Sale 1199 — Gem-Quality United States Stamps
Sale Date — Wednesday-Thursday, 1-2 May, 2019
Category — 3c-12c 1851-56 Issue (Scott 10-17)
3c Orange Brown, Ty. I (10). Position 61R1i showing one line recut in upper left triangle, large to huge margins including interpane margin at left, deep rich copperish shade, particularly sharp impression on fresh paper, Savannah Ga. Aug. 12 (1851) datestamp, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2010 P.S.A.G. certificate mistakenly identifying stamp as No. 10A, but accurately grading stamp as Superb 98J; also with 2015 P.S.E. certificate with correct No. 10 identification, but mystifyingly undergrading this stamp as XF-Superb 95 (SMQ $1,300.00) -- if this is not a 98 or at least a 95J, what is? -- specialists who know how rare Scott No. 10 is in this quality will ignore the grade and bid appropriately
3c Orange Brown, Ty. I (10). Position 15L1i, wonderful depth of color, full margins to clear, tied by large "Paid" grid cancel with red "Boston 17 Aug." circular datestamp on blue folded cover to New Orleans, 1852 docketing, Very Fine
3c Orange Brown, Ty. II (10A). Position 9L2E with gash on shoulder plate variety, original gum, lightly hinged, ample to large margins with part sheet margin at top and frameline of adjoining stamp at bottom, fresh, marvelous deep rich colorEXTREMELY FINE GEM. THIS OUTSTANDING ORIGINAL-GUM 3-CENT 1851 TYPE II ORANGE BROWN IS GRADED XF-SUPERB 95 BY P.S.E. -- THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED. AN EXCEPTIONALLY DIFFICULT STAMP TO FIND IN THIS CONDITION.
With 2013 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $11,000.00). This is the highest grade awarded to an unused Scott 10A and it is shared by no other hinged stamps (one Mint N.H. grades 95). There are no unused Type I Scott 10s in the 95 grade
3c Orange Brown, Ty. II (10A). Jumbo margins with large portions of adjoining stamps at sides, spectacular color, cancelled by two strikes of San Francisco circular datestamp, wonderfully freshEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1851 3-CENT ORANGE BROWN.
With 2014 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98 Jumbo; SMQ $3,250.00). Only three others share this grade and one has graded higher (at 100).
3c Orange Brown, Ty. II (10A). Large to full margins all around including portions of three adjoining stamps at top and right, deep rich Orange Brown color, intense strike of Mobile Ala. circular datestamp, Extremely Fine, a beautiful stamp, with 2009 and 2010 P.F. certificates (XF 90)
3c Dull Red, Ty. I (11). Position 73R4, absolutely massive margins all around including significant portions of all eight adjoining stamps, brilliant color, crisp impression, circular datestamp cancelEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A STUNNING USED EXAMPLE OF THE 3-CENT 1851 ISSUE.
Ex Kirke. With 1983 P.F. and 2012 P.S.E. certificates (Gem 100 Jumbo; unpriced in SMQ above the grade of 100, SMQ $1,000.00 as 100). This is the highest grade possible and it is shared by only five others.
3c Dull Red, Ty. I (11). Position 45L4, large margins to just touched at top right, cancelled by two neat penstrokes and tied by orange "Contoocook N.H. May 26" circular datestamp on small piece, Very Fine, rare with an orange cancel, with 2002 A.P.S. certificate
3c Dull Red, Ty. II (11A). Mathematically perfect centering with Jumbo margins, showing portions of all eight surrounding stamps, bright color, blue grid cancel, Extremely Fine Gem, the perfect used 3c 1851 stamp in the finest condition attainable, with 2016 P.S.E. certificate (Gem 100 Jumbo; unpriced in 100 Jumbo grade, SMQ $1,100.00 as 100), only three Ty. II stamps have achieved this ultimate grade, a very small number considering that 312 have been submitted for grading
3c Dull Red, Ty. II (11A). Large margins to clear, tied by partly complete strike of Odd Fellows Three Links, Seeing Eye and Crossed Arrows fancy cancel, matching "Canton Mi. Apr. 4" circular datestamp on buff cover to Buchannon Carroll & Co. in New Orleans, usual small filing holes, Very Fine cover, with 1987 P.F. certificate
5c Red Brown (12). Huge margins all around including significant portions of adjoining stamps at sides, radiant color on bright paper, unobtrusive strikes of New Orleans circular datestampEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A STUNNING USED EXAMPLE OF THE 5-CENT 1856 ISSUE WHICH IS GRADED SUPERB 98 JUMBO BY P.S.E. -- THIS IS THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED.
The 5c stamp was issued in 1856, five years after the 1c, 3c and 12c values and one year after the 10c were issued. It was typically used to pay the 5c shore-to-ship rate for mail sent overseas and also in multiples for the 10c transcontinental or 15c U.S.-French treaty rates. The short time frame of use and its use for specific limited purposes means that supplies were limited.
With 2006 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98 Jumbo; SMQ $9,250.00). This is the highest grade awarded and it is shared by only three others.
5c Red Brown (12). Huge margins all around including left sheet margin, rich color on bright paper, face-free circular datestamp cancelEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB SHEET-MARGIN EXAMPLE OF THE 5-CENT 1856 ISSUE.
Ex Mayer. With 2007 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95 Jumbo; SMQ $2,850.00).
5c Red Brown (12). Large to ample margins all around, deep rich color, neat strike of circular datestamp cancel, fresh and Extremely Fine, with 1991 Robineau, 1995 and 2002 P.F. certificates
10c Green, Ty. I (13). Position 100R1, huge margins all around including parts of adjoining stamps at top and left, rich color, unobtrusive cancelEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1855 10-CENT TYPE I, GRADED SUPERB 98 BY P.S.E.
The 10c Type I stamps are defined as having complete scrolls at bottom. They are only found on the bottom row of the plate (20 positions). For some reason, they were usually trimmed at bottom when they were separated, leaving a dearth of quality copies. This example, with its enormous margins, is an extreme exception to the rule.
With 2004 P.F. and 2003, 2005 and 2010 P.S.E. certificates (Superb 98; SMQ $6,250.00). Only one has graded higher (at 98J) and four others share this desirable grade.
10c Green, Ty. I (13). Large to huge margins with portion of adjoining stamp at top, bright color, face-free strike of circular datestamp cancelEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A BEAUTIFUL USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1855 10-CENT TYPE I.
The 10c Type I stamps are defined as having complete scrolls at bottom. They are only found on the bottom row of the plate (20 positions). This example, with large margins and a face-free cancel, is particularly desirable.
With 1986, 2002 P.F. and 2019 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $2,700.00). Only six stamps grade higher
10c Green, Ty. II (14). Large to enormous margins including significant portions of adjoining stamps at sides, neat strike of grid cancel, deep rich color, Extremely Fine, with 1987 and 2002 P.F. certificates
10c Green, Ty. II (14). Huge margins all around including parts of five adjoining stamps, deep rich color, neat strike of grid cancelEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A STUNNING USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1855 10-CENT TYPE II, GRADED GEM 100 JUMBO BY THE PHILATELIC FOUNDATION. THIS IS THE HIGHEST GRADE POSSIBLE, AND IT IS THE ONLY EXAMPLE TO ACHIEVE IT. A PHENOMENAL STAMP IN EVERY RESPECT.
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 cut to "make" perfect singles. However, blocks of the 10c are rare, and tend to have margins close or into the design. The stamp offered here is truly remarkable, with four enormous margins framing the design.
With 2009 and 2014 P.F. certificates (Gem 100 Jumbo). This is the only example certified by the P.F. to achieve this grade -- P.S.E. has certified none in this grade.
10c Green, Ty. III (15). Colossal margins capturing portions of the adjoining stamps on three sides, incredible depth of color on fresh paper, neat grid cancelsEXTREMELY FINE GEM. THIS SPECTACULAR USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1855 10-CENT TYPE III HAS ACHIEVED THE PERFECT GRADE OF GEM 100. A TRULY SUPERB STAMP IN ALL RESPECTS.
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, due to the lack of suitable multiples to harvest.
Ex Kirke. With 2010 P.F. and 2008 P.S.E. certificates (Gem 100; SMQ $2,700.00). Only three other used Type III stamps share this grade and none has graded higher
10c Green, Ty. III (15). Large margins all around, deep rich color, face-free circular datestamp cancels and red transit cancel at bottom, Extremely Fine Gem, with 1999 P.F. and 2019 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $650.00)
10c Green, Ty. IV (16). Position 64L1, recut at top and bottom, huge margins all around including part of adjoining stamp at left, radiant color, neat San Francisco circular datestampEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A PHENOMENAL USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1855 10-CENT IMPERFORATE TYPE IV FROM POSITION 64L1 -- THE ONLY POSITION RECUT AT BOTH TOP AND BOTTOM -- GRADED SUPERB 98 BY P.S.E. A WONDERFUL CONDITION RARITY IN THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED.
10c 1855 Type IV stamps are defined by the recut of one or both outer lines at the top or bottom of the design. Type IV stamps come from only seven scattered positions on the left pane and one position on the right pane of Plate 1. Therefore, only 4% of the stamps from Plate 1 are Type IV. Of these eight positions, this is the only one with recut lines at both top and bottom.
Ex Saadi. With 1989 P.F. and 2014 P.S.E. certificates (Superb 98; SMQ $13,750.00). This is the highest grade and only one other shares it (ex Kirke, from Position 65L1).
10c Green, Ty. IV (16). Position 64L1, recut at top and bottom, huge margins to full at right, including large portion of adjoining stamp at left, beautiful early color and impression, neat New Orleans circular datestamp cancelEXTREMELY FINE EXAMPLE OF THE IMPERFORATE 10-CENT TYPE IV FROM THE ONLY POSITION ON THE PLATE RECUT AT BOTH TOP AND BOTTOM.
With 2000 P.F. certificate
12c Black (17). Phenomenally huge margins all around including parts of seven adjoining stamps, deep shade and clear impression, grid cancelEXTREMELY FINE GEM. THIS MAGNIFICENT STAMP IS GRADED GEM 100 JUMBO BY P.S.E., WHICH IS THE HIGHEST GRADE POSSIBLE. WITHOUT QUESTION THIS IS ONE OF THE FINEST USED SINGLES OF THE 12-CENT 1851 ISSUE EXTANT.
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 Mayer (as a pair) and Kirke. With 1981, 2004 P.F. and 2008 P.S.E. certificates as a pair, this the left stamp. With 2009 P.S.E. certificate (Gem 100 Jumbo; unpriced in SMQ above the grade of 100, SMQ $6,450.00 as 100). Only two others have achieved the Gem 100 Jumbo grade, which is the highest grade possible. There are no Gem 100 examples without the Jumbo appellation.
12c Black (17). Huge margins with portions of four adjacent stamps, bright red grid cancels, Extremely Fine Gem, with 1990 and 2002 P.F. certificates