Sale 992 — United States Stamps
Sale Date — Thursday-Friday, 24-25 June, 2010
Category — 1904 Louisiana Purchase, Jamestown Issues (Scott 323-330)
2c Louisiana Purchase (324). Mint N.H., with bottom imprint in selvage, the centering is perfect and the margin width is balanced and well beyond the standard dimensions of this tightly-spaced issue, bright color, fresh paper and gumEXTREMELY FINE GEM. ABSOLUTELY REMARKABLE QUALITY FOR THIS 20TH CENTURY COMMEMORATIVE ISSUE. A MAGNIFICENT STAMP.
The 2c Louisiana Purchase is a common stamp, but the difficulty in finding choice Mint N.H. examples is evident in the P.S.E. Population Report statistics: 114 have been graded, but only five have graded 98 or better (four 98's, one 100). Another "rule" of this issue is that the stamps have small margins due to the tight spacing between subjects on the plate. This, too, is evident in the Population Report stats: there are no Jumbos in OG 95, 98 or 100 grades, and, in fact, only two stamps have the Jumbo designation (one NH 90J and one used 98J). For the collector who seeks an extraordinary example of each stamp, this 2c Louisiana Purchase, with its imprint selvage and 98 grade, is a major rarity, which is not an overstatement considering that we have sold only one other Mint N.H. 98 example.
With 2009 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98; SMQ $2,350.00). One of four graded 98 and only one graded higher at 100.
5c Louisiana Purchase (326). Block of four with horizontal guide line, bottom pair Mint N.H., Fine-Very Fine
1c Jamestown (328). Mint N.H. bottom imprint and plate no. 3541 block of six, nicely centered for this difficult plate block, lightly folded vertically with some internal perf separations, otherwise Very Fine
5c Jamestown (330). Mint N.H., well-centered for this very tight-margined issue, Very Fine, with 2010 P.F. certificate