Sale 1231 — The James P. Myerson Collection of Superb United States Stamps
Sale Date — Tuesday-Wednesday, 9-10 February, 2021
Category — Postage Due
1c Brown (J1). Mint N.H., crisp impression, choice centering with well-balanced margins, Extremely Fine, a beautiful stamp
2c Brown (J2). Mint N.H., bright shade, wide marginsEXTREMELY FINE GEM MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 2-CENT 1879 POSTAGE DUE ISSUE, GRADED XF-SUPERB 95 XQ BY THE P.F.
With 1994, 2005 and 2015 P.F. certificates (XF-Superb 95 XQ), the "XQ" denotes Extraordinary Quality
3c Brown (J3). Mint N.H., brilliant color and detailed impression, choice centering with wide and balanced margins, Extremely Fine Gem, a superb Mint N.H. stamp, ex "Scarsdale", with 2012 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $1,100.00), the highest grade awarded and shared by only one other
5c Brown (J4). Original gum, intense shade and impression, small hinge thin, Extremely Fine appearance
10c Brown (J5). Original gum, lightly hinged, crisp impression, well-proportioned margins, Very Fine and choice, with 2000 P.F. certificate
30c Brown (J6). Original gum, brilliant color, well-proportioned margins, fresh and Extremely Fine, with 2011 P.S.E. certificate (OGh, XF 90; SMQ $475.00), only two grade higher (at 95)
50c Brown (J7). Original gum, barest trace of hinging, radiant color, crisp impression, choice centering with wide and balanced margins, Extremely Fine Gem, ex "Scarsdale" and "Hanover", with 1982 and 1999 P.F. and 2004 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $1,450.00), the highest grade awarded and only two others share it.
1c Red Brown (J15). Mint N.H., incredibly deep rich color, choice centering with balanced margins, fresh and Extremely Fine, with 2015 P.S.E. certificate (XF 90; SMQ $400.00)
2c Red Brown (J16). Mint N.H., deep rich color and proof-like impression, perfectly centeredEXTREMELY FINE GEM. THIS IS WITHOUT QUESTION THE FINEST MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 1884 2-CENT RED BROWN POSTAGE DUE ISSUE WE HAVE EVER ENCOUNTERED. THIS MAGNIFICENT STAMP IS GRADED GEM 100 BY P.S.E., THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED.
Ex "Hanover". With 2014 P.S.E. certificate (Gem 100; SMQ $3,750.00). The highest grade awarded and no others share it. Apart from one example graded 98, the next highest grade is 90. This is also the only in Mint N.H. condition we have offered since 2015.
5c Red Brown (J18). Original gum, barest trace of hinging, deep rich color and detailed impression, perfectly centered with wide and balanced margins, Extremely Fine Gem, a beautiful example of this issue, ex "Scarsdale" and "Hanover", with 1997 P.F. and 2004 P.S.E. certificates (OGph, XF-Superb 95; SMQ $1,300.00), the highest grade awarded to any unused No. J18
10c Red Brown (J19). Mint N.H., deep rich color and proof-like impression, phenomenal centeringEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A STUNNING MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 10-CENT 1884 RED BROWN POSTAGE DUE ISSUE, GRADED XF-SUPERB 95 BY BOTH P.F. AND P.S.E.
With 2009 P.S.E. and 2019 P.F. certificates (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $4,200.00). One grades higher (at 98, we have never offered it) and one other shares this grade
30c Red Brown (J20). Mint N.H., crisp impression, beautiful centering, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2007 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $1,800.00), only one grades higher (at 95) and one other shares this grade
50c Red Brown (J21). Mint N.H., bright and fresh color, detailed impression showing every nuance of the design, beautiful centeringEXTREMELY FINE. A GORGEOUS MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 50-CENT 1884 RED BROWN POSTAGE DUE.
Ex "Hanover". With 1990 and 2001 P.F. certificates. With 2004 P.S.E. certificate (XF 90; SMQ $5,250.00). This is the only Mint N.H. example awarded this grade, which is the highest awarded to any unused stamp
1c Bright Claret (J22). Mint N.H., intense shade, beautiful centering, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2016 P.S.A.G. certificate (Superb 98)
2c Bright Claret (J23). Mint N.H., brilliant color, well-balanced margins, Extremely Fine Gem, with 1999 P.F. and 2006 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $450.00), only two grade higher (at 98)
3c Bright Claret (J24). Mint N.H., radiant color and detailed impression, gorgeous centeringEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A PHENOMENAL MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 3-CENT 1891 POSTAGE DUE ISSUE, SCOTT J24, GRADED SUPERB 98 -- THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED AND THE ONLY STAMP TO ACHIEVE IT.
With 2005 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98; SMQ $2,600.00). The highest grade awarded and the only to achieve it. This is also the first example graded above an 85 that we have offered since 2012.
5c Bright Claret (J25). Mint N.H., beautiful bright color on post-office fresh paper, perfectly centered with enormous margins, long and full perforations all aroundEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A MAGNIFICENT MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 1891 5-CENT BRIGHT CLARET POSTAGE DUE ISSUE. THE ESSENCE OF PERFECTION -- THIS STAMP IS GRADED GEM 100 BY P.S.E. THE ONLY TO ACHIEVE THIS ULTIMATE GRADE -- WE DOUBT A FINER COPY EXISTS.
Ex "Scarsdale" and "Hanover". With 1995 and 2002 P.F. and 2004 P.S.E. certificates (Gem 100; SMQ $5,500.00). The highest grade awarded and the only example to achieve it.
10c Bright Claret (J26). Mint N.H., brilliant color and detailed impression, perfectly centered with huge margins, Extremely Fine Gem, ex "Scarsdale" and "Hanover", with 2002 and 2003 P.F. certificates (the former as part of a pair), and with 2004 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95 Jumbo; SMQ $1,850.00), only one grades higher (at 98) and one other shares this desirable grade
30c Bright Claret (J27). Original gum, lightly hinged, bright color, fresh and Very Fine, with 1995 P.F. certificate
50c Bright Claret (J28). Mint N.H., lovely color and crisp impression, perfectly centered, long and full perforationsEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 1891 50-CENT BRIGHT CLARET POSTAGE DUE ISSUE.
Ex "Hanover". With 2005 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $4,000.00). The highest grade awarded and only four others share it.
2c Vermilion (J30). Mint N.H., deep rich color which may be the Deep Vermilion sub-shade (though not noted as such on accompanying certificates), bright paper, perfectly centeredEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 1894 2-CENT VERMILION ISSUE WITH STUNNING COLOR, BRIGHT PAPER AND PERFECT CENTERING.
Ex "Scarsdale" and "Hanover". With 1983, 1999 and 2007 P.F. certificates (XF-Superb 95). By way of comparison, the P.S.E. Population Report contains none at this grade and only one higher (at 95J)
2c Deep Claret (J32). Mint N.H., deep rich color and proof-like impression on bright paper, Jumbo margins, Extremely Fine Gem, a stamp of massive proportions, ex Whitman, with 2000 and 2012 P.F. certificates, 2008 P.S.E. certificate no longer accompanies (XF-Superb 95 Jumbo; SMQ $1,250.00), the highest grade awarded and shared by only two others
3c Deep Claret (J33). Mint N.H., intense color and proof-like impression in a deep shade, perfectly centered with balanced margins, Extremely Fine Gem, a superb example of this difficult issue, ex "Piedmont", with 1997 and 2001 P.F. and 2007 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $1,500.00), only three grade higher (two at 95J, one at 98J)
5c Deep Claret (J34). Mint N.H., intense shade and impression, Very Fine and choice, with 1992 P.F. certificate
10c Deep Claret (J35). Mint N.H., lovely color on bright paper, wide margins, Very Fine and choice, with 2015 P.S.E. certificate (VF-XF 85; SMQ $1,300.00), the highest grade awarded to any Mint N.H. example and the first we have offered
30c Pale Rose (J36b). Mint N.H., radiant color, detailed impression, perfectly centeredEXTREMELY FINE GEM EXAMPLE OF THE 1895 30-CENT PALE ROSE POSTAGE DUE ISSUE, SCOTT J36b. THIS REMARKABLE STAMP IS GRADED SUPERB 98 BY P.S.E. -- THIS IS BY FAR THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED TO ANY SHADE OF THIS STAMP, AND IT IS THE ONLY EXAMPLE TO ACHIEVE THIS GRADE.
Ex "Hanover". With 2014 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98; SMQ $3,800.00). This is the highest grade awarded to any Mint N.H. shade (the highest J36 is 85, none graded for J36a). No others share this grade. We are mystified as to why SMQ only assigns roughly a 4x premium for 98 versus 80 -- normally the premium is much higher, especially with low Population Report numbers
1c Deep Claret (J38). Mint N.H. with wide top plate no. 246 selvage, beautiful centering, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2019 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95)
2c Deep Claret (J39). Mint N.H., brilliant color, perfectly centered with wide and balanced margins, Extremely Fine Gem, ex "Hanover", with 2004 and 2006 P.F. certificates (Superb 98)
5c Deep Claret (J41). Mint N.H., deep rich color and detailed impression, gorgeous centering, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2011 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98; SMQ $1,700.00), only one grades higher (at 98J, we have never offered it), five others share this grade, this is the first in this grade we have offered since 2006
10c Carmine (J42 var). Mint N.H., with bottom left corner selvage, bright color and detailed impression, Extremely Fine, with 2003 P.F. certificate
30c Deep Claret (J43). Original gum, rich color, wide margins, Very Fine and choice, with 2011 P.S.E. certificate (OGh, VF-XF 85; SMQ $675.00)
50c Deep Claret (J44). Mint N.H., intense shade and impression, almost perfect centering with wide marginsEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 50-CENT CLARET 1897 POSTAGE DUE ISSUE. THIS BUREAU ISSUE IS ONE OF THE RAREST POSTAGE DUES IN ANY CHOICE GRADE.
Ex Whitman and "Hanover". With 1995 P.F. and 2008 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $2,550.00). The highest grade awarded and no others share it
1c Deep Claret (J45). Mint N.H., intense shade and impression, gorgeous centering, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2012 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $440.00), the highest grade awarded and shared by no others
2c Deep Claret (J46). Mint N.H., brilliant color on bright paper, choice centering with wide and balanced margins, Extremely Fine Gem, ex "Scarsdale", 2004 P.F. certificate no longer accompanies, with 2012 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $425.00), the highest grade awarded to a Mint N.H. example and shared by no others
3c Deep Claret (J47). Mint N.H., rich color on bright paper, Jumbo margins, Extremely Fine, with 2013 P.F. certificate with top selvage (since removed)
5c Deep Claret (J48). Mint N.H., deep shade and detailed impression, perfectly centered with Jumbo margins, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2014 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98 Jumbo; SMQ $1,850.00), the highest grade awarded and shared by no others
10c Rose Carmine (J49a). Mint N.H., wide margins and incredibly well-centered for this difficult issue, vivid color on bright paper, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2009 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $800.00), the highest grade awarded to either J49 or J49a and shared by no others
50c Deep Claret (J50). Mint N.H., radiant color and detailed impression on post-office fresh paper, beautiful centering with wide and balanced marginsEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A STUNNING MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 1912 50-CENT BUREAU POSTAGE DUE ISSUE, GRADED XF-SUPERB 95 BY P.S.E. -- THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED AND THE ONLY TO ACHIEVE IT.
Ex "Hanover". With 2008 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $7,500.00). The highest grade awarded and the only example to achieve this grade. The next highest grade is 90.
1c Carmine Lake (J52). Mint N.H., lovely color on bright paper, unusually choice centering, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2012 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $600.00), only one grades higher (at 95J) and none share this grade
2c Vermilion (J53b). Mint N.H., choice centering within wide margins, brilliantly fresh, Extremely Fine Gem, ex Curtis, with 2009 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95 Jumbo; SMQ $600.00), the highest grade awarded to any shade and shared by no others, the highest grade awarded to a J53 is 95 (one at that grade)
3c Carmine Lake (J54). Original gum, warm color, fresh, Very Fine and choice, with 1988 P.F. and 2018 P.S.A.G. certificates
10c Carmine Lake (J56). Mint N.H., radiant color on bright paper, perfectly centered with Jumbo margins, Extremely Fine Gem, with 1993 P.F. and 2010 P.S.E. certificates (Superb 98 Jumbo; SMQ $1,350.00), the highest grade awarded and shared by no others
30c Carmine Lake (J57). Mint N.H., deep rich color and proof-like impression, perfectly centered with Jumbo marginsEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A STUNNING MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF J57, GRADED SUPERB 98 JUMBO BY P.S.E. -- THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED AND SHARED BY NO OTHERS.
With 2010 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98 Jumbo; SMQ $3,200.00). The highest grade awarded and shared by no others.
50c Carmine Lake (J58). Original gum, radiant color, choice centering for this difficult issueVERY FINE AND CHOICE. THE 1914 50-CENT POSTAGE DUE WITH ORIGINAL GUM IS ONE OF THE RAREST OF ALL POSTAGE DUE STAMPS.
Scott No. J58 has the highest catalogue value of any regularly issued Postage Due stamp. Only the 1c-3c Special Printings, Scott Nos. J8-J10, catalogue higher. This stamp is the key to any meaningful collection of the Postage Due issues.
With 1980 and 2015 P.F. certificates (VF 80)
1c Rose (J59). Mint N.H., radiant color and crisp impression, unusually choice centering for this difficult issueEXTREMELY FINE GEM MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 1916 ONE-CENT PERF 10 UNWATERMARKED POSTAGE DUE ISSUE. THIS IS ONE OF THE FINEST EXAMPLES IN EXISTENCE.
The Perf 10 stamps were printed on unwatermarked paper for a brief time. Well-centered original-gum examples are exceedingly rare. We have offered only six other Mint N.H. examples in the past 25 years, and this is arguably the finest.
With 2015 P.F. certificate (XF 90). By way of comparison, P.S.E. has not graded any Mint N.H. examples.
2c Rose (J60). Mint N.H., brilliant color on post-office fresh paper, perfectly centered with wide margins all around, long and full perforationsEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A STUNNING MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 1916 2-CENT ROSE PERF 10 UNWATERMARKED POSTAGE DUE ISSUE. THE ONLY EXAMPLE TO ACHIEVE THE GRADE OF SUPERB 98, WHICH IS THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED. THIS STAMP IS LIKELY THE FINEST IN EXISTENCE.
The unwatermarked Perf 10 Postage Due stamps (Scott J59 and J60) were only in production for a short period of time before being replaced by the Perf 11 stamps.
Ex "Scarsdale", Dr. Killien and "Hanover". With 2002 P.F. and 2006 P.S.E. certificates (Superb 98; SMQ $3,300.00). The highest grade awarded and shared by no others.
5c Carmine (J64). Mint N.H. with bottom plate no. 19470 selvage, radiant color, perfectly centered with Jumbo margins, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2015 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98 Jumbo; SMQ $700.00), the highest grade awarded and shared by no others
30c Deep Claret (J66a). Mint N.H., brilliant color, choice centering with Jumbo margins, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2000 P.F. and 2007 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95 Jumbo; SMQ $675.00), the highest grade awarded and shared by three others, by way of comparison the highest grade for J66 is a single example also graded 95J
50c Carmine Rose (J67). Mint N.H., brilliant color, wide and balanced margins, Very Fine and choice, with 1999 P.S.E. certificate, the highest graded example is a 90
10c Carmine (J74). Mint N.H., brilliant color, perfectly centered, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2018 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98; SMQ $550.00), the highest grade awarded and the only to achieve it
30c Carmine (J75). Mint N.H., deep rich color on bright paper, wide margins with mathematically perfect centeringEXTREMELY FINE GEM. THIS REMARKABLE MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 1930 30-CENT POSTAGE DUE ISSUE IS GRADED GEM 100 -- THE ONLY EXAMPLE TO ACHIEVE THIS PERFECT GRADE.
Ex Whitman and "Hanover". With 1993 P.F. and 2008 P.S.E. certificates (Gem 100; SMQ $2,300.00). The highest grade awarded and the only example to achieve it.
$1.00 Scarlet (J77a). Mint N.H., brilliant color on bright paper, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2013 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98; SMQ $475.00), only one grades higher (at 98J) and one other shares this grade, for the main shade, the highest awarded to a J77 is a single example graded 98
$5.00 Scarlet (J78a). Mint N.H., bright shade, perfect centering, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2011 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98; SMQ $525.00), the highest grade awarded and shared by no others, for the main shade, J78, the highest grade awarded is a 90