Sale 967 — Important and Superb United States Stamps
Sale Date — Tuesday-Friday, 16-19 December, 2008
Category — 1913-15 Washington-Franklin Issues (Scott 424-461)
3c Deep Violet (426). Mint N.H., intense shade and impression, perfectly centered with wide marginsEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF SCOTT 426, WHICH HAS BEEN GRADED SUPERB 98 BY P.S.E.
With 2007 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98; SMQ $1,550.00). Only one stamp has graded higher (at 98J) and only eight others share this grade
4c Brown (427). Mint N.H., pretty shade on bright paper, wide and balanced margins, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2006 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $1,050.00)
4c Brown (427). Mint N.H., radiant color on post-office fresh paper, well-balanced margins, Extremely Fine, ex Scarsdale, with 1997 P.F. certificate
4c Brown (427). Mint N.H., nearly flawless centering, bright color on fresh paper, Extremely Fine, with 2002 P.F. certificate
5c Dark Blue (428). Mint N.H., wide balanced Jumbo margins, striking intense color on crisp paperEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A MOST IMPRESSIVE MINT NEVER-HINGED JUMBO-MARGINED EXAMPLE OF THE 5-CENT WATERMARKED PERF 10 ISSUE.
With 2000 P.F. and 2008 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95 Jumbo; SMQ $1,050.00 as 95, $3,300.00 as 98). Only one other shares this grade (and two higher)
6c Red Orange (429). Mint N.H., detailed impression, bright color, beautifully centered with Jumbo marginsEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A VIBRANT AND SPECTACULAR MINT NEVER-HINGED JUMBO-MARGINED EXAMPLE OF THE 6-CENT WATERMARKED PERF 10 ISSUE.
With 2000 P.F. and 2005 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95 Jumbo; SMQ $1,300.00 as 95, $3,450.00 as 98). Only two others share this grade and only two have graded higher to date
6c Red Orange (429). Mint N.H. with top part imprint selvage, precisely balanced margins and magnificent glowing color, Extremely Fine Gem, with 1999 P.F. certificate for vertical pair from which this stamp was removed
7c Black (430). Mint N.H., lovely balanced margins, intense color on brilliant white paper, Extremely Fine, with 2008 P.S.E. certificate (XF 90; SMQ $680.00)
7c Black (430). Mint N.H., beautifully centered with intense impression, Extremely Fine, ex Vineyard, with 1986 and 2004 P.F. certificates
7c Black (430). Mint N.H., well-centered, full intense color contrasted on bright white paper, Very Fine, with 2006 P.S.E. certificate (VF 80; SMQ $220.00), also incl. 1999 P.F. certificate as a Mint N.H. No. 469
8c Pale Olive Green (431). Mint N.H., gorgeous margins and perfect centering, incredibly fresh color, sharp impression, Extremely Fine Gem, with photocopy of 1996 P.F. certificate for multiple and 2005 P.F. certificate as this single
12c Deep Claret Brown (435). Mint N.H., intense shade in marked contrast to the previous lot, well-proportioned margins, fresh and Extremely Fine example of this sub-shade, light pencil notation on gum, ex Scarsdale, with 1999 P.F. certificate
15c Gray (437). Mint N.H., rich color and detailed impression, perfectly centered with unusually wide margins all aroundEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A MAGNIFICENT MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 1914 15-CENT GRAY PERF 10 SINGLE-LINE WATERMARKED ISSUE. WITHOUT QUESTION THIS IS ONE OF THE FINEST EXAMPLES IN EXISTENCE. IT HAS BEEN GRADED SUPERB 98 JUMBO BY P.S.E. -- THIS IS THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED TO DATE, AND IS THE ONLY ONE AWARDED THIS GRADE.
Ex Scarsdale. With 1991 and 2000 P.F. and 2007 P.S.E. certificates (Superb 98 Jumbo; unpriced in SMQ above the grade of 98, SMQ $7,800.00 as 98). This is the highest grade awarded to date and the only example to achieve this grade.
15c Gray (437). Mint N.H., rich color, perfectly centered, wide margins on fresh paperEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A WONDERFUL MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 1914 15-CENT GRAY SCOTT 437, GRADED SUPERB 98 BY P.S.E.
With 2008 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98; SMQ $7,800.00). This is the only N.H. example to achieve this grade and there is only one that has graded higher to date (see previous lot).
30c Orange Red (439). Mint N.H., perfectly centered, detailed impression showing every nuance of the design, intense fiery color on bright post-office fresh paperEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A BREATHTAKING MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 1914 30-CENT PERF 10 SINGLE-LINE WATERMARKED ISSUE, GRADED SUPERB 98 BY P.S.E.
With 2007 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98; SMQ $11,500.00). This is one of only two examples to achieve this grade to date, and none have graded higher.
50c Violet (440). Mint N.H., radiant color, gorgeous centering with Jumbo margins all aroundEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 50-CENT FRANKLIN, SCOTT 440. A DIFFICULT STAMP TO FIND IN THE HIGHER GRADES, THIS HAS BEEN GRADED XF-SUPERB 95 JUMBO BY P.S.E. -- A STAMP OF GREAT BEAUTY.
With 1999 and 2008 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95 Jumbo; SMQ $8,800.00 as 95, $20,500.00 as 98). This is the only example awarded this grade, and only four have graded higher to date (all at 98)
50c Violet (440). Mint N.H., intense color, choice centering with wide marginsEXTREMELY FINE. A VERY ATTRACTIVE MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 50-CENT FRANKLIN ISSUE, SCOTT 440.
With 2006 P.F. certificate (XF 90; SMQ $3,250.00).
50c Violet (440). Jumbo margins, perfectly balanced and with beautiful pastel color, lightly hingedEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A FABULOUS EXAMPLE OF THE 50-CENT FRANKLIN, SCOTT 440.
With 1989 P.F. and 2008 P.S.E. certificates (OGph, XF-Superb 95 Jumbo; SMQ $1,550.00 as 95, $3,000.00 as 98). One of two in this grade with only two higher
1c Green, Coil (441). Mint N.H. pair, unbelievable margins and centering, deep rich color on crisp white paper, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2008 P.S.E. certificate (Gem 100; SMQ $185.00 as 98, unpriced in the 100 grade), this pair is one of five awarded this lofty grade with only one higher
2c Carmine, Ty. I, Coil (442). Mint N.H. guide line pair, well-centered, incredible deep rich color, Very Fine-Extremely Fine
1c Green, Coil (443). Mint N.H. pair, deep rich color, unusually wide and balanced margins, Extremely Fine Gem, a superb Mint N.H. pair, with 1996 and 1998 P.F. and 2007 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $650.00), only two have graded higher to date
2c Carmine, Coil (444). Guide line pair, exceptionally well-centered, incredibly strong deep rich color, barely hinged, Extremely Fine, with 2005 P.F. certificate
2c Carmine, Coil (444). Guide line pair, well-centered, rich color, Ohio circular datestamp and grid, Very Fine and choice, with 2008 P.S.E. certificate (VF-XF 85; SMQ $375.00)
2c Carmine, Coil (444). Pair, deep rich color on bright paper, oval cancels, wide and balanced margins, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2008 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $840.00)
3c Violet, Coil (445). Lightly hinged pair, fresh, rich color,very well-centered, Extremely Fine, with 2008 P.S.E. certificate (OGph, XF 90; SMQ $850.00)
3c Violet, Coil (445). Incredibly wide margins of near Jumbo proportions, double oval cancel, Very Fine and choice, with 2008 P.S.E. certificate (VF-XF 85; SMQ $395.00)
4c Brown, Coil (446). Mint N.H. guide line pair, brilliant color, crisp impression, choice centering with Jumbo marginsEXTREMELY FINE. A BEAUTIFUL MINT NEVER-HINGED GUIDE LINE PAIR OF THE 4-CENT HORIZONTAL COIL, SCOTT 446.
With 1988 and 2000 P.F. and 2007 P.S.E. certificates (XF 90 Jumbo; SMQ $3,250.00 as 90, $6,450.00 as 95). Only three have graded higher to date (all at 95) and only one other shares this grade. It is extremely difficult to obtain guide line pairs for most issues in the higher grades, because they often do not measure well when the guide line is taken into consideration.
4c Brown, Coil (446). Guide line pair, wide margins, strong color and clear impression, lightly hinged, Extremely Fine, with 1998 P.F. certificate
4c Brown, Coil (446). Guide line pair, lightly hinged, bright shade, wide margins, Extremely Fine, with 2000 P.F. certificate
4c Brown, Coil (446). Mint N.H., wide balanced margins, strong color on bright paper, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2008 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $1,300.00)
4c Brown, Coil (446). Wide balanced margins, sharp color on fresh paper, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2008 P.S.E. certificate (OGph, XF-Superb 95; SMQ $345.00)
5c Blue, Coil (447). Mint N.H., perfectly centered with choice balanced margins, intense color and crisp impression, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2008 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98; SMQ $870.00)
1c Green, Coil (448). Mint N.H. pair, essentially perfectly centered, rich color, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2008 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $325.00)
1c Green, Coil (448). Mint N.H., Jumbo margins, bright color on crisp paper, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2008 P.S.E. certificate (Gem 100 Jumbo; SMQ $710.00 as 98, unpriced in higher grade), this is the only Mint N.H. No. 448 to achieve this grade
2c Red, Ty. I, Coil (449). Mint N.H., bright color, wide margins for this difficult issueEXTREMELY FINE. A BEAUTIFUL AND SCARCE MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 2-CENT TYPE I ROTARY COIL, SCOTT 449.
Ex Scarsdale. With 1998 P.F. and 2007 P.S.E. certificates (XF 90; SMQ $10,800.00). Only one has graded higher to date and no others share this grade.
2c Red, Ty. I, Coil (449). Mint N.H., brilliant color, wide margins and choice centeringEXTREMELY FINE. A BEAUTIFUL MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE SCARCE 2-CENT COIL, SCOTT 449. THIS IS AN EXTREMELY DIFFICULT ISSUE TO OBTAIN IN HIGHER GRADES IN MINT NEVER-HINGED CONDITION.
With 2000 and 2006 P.F. certificates (XF 90; SMQ $10,800.00)
2c Red, Ty. I, Coil (449). Lightly hinged, brilliant color, unusually choice centering with well-balanced marginsEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A GORGEOUS EXAMPLE OF THE 1915 2-CENT TYPE I VERTICAL COIL, WHICH HAS BEEN GRADED XF-SUPERB 95 BY P.S.E.
With 2008 P.S.E. certificate (OGph, XF-Superb 95; SMQ $7,000.00). This is the highest grade awarded to date in any category of unused (Mint N.H., no gum etc.).
2c Red, Ty. I, Coil (449). Almost perfectly centered, deep rich color, bold wavy-line machine cancelEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A BEAUTIFUL USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1915 2-CENT TYPE I VERTICAL COIL, SCOTT 449, IN PRISTINE CONDITION.
With 2008 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $2,300.00). Only two to have been awarded this grade and only three have graded higher to date.
2c Carmine, Ty. III, Coil (450). Mint N.H. joint line pair, wide side margins, bright color and clear impression, Very Fine, with 2008 P.S.E. certificate (VF 80; SMQ $630.00), the SMQ price premium suggests that this is a difficult pair to find in Very Fine condition
1c Green, Coil (452). Mint N.H. joint line pair, absolutely flawless centering, bright and crisp, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2008 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98; SMQ $1,050.00)
2c Carmine Rose, Ty. I, Coil (453). Joint line pair, balanced centering, lightly hinged, Extremely Fine, with 1989 P.F. certificate
2c Carmine Rose, Ty. I, Coil (453). Mint N.H. pair, brilliant color as fresh as the day it was printed, Very Fine and choice, with 1994 P.F. and 2007 P.S.E. certificates (VF-XF 85; SMQ $1,000.00)
2c Carmine Rose, Ty. I, Coil (453). Mint N.H., intense shade and impression on bright paper, gorgeous centering with Jumbo marginsEXTREMELY FINE GEM. THIS HUGE STAMP HAS BEEN AWARDED THE GRADE OF XF-SUPERB 95 JUMBO BY P.S.E. -- THIS IS THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED TO DATE AND THE ONLY EXAMPLE TO ACHIEVE THIS GRADE.
With 2005 P.F. and 2006 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95 Jumbo; SMQ $1,500.00 as 95, $2,750.00 as 98). This is the highest grade awarded to date and the only example to achieve this grade. For some reason, this is a difficult stamp to obtain in the higher grades. Only one hinged single and one hinged joint line pair have graded higher (at 98).
2c Red, Ty. II, Coil (454). Mint N.H. pair, brilliant color, gorgeous centering, Extremely Fine Gem, with 1991 P.F. and 2008 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $1,250.00), only five have graded higher to date
2c Red, Ty. II, Coil (454). Mint N.H. pair, Very Fine, with 1991 P.F. certificate
2c Carmine, Ty. III, Coil (455). Mint N.H., brilliant color, perfectly centered with Jumbo margins, Extremely Fine Gem, with copy of 1991 P.F. certificate for pair and 2008 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98 Jumbo; unpriced in SMQ above the grade of 98, SMQ $255.00 as 98), this is the only single to achieve this lofty grade, which is the highest grade awarded to date.
3c Violet, Coil (456). Mint N.H. pair, intense shade and proof-like impression, perfectly centered with wide and balanced margins on post-office fresh paperEXTREMELY FINE GEM. THIS IS CLEARLY ONE OF THE FINEST MINT NEVER-HINGED PAIRS OF SCOTT 456 IN EXISTENCE, AND HAS BEEN GRADED SUPERB 98 BY P.S.E. -- THIS IS THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED TO DATE.
With 2006 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98; SMQ $8,200.00). This is the highest grade awarded to date and only two others have achieved this grade
3c Violet, Coil (456). Pair, exceptionally well-centered with lovely color, lightly hinged, Very Fine and choice, with 2008 P.S.E. certificate (OGph, VF-XF 85; SMQ $670.00)
4c Brown, Coil (457). Mint N.H. pair, bright shade, detailed impression, perfectly centered with wide and balanced margins, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2002 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98; SMQ $830.00), this is the highest grade awarded to date and only five others share this grade
5c Blue, Coil (458). Mint N.H. pair, precise centering within perfectly balanced margins, fabulous color, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2008 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98; SMQ $1,050.00)
5c Blue, Coil (458). Mint N.H. joint line pair, incredibly well-centered with virtually perfect balanced margins, wonderfully fresh, strong color, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2008 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $1,400.00)
5c Blue, Coil (458). Mint N.H. pair, near perfect centering, intense color, Extremely Fine, with 1999 P.F. certificate
2c Carmine, Ty. I, Imperforate Coil (459). Mint N.H. pair, balanced margins, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2005 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98; SMQ $900.00)
2c Carmine, Ty. I, Imperforate Coil (459). Mint N.H. pair, fresh, Very Fine and choice, with 2004 P.F. certificate
$1.00 Violet Black (460). Mint N.H., pretty pastel shade, superior centering with wide and balanced margins, long and full perforationsEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A BEAUTIFUL EXAMPLE OF THE $1.00 FRANKLIN, SCOTT 460, WHICH HAS BEEN GRADED XF-SUPERB 95 BY P.S.E.
With 2007 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $11,100.00). Only five have graded higher to date.
$1.00 Violet Black (460). Mint N.H., deep rich color and proof-like impression, choice centering with wide and balanced marginsEXTREMELY FINE. A BEAUTIFUL MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE $1.00 FRANKLIN, SCOTT 460.
With 1991 and 2000 P.F. and 2007 P.S.E. certificates (XF 90; SMQ $4,300.00)
2c Pale Carmine Red, Ty. I (461). Mint N.H., brilliant color as fresh as the day it was printed on crisp paper, wide and balanced margins, long and full perforations all aroundEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A BEAUTIFUL MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE SCARCE 2-CENT PALE CARMINE RED, SCOTT 461, WHICH HAS BEEN GRADED XF-SUPERB 95 BY P.S.E. -- ONLY ONE HAS GRADED HIGHER TO DATE.
With 2002 P.F. and 2007 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $2,850.00). Only one has graded higher to date and only eight others share this grade.
2c Pale Carmine Red, Ty. I (461). Remarkably wide margins and exceptionally well-centered, true color of genuine No. 461's, lightly hinged, Extremely Fine, with 2004 P.S.E. certificate
2c Pale Carmine Red, Ty. I (461). Wonderfully well-centered, barest trace of hinging, almost imperceptible oxidation, otherwise Extremely Fine, with 2000 P.F. certificate which does not mention any oxidation