Sale 972 — The Laila Collection of United States Stamps
Sale Date — Monday-Tuesday, 27-28 April, 2009
Category — Postage Due (J)
1c Brown (J1). Mint N.H., brilliant color, crisp impression, well-proportioned margins, Very Fine and choice, with 2004 P.S.E. certificate
2c Brown (J2). Mint N.H., intense shade and impression, long and full perforations all around, Fine, with 2005 P.F. certificate
2c Brown (J2). Original gum, lightly hinged, exceptionally well-centered, Extremely Fine, with 1999 P.F. certificate
3c Brown (J3). Mint N.H., rich color and proof-like impression, wide and balanced margins, Extremely Fine, an attractive stamp, with 2004 P.F. and 2005 P.S.E. certificates (XF 90; SMQ $750.00)
5c Pale Brown (J4 var). Original gum, lightly hinged, pretty shade which is significantly different from the normal shade, well-proportioned margins, Extremely Fine, with 1987 and 2005 P.F. certificates
10c Brown (J5). Original gum, barest trace of hinging, pretty shade, Very Fine and choice
30c Brown (J6). Original gum, pretty shade, wide margins, Extremely Fine, with 2004 P.F. certificate
50c Brown (J7). Original gum, lightly hinged, bright shade, wide margins, Extremely Fine, with 2004 P.F. certificate
1c Deep Brown, Special Printing (J8). Unused (no gum), deep rich color and proof-like impressionFINE EXAMPLE OF THE RARE ONE-CENT POSTAGE DUE SPECIAL PRINTING.
The 1c, 2c and 3c are undoubtedly the rarest values of the American Bank Note Co. Postage Due Special Printings, although the sold quantities in the official records are relatively high. William E. Mooz, in an article on the 1c appearing in Chronicle No. 170, May 1996, offers evidence to support his theory that the actual number of true Special Printings sold was significantly lower than the reported figures. For the 1c, Mooz estimates 500 sold, but it is possible that as many as 400 purchased by G. B. Calman were destroyed. It is widely accepted that nearly 9,000 1c stamps sold as Special Printings were actually regular issues.
With 1990 and 2005 P.F. certificates. Scott Retail as with original gum
2c Deep Brown, Special Printing (J9). Full original gum, h.r., choice centering, intense color and proof-like impression on bright paperEXTREMELY FINE. THIS SUPERB STAMP IS ONE OF THE FINEST EXAMPLES OF THE RARE 2-CENT POSTAGE DUE SPECIAL PRINTING.
As noted in the description of lot 3418, the reported sale figures for the 1c, 2c and 3c Postage Due Special Printings probably include orders filled with regular stamps. The 2c is one of the rarest of the set, especially in this sound and centered original-gum condition.
Ex Drucker. With 1984 and 2002 P.F. and 2004 P.S.E. certificates
3c Deep Brown, Special Printing (J10). Unused (no gum), bright color and detailed impression, choice centering for this difficult issueEXTREMELY FINE. THE 3-CENT IS POSSIBLY THE RAREST OF THE POSTAGE DUE SPECIAL PRINTINGS, AND IS EXTREMELY ELUSIVE IN SOUND AND CENTERED CONDITION.
Although 436 copies were reported sold, it is believed that 100 copies were destroyed in the Calman lot. A thorough search of the marketplace, combined with conversations with dealers and collectors, has confirmed the extreme rarity of this stamp.
This is the sixth example we have sold in the last five years. The other five are the Zoellner copy (original gum, inclusion, poorly centered), the Drucker copy (no gum, poorly centered), a third copy (original gum, reperfed at top), a fourth copy (part original gum, small crease), and a fifth copy (no gum and sound). This sound and centered copy should be considered very desirable.
Ex Hoffman. With 1950, 1995 and 2008 P.F. certificates. Scott Retail as with original gum
10c Deep Brown, Special Printing (J12). Original gum, rich color and detailed impressionFRESH AND FINE EXAMPLE OF THE 10-CENT POSTAGE DUE SPECIAL PRINTING.
It has been estimated that no more than 174 examples of the 10c Postage Due Special Printing reached the public.
Signed "S.A. (Spencer Anderson). With 1997 P.S.E. and 2005 P.F. certificates
50c Deep Brown, Special Printing (J14). Unused (no gum), deep shade, detailed impressionVERY FINE EXAMPLE OF THE 50-CENT POSTAGE DUE SPECIAL PRINTING.
It has been estimated that no more than 179 examples of the 50c Postage Due Special Printing reached the public.
With 2002 P.S.E. and 2004 P.F. certificates. Scott Retail as with gum
1c Red Brown (J15). Mint N.H., deep rich color and proof-like impression, well-proportioned margins, fresh and Extremely Fine, with 2003 P.S.E. certificate
3c Red Brown (J17). Original gum, small h.r., attractive shade, reperfed at right, Fine appearance
5c Red Brown (J18). Original gum, attractive color which is close to the Pale Brown shade, Very Fine
10c Red Brown (J19). Original gum, lightly hinged, intense shade, Very Fine, with 1991 and 2005 P.F. certificates
30c Red Brown (J20). Mint N.H., brilliant color, detailed impression, Very Fine, with 1979 A.P.S. certificate
50c Red Brown (J21). Mint N.H., rich color and detailed impression, well-proportioned marginsVERY FINE AND CHOICE. A SCARCE MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 50-CENT 1884 RED BROWN POSTAGE DUE.
With 1996 P.F. and 2005 P.S.E. certificates (VF 80; SMQ $3,900.00)
1c Bright Claret (J22). Mint N.H., warm shade on crisp paper, beautiful centering with wide and balanced margins, Extremely Fine, with 2003 P.F. and 2005 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $550.00)
2c Bright Claret (J23). Mint N.H., radiant color, well-proportioned margins, Extremely Fine, with 2000 P.F. certificate
3c Bright Claret (J24). Mint N.H. block of four, radiant color, top right stamp tiny natural paper translucency, Very Fine, with 1997 P.F. certificate, Scott Retail as never hinged singles
5c Bright Claret (J25). Selvage at top, original gum, barest trace of hinging, intense shade, fresh and Very Fine, with 1990 and 2004 P.F. certificates
10c Bright Claret (J26). Original gum, barely hinged, bright color, wide margins, Very Fine, with 2004 P.F. certificate
30c Bright Claret (J27). Original gum, lightly hinged, rich color, Extremely Fine, with 2004 P.F. certificate
50c Bright Claret (J28). Original gum, lightly hinged, deep rich color, fresh and Very Fine, with 1998 P.F. certificate
1c-30c 1891 Issue, Imperforate Pairs (J22a-J27a). Mint N.H., 10c vertical pair, others horizontal, large to huge margins incl. several with sheet marginVERY FINE-EXTREMELY FINE. A SCARCE COMPLETE SET OF MINT NEVER-HINGED IMPERFORATE PAIRS OF THE 1891 UNWATERMARKED POSTAGE DUE ISSUE.
Each with 2002 P.F. certificate. Scott Retail as hinged
1c Vermilion (J29). Original gum, barely hinged, vibrant color, fresh and Fine, with 2000 P.F. (as Mint N.H.) and 2005 P.S.E. certificates (OGph, F 70; SMQ $1,300.00)
2c Vermilion (J30). Mint N.H., radiant color, fresh and Fine, scarce in Mint N.H. condition, with 1995 P.F. certificate
3c Deep Claret (J33). Mint N.H., incredibly deep shade, beautifully centered with bottom sheet selvage, Extremely Fine, with 2000 P.F. certificate for pair
5c Deep Claret (J34). Mint N.H., rich color on bright paper, wide margins, fresh and Very Fine, with 2003 P.F. certificate for block
10c Deep Claret (J35). Original gum, lightly hinged, unusual pastel shade, wide margins, Very Fine, with 2000 P.F. certificate
30c Deep Claret (J36). Original gum, intense shade on bright paper, well-balanced margins, Very Fine and choice, with 2001 P.F. certificate
30c Pale Rose (J36b). Mint N.H., radiant color, crisp impression, Very Fine and choice, with 2003 P.F. and 2005 P.S.E. certificates (VF-XF 85; SMQ $1,500.00)
50c Deep Claret (J37). Original gum, barest trace of hinging (accompanying certificate states Mint N.H.), deep rich color and proof-like impression on bright paper, fresh and Fine, with 2005 A.P.S. certificate
50c Pale Rose (J37a). Original gum, pretty shade, light corner crease, Fine appearance
2c Deep Claret (J39). Mint N.H., fabulous centering and marvelous deep rich color, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2004 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $380.00)
3c Deep Claret (J40). Mint N.H., deep rich color, well-balanced margins, fresh paper, Very Fine and choice, with 2004 P.F. certificate, with 1998 and 2005 P.S.E. certificates (VF-XF 85; SMQ $375.00)
5c Deep Claret (J41). Mint N.H. with bottom left corner selvage, deep rich color and detailed impression, wide margins, Very Fine and choice, a striking corner selvage stamp, with 2003 P.F. certificate
10c Deep Claret (J42). Mint N.H., nearly perfect centering, sharp impression and deep intense color, Extremely Fine, with 2000 P.S.E. and 2001 P.F. certificates
30c Deep Claret (J36). Mint N.H., detailed impression and rich color, Very Fine, scarce in Mint N.H. condition, with 1994 and 2004 P.F. certificates, with 2005 P.S.E. certificate (VF 80; SMQ $1,750.00)
50c Claret (J44). Original gum, choice centering with wide margins, bright color, small surface scuff not noted on accompanying certificate, Very Fine appearance, with 1998 P.F. certificate
1c Deep Claret (J45). Mint N.H., superb centering, intense shade and proof-like impression, Extremely Fine Gem, with copy of 2004 P.F. certificate for block
2c Deep Claret (J46). Faintly hinged, Jumbo margins all around, almost perfectly centered, Extremely Fine Gem, a huge stamp, with 2003 P.S.E. certificate (OGph, XF-Superb 95 Jumbo; SMQ $135.00 as 95, $220.00 as 98)
3c Deep Claret (J47). Mint N.H. with part imprint at bottom, proof-like impression, fresh and Very Fine, Scott no. in selvage, with 2003 P.F. certificate
5c Deep Claret (J48). Mint N.H., gorgeous centering, vivid color on post office fresh paper, Extremely Fine, with 1992 and 2004 P.F. certificates, with 2005 P.S.E. certificate (XF 90; SMQ $590.00)
10c Rose Carmine (J49a). Mint N.H., Jumbo margins with almost perfect centering, vibrant color, Extremely Fine, with 2004 P.F. certificate, with 2003 and 2005 P.S.E. certificates (XF 90 Jumbo; SMQ $590.00 as 90, $900.00 as 95)
50c Deep Claret (J50). Lightly hinged, beautifully centered on brilliant paper, vivid colorEXTREMELY FINE 50-CENT PERF 12 SINGLE-LINE WATERMARK POSTAGE DUE.
With 2003 P.S.E. certificate
1c Carmine Lake (J52). Mint N.H., brilliant color, crisp impression, wide margins, Very Fine, with 1991 and 2003 P.F. certificates
2c Carmine Lake (J53). Mint N.H., vibrant color on post-office fresh paper, wide and balanced margins, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2003 P.F. and 2005 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $610.00)
2c Carmine Lake (J53). Mint N.H., radiant color, wide margins, Very Fine and choice
3c Carmine Lake (J54). Barely hinged, deep shade on incredibly bright paper, wide margins, Very Fine and choice, a stunning stamp of great visual appeal, with 1986 and 2004 P.F. certificates
5c Carmine Rose (J55a var). Mint N.H., intense shade, wide and balanced margins, Extremely Fine example of this desirable shade, with 1998 P.F. certificate
10c Dull Rose (J56a). Mint N.H., radiant color on bright paper, Very Fine and choice example of this distinctive shade, with 2001 P.F. certificate
10c Carmine Rose (J56a var). Mint N.H., bright color and crisp impression, choice centering with wide and balanced margins, Extremely Fine example of this desirable shade, with 1996 P.F. and 2005 P.S.E. certificates (XF 90; SMQ $420.00)
30c Carmine Lake (J57). Mint N.H., deep rich color and proof-like impression on bright paper, wide and balanced margins, Extremely Fine, with 1996 P.F. and 2005 P.S.E. certificates (XF 90; SMQ $1,150.00)
50c Carmine Lake (J58). Original gum, lightly hinged, beautiful rich color, choice centeringVERY 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 2004 P.F. certificate
1c Rose (J59). Mint N.H. right margin plate no. single, pretty pastel shade, almost perfectly centered with wide and well-balanced margins, trivial natural inclusion at top left barely visible on front of stampEXTREMELY FINE GEM. AN EXCEEDINGLY RARE 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 Postage Due stamps were printed on unwatermarked paper for a brief time. Well-centered original-gum examples are exceedingly rare. This Mint Never-Hinged copy with the finest centering available for this stamp is a true condition rarity.
With 2001 P.F. certificate
2c Rose (J60). Mint N.H., radiant color, crisp impression, Very Fine and choice, with 2002 P.F. and 2005 P.S.E. certificates (VF-XF 85; SMQ $1,000.00)
3c Deep Claret (J63b). Mint N.H., intense shade and impression, well-proportioned margins, Extremely Fine, with 2002 P.F. and 2002 P.S.E. certificates (XF 90; SMQ $110.00)
10c Carmine Rose (J65). Mint N.H., brilliant color, choice centering with wide margins, Extremely Fine, with copy of 2000 P.F. certificate for block of four and 2002 P.F. certificate as single
30c Carmine Rose (J66). Mint N.H., brilliant color, few natural gum skips, Very Fine and choice, with 2004 P.S.E. certificate
30c Deep Claret (J66a). Mint N.H., intense color and proof-like impression, Jumbo margins, fresh and Extremely Fine example of this shade, ex Scarsdale, with 1987 and 2000 P.F. certificates
50c Carmine Rose (J67). Mint N.H. with plate no. 5527 at left, bright shade, detailed impression, well-proportioned margins, Extremely Fine, with 1998 P.F. and 2005 P.S.E. certificates (XF 90; SMQ $650.00)
50c Deep Claret (J67b). Mint N.H., brilliant color, detailed impression, Very Fine and choice, with 2005 P.S.E. certificate (VF-XF 85; SMQ $475.00)
-1/2c-$5.00 Postage Due (J69-J78). Mint N.H. except 10c lightly hinged, bright colors, Very Fine
30c Carmine (J75). Mint N.H., pretty shade and crisp impression, well-balanced margins, Extremely Fine, with 1996 and 2004 P.F. certificates
50c Carmine (J76). Mint N.H., detailed impression, Very Fine and choice, with 2005 P.F. certificate