Sale 1034 — The Merlin Collection of Superb United States Stamps
Sale Date — Wednesday-Thursday, 28-29 November, 2012
Category — 1851-56 Issue (Scott 10-17)
3c Orange Brown (10). Position 4R1i, large margins, intense shade, well-struck blue circular datestamp, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2004 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $1,250.00), only three have graded higher
3c Deep Claret, Ty. I (11 var). Enormous margins all around, including sheet margin at bottom and part of three adjoining stamps, intense shade and impression in the distinctive Deep Claret color, neat strike of circular datestamp cancelEXTREMELY FINE GEM. THIS GORGEOUS STAMP HAS BEEN AWARDED THE GRADE OF GEM 100 JUMBO BY P.S.E. -- ONLY FIVE EXAMPLES HAVE ACHIEVED THIS GRADE, AND THIS IS LIKELY THE ONLY ONE IN THE MORE DESIRABLE DEEP CLARET SHADE.
With 2008 P.S.E. certificate (Gem 100 Jumbo; unpriced in SMQ above the grade of 98, SMQ $475.00 as 98 in the Dull Red shade). This is the highest grade possible on the grading chart and this is likely the only in the Deep Claret shade to achieve it.
3c Brownish Carmine, Ty. II (11A). Position 12R5L, huge margins all around, including parts of five adjoining stamps, intense shade and impression on bright paper, neat strike of circular datestamp, Extremely Fine Gem, a superb stamp in every respect, with 2009 P.S.E. certificate (Gem 100; unpriced in SMQ above the grade of 98, SMQ $550.00 as 98), only two have graded higher and only six others share this grade, we do not know how many of these are in the more desirable Brownish Carmine shade offered here
3c Brownish Carmine, Ty. II (11A). Huge margins all around, including significant portions of adjoining stamps at top and bottom, part of adjoining stamp at right and sheet margin at left, brilliant color, well-struck New York circular datestamp, Extremely Fine Gem and especially desirable in the Brownish Carmine shade, with 2007 P.S.E. certificate (Gem 100; unpriced in SMQ above the grade of 98, SMQ $550.00 as 98), only six others have attained this grade, and only two have graded higher
5c Red Brown (12). Enormous margins all around, including right interpane margin with trace of centerline, bright shade, face-free strike of circular datestampEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A PHENOMENAL USED EXAMPLE OF THE 5-CENT 1856 ISSUE, WHICH HAS BEEN GRADED SUPERB 98 JUMBO BY P.S.E. -- THIS IS THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED.
With 2007 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98 Jumbo; unpriced in SMQ above the grade of 98, SMQ $4,250.00 as 98). This is the highest grade awarded and one of three to achieve it.
10c Green, Ty. I (13). Large to huge margins, including bottom sheet margin and part of adjoining stamp at top, bright color, neat strike of large Boston "Paid" grid cancelEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1855 10-CENT TYPE I. SCARCE WITH THE SHEET MARGIN.
The 10c Type I stamps only come from the 20 bottom-row positions of Plate 1. One would expect to find more copies with the bottom sheet margin intact, but this is rarely the case. When the sheet margin is present, it usually has a corner crease or handling flaw. The example offered here, with large sheet margin in completely sound condition, is a true rarity.
With 1992 P.F. and 2008 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95 Jumbo; SMQ $2,475.00 as 95, $4,800.00 as 98). Only six have graded higher and only two others shares this grade.
10c Green, Ty. II (14). Huge margins all around, deep rich color and proof-like impression on bright paper, nicely complemented by two strikes of red grid cancelEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1855 10-CENT TYPE II WITH A GORGEOUS RED GRID CANCEL. THIS STUNNING STAMP HAS BEEN GRADED SUPERB 98 JUMBO BY P.S.E., WHICH IS THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED.
This issue is surprisingly difficult to obtain with a red colored cancel. A review using Power Search found approximately a dozen offered in almost 20 years' worth of auctions.
With 2005 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98 Jumbo; unpriced in SMQ above the grade of 98, SMQ $1,250.00 as 98). This is the highest grade awarded and only five others share it.
10c Green, Ty. III (15). Huge margins including portion of the adjoining stamp at top and sheet margin at left, deep rich color, face-free strike of town cancelEXTREMELY FINE GEM. AN EXCEPTIONALLY BEAUTIFUL USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1855 10-CENT TYPE III. THIS STAMP HAS BEEN AWARDED THE PERFECT GRADE OF GEM 100 BY P.S.E.
The 10c Type III is defined by its incomplete bottom plumes and breaks in the circles at top. While the subjects on the 10c Plate 1 were spaced further apart than on other plates from the 1851-57 Issues, finding a true Gem 100 grade is still exceedingly difficult. There are no other used 100's recorded in the P.S.E. Population Report even for the Type II (Scott 14) which is of approximately equal availability to the Type III.
With 2003 and 2004 P.S.E. certificates (Gem 100; unpriced in SMQ above the grade of 98, SMQ $1,300.00 as 98). Only two other used Type III's share this grade (both offered in our recent Kirke sale).
10c Green, Ty. IV (16). Position 54L1, recut at bottom, large to full margins, pretty shade, unobtrusive strike of circular datestampEXTREMELY FINE EXAMPLE OF THE 1855 10-CENT TYPE IV FROM POSITION 54L1.
With 2008 P.S.E. certificate (XF 90 Jumbo; SMQ $3,600.00 as 90, $5,850.00 as 95).
12c Black (17). Phenomenally huge margins all around, including sheet margin at top and parts of four adjoining stamps, bright shade and crisp impression, grid cancels frame Washington's face, part of red circular datestamp cancel at bottom leftEXTREMELY FINE GEM. WITHOUT QUESTION ONE OF THE FINEST USED SINGLES OF THE 12-CENT 1851 ISSUE EXTANT. THIS MAGNIFICENT STAMP HAS BEEN GRADED GEM 100 JUMBO BY P.S.E. -- THIS IS ONE OF ONLY THREE EXAMPLES TO ACHIEVE THIS ULTIMATE GRADE.
Many collectors have a tendency to discount how difficult it is to find imperforate classics in such superb condition. The assumption is that there are multiples which can be split to "make" perfect singles. However, one would need a lightly-cancelled block of nine or sheet margin block of six, with no wrinkles or other minor defects, to produce a single such as the one offered here.
Ex Lehman, Haas, Morris and Tahoe. With 1993 P.F. and 2008 P.S.E. certificates (Gem 100 Jumbo; unpriced in SMQ above the grade of 98, SMQ $2,900.00 as 98). Only three 12c 1851's have achieved the unbeatable Gem 100J grade (all used). There are no Gem 100 examples without the Jumbo appellation.