mint N.H.) are recorded in this very high grade
60c on 30c Offices in China (K14). Mint N.H., handsome wide margins and vivid color, very attractive centering, Extremely Fine, with 2008 P.S.E. certificate (XF 90; SMQ $650.00)
60c on 30c Offices in China (K14). Mint N.H., deep rich color, Very Fine and choice, with 2008 P.S.E. certificate
$2.00 on $1.00 Offices in China, Double Surcharge (K16a). Lightly hinged, deep rich color on bright fresh paper, wide margins, clear doubling of the surchargeVERY FINE AND CHOICE. A BEAUTIFUL EXAMPLE OF THE RARE $2.00 DOUBLE SURCHARGE ERROR.
The Office in China double surcharge error occurred during the overprinting of stamps for use at the U.S. Postal Agency in Shanghai. It has been reported that the errors were among the last stamps to be put on sale before the agency closed on December 31, 1922. The Deputy Postal Agent, Mr. E. H. Murray, knew of the error but allowed it to be put on sale, as he was retiring and the Agency was closing.
With 2008 P.S.E. certificate