Sale 1202 — The James Depew Collection of Superb U.S. Coils and 20th Century Imperforate Issues
Sale Date — Wednesday, 22 May, 2019
Category — 1908-12 Perf 12 Horizontal Coils, Double-Line Watermark (Scott 352-356)
1c Green, Coil (352). Mint N.H. guide line strip of four, beautifully centered, fresh color, Extremely Fine, Power Search located only one other offered in our sales since 1993, with 2003 P.F. certificate, Scott Retail as Mint N.H. guide line pair and two singles
1c Green, Coil (352). Mint N.H. guide line pair, deep rich color and proof-like impression, outstanding centering and marginsEXTREMELY FINE MINT NEVER-HINGED GUIDE LINE PAIR OF THE ONE-CENT HORIZONTAL COIL, SCOTT 352.
With 2003 P.F. and 2008 P.S.E. certificates (XF 90; SMQ $3,900.00). Only one Mint N.H. guide line pair grades higher (at 95) and no others share this 90 grade
1c Green, Coil (352). Mint N.H. pair with 2mm spacing, near perfect centering, rich color on post-office fresh paperEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB MINT NEVER-HINGED PAIR OF THE ONE-CENT HORIZONTAL COIL, SCOTT 352, GRADED XF-SUPERB 95 BY P.S.E. THIS IS THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED.
With 2003 P.F. (for strip of four) and 2008 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $2,500.00). No other Mint N.H. pairs of Scott 352 equal or exceed the 95 grade awarded to this Gem pair
1c Green, Coil (352). Mint N.H., remarkably wide Jumbo margins, precise centering, bright color on fresh paper, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2008 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95 Jumbo; SMQ $1,100.00), the highest grade awarded and shared by no others
1c Green, Coil (352). Guide line pair, well-centered, rich color on fresh paper, wavy-line machine cancel, Very Fine and choice, this is an all but impossible guide line pair to find in sound and centered used condition, with 1994, 2004 and 2016 P.F. certificates (VF 80), by way of comparison, the highest P.S.E. grade for this used line pair is 75
1c Green, Coil (352). Pair with 2mm spacing, guide line at left, well-centered, rich color, wavy-line machine cancel, Very Fine and choice, much like its guide line pair counterpart offered in the previous lot, this is an all but impossible pair to find in sound and centered used condition, with 2012 P.F. and 2013 P.S.E. certificates (VF 80; SMQ $600.00), the highest grade awarded and it is shared by no others -- without the numerical grade, we would have called this Extremely Fine
2c Carmine, Coil (353). Mint N.H. guide line pair, deep rich color, outstanding centering with well-proportioned marginsEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A BEAUTIFUL MINT NEVER-HINGED GUIDE LINE PAIR OF THE 2-CENT PERF 12 DOUBLE-LINE WATERMARKED HORIZONTAL COIL.
According to Johl (Vol. 1, p. 108), "When the stamps were current, coils were still in small favor with philatelists and as this sidewise type was more popular with users of affixing machines fewer were saved than the endwise coil."
With 2000 and 2006 P.F. certificates (XF 90). With 2017 P.S.E. certificate (XF 90; SMQ $4,000.00). This is an extremely challenging guide line pair to find in Mint N.H. centered condition. This 90 grade is the highest awarded by both P.S.E. and the P.F. and it is shared by only one other in the P.S.E. Population Report
2c Carmine, Coil (353). Mint N.H. pair with 3mm spacing, vivid color, choice margins and centering, fresh and Extremely Fine, with 2008 P.S.E. certificate (XF 90; SMQ $1,125.00), this is a very elusive coil in the higher grades, no Mint N.H. pair has been graded higher than the 90 offered here and no others share this desirable grade
2c Carmine, Coil (353). Mint N.H., wide margins and essentially perfect centering, fresh color on bright paper, Extremely Fine Gem, a superb coil which is almost never found with such precise centering, with 2014 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98; SMQ $1,750.00), the highest grade awarded and shared by no others
2c Carmine, Coil (353). Wide margins and essentially perfect centering, rich color, bold wavy-line machine cancelEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1909 2-CENT HORIZONTAL COIL, SCOTT 353. THIS GEM IS GRADED SUPERB 98 BY P.S.E. -- THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED.
With 2012 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98; SMQ $2,750.00). This is the highest grade awarded to a used Scott 353, with none equal. No used pairs in any format grade above 75 so used collectors would be well advised to consider this gem
4c Orange Brown, Coil (354). Guide line strip of four, end stamps Mint N.H., line pair lightly hinged, rich color, the line pair particularly well-centered, Very Fine and choice, we have not offered a fully Mint N.H. line strip of four since keeping computerized records, with 1979 P.F. certificate, Scott Retail for hinged line pair and Mint N.H. singles
4c Orange Brown, Coil (354). Mint N.H. guide line pair, beautifully centered with wide and well-proportioned margins all around, fresh and bright colorEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB MINT NEVER-HINGED GUIDE LINE PAIR OF THE SCARCE 4-CENT 1909 HORIZONTAL COIL IN THE FINEST CONDITION ATTAINABLE.
Ex "Silver Lake". With 2004 P.F., 1990 and 2008 P.S.E. certificates (XF 90; SMQ $6,000.00). This is the highest grade awarded to a Mint N.H. guide line pair and it is shared by no others
4c Orange Brown, Coil (354). Mint N.H. pair with 3mm spacing, vibrant color, exceptionally wide and balanced margins for this very challenging coil issueEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB MINT NEVER-HINGED PAIR OF THE 4-CENT HORIZONTAL COIL, SCOTT 354, GRADED XF-SUPERB 95 BY P.S.E.
Ex Whitman. With 2000 P.F. and 2008 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $4,350.00). This is the highest grade awarded to a Mint N.H. pair and it is shared by no others
4c Orange Brown, Coil (354). Mint N.H., deep rich color and proof-like impression, perfectly centered with huge marginsEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 1909 4-CENT HORIZONTAL COIL, GRADED SUPERB 98 BY P.S.E. THIS STAMP STANDS ALONE AS THE HIGHEST GRADED MINT NEVER-HINGED SCOTT 354 IN ANY FORMAT.
Ex Whitman. With 1994 P.F. and 2010 P.S.E. certificates (Superb 98; SMQ $4,000.00). This is the highest grade awarded to a Mint N.H. Scott 354 in any format and it is shared by no others
4c Orange Brown, Coil (354). Guide line strip of four, line pair beautifully centered, rich color and detailed impression, bold strikes of "Benton Harbor Mich Apr. 16, 1914" duplex cancel, faint corner crease at top of far right stamp visible when drying and not mentioned on accompanying certificate, the rare guide line pair is Very Fine and choice, this is the only used guide line strip of four listed in Power Search, ex Twigg-Smith, with 2001 P.F. certificate, Scott Retail as guide line pair and two singles
4c Orange Brown, Coil (354). Guide line pair, perfectly centered with wide and balanced margins, rich color and proof-like impression, neat strikes of "RMS" (Railway Mail System) duplex cancelEXTREMELY FINE GEM. THIS IS WITHOUT QUESTION THE FINEST USED GUIDE LINE PAIR OF THE 4-CENT HORIZONTAL COIL, SCOTT 354, IN EXISTENCE. THIS MAGNIFICENT GUIDE LINE PAIR HAS BEEN GRADED SUPERB 98 BY P.S.E.
Ex "Natalee Grace". With 1986 P.F. and 2009 P.S.E. certificates (Superb 98; SMQ $14,000.00). This is the highest grade awarded and the only example to achieve this grade.
4c Orange Brown, Coil (354). Pair with 3mm spacing, unusually wide margins on all sides, radiant color, neat strike of oval registry cancelEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB USED PAIR OF THE 4-CENT HORIZONTAL COIL, SCOTT 354, IN THE FINEST CONDITION ATTAINABLE. A TRULY REMARKABLE PAIR.
Ex Bowman. With 1990, 2002 P.F. and 2008 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $4,250.00). This is the highest grade awarded and the only example to achieve it.
4c Orange Brown, Coil (354). Huge Jumbo margins and precise centering, rich color, neat duplex cancel, Extremely Fine Gem, a beautiful used coil, with 1991 (for pair), 2002 and 2015 P.F. certificates (XF-Superb 95 Jumbo), with 2017 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95 Jumbo; SMQ $2,250.00), only one used single grades higher (the Gem 100 from our sale of the Kirke collection) and only three others share this grade
5c Blue, Coil (355). Mint N.H. guide line strip of four, fresh and bright, Fine-Very Fine, scarce, with 1997 P.F. certificate, Scott Retail as Mint N.H. guide line pair and two singles
5c Blue, Coil (355). Mint N.H. guide line pair, brilliant color and detailed impression, remarkably choice centering with balanced marginsEXTREMELY FINE. A GORGEOUS MINT NEVER-HINGED GUIDE LINE PAIR OF THE 5-CENT HORIZONTAL COIL, SCOTT 355.
Ex "Scarsdale" and "Golden Oak". With 1976, 1999 P.F. and 2004 P.S.E. certificates (XF 90; SMQ $6,000.00). Only one Mint N.H. guide line pair grades higher (at 95) and only two others share this grade.
5c Blue, Coil (355). Mint N.H. pair, deep rich color, near perfect centering with well-proportioned marginsEXTREMELY FINE GEM. THIS SUPERB MINT NEVER-HINGED PAIR OF THE 5-CENT HORIZONTAL COIL, SCOTT 355, IS GRADED XF-SUPERB 95 BY P.S.E. -- THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED.
With 2012 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $4,250.00). This is the highest grade awarded to a Scott 355 coil pair in any format or gum condition.
5c Blue, Coil (355). Mint N.H., Jumbo margins and precise centering, rich color on post-office fresh paperEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A STUNNING MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 5-CENT HORIZONTAL COIL, SCOTT 355, GRADED XF-SUPERB 95 JUMBO BY P.S.E. THIS IS THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED TO ANY UNUSED EXAMPLE OF THIS COIL.
With 2008 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95 Jumbo; SMQ $3,000.00). This is the highest grade awarded to an unused Scott 355 coil in any format or gum condition. The next highest unused grades are single examples of a line pair at 95 and a pair at 95 (offered in the previous lot). The next highest grade for a Mint N.H. single is 90
5c Blue, Coil (355). Pair, neat parallel bars cancel, choice centering and margins, deep rich colorEXTREMELY FINE USED PAIR OF THE 5-CENT HORIZONTAL COIL, SCOTT 355. THIS XF 90 GRADED PAIR SITS ATOP THE P.S.E. POPULATION REPORT.
With 1997 and 2005 P.S.E. certificates (XF 90; SMQ $2,150.00). Collectors waiting for a 95 or 98 graded used pair of Scott 355 may be in for a very long wait. Since this pair was graded XF 90 in 2005, no other pairs or line pairs have achieved a higher grade, or even equaled this grade. The highest graded used guide line pair is 70.
5c Blue, Coil (355). Exceptionally precise centering with wide margins, deep rich color and sharp impression, wavy-line machine cancelEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A TRULY SUPERB USED EXAMPLE OF THE 5-CENT HORIZONTAL COIL, SCOTT 355, WHICH IS GRADED SUPERB 98 BY P.S.E. THIS IS THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED TO THIS ISSUE IN ANY FORMAT OR CONDITION.
With 2015 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98; SMQ $4,000.00). A total of eight used examples have been graded by P.S.E. This example is the highest graded with only one other equal. The next highest is 90. These two used singles are the only examples of Scott 355 graded 98 in any condition or format
10c Yellow, Coil (356). Guide line strip of four, lightly hinged, classic bright color of this rare and elusive coil, nicely centeredVERY FINE. A RARE GUIDE LINE STRIP OF FOUR OF THE 10-CENT PERF 12 COIL, SCOTT 356.
According to Johl (Volume 1, page 181), only 10,000 of the 10c Washington coil stamp were issued. They were made especially for a New York firm to send out advertising samples, similar to the 3c Orangeburg coil. Only a few rolls were sold to the firm, and the remaining rolls were distributed to some of the large post offices across the country. Dealers acquired several rolls, but because most contemporary collectors did not collect coils, many were used and destroyed. Most guide line strips have been broken to feed collector demand for guide line pairs and singles.
Ex Curtis. With 2005 P.F. and 2016 P.S.E. certificates. Scott Retail as guide line pair and two singles.
10c Yellow, Coil (356). Guide line pair, lightly hinged, brilliant color, unusually choice centering with wide margins, small "SS & CCO" (Scott Stamp & Coin Co.) in magenta ink on gum of each stampVERY FINE AND CHOICE. AN EXCEEDINGLY RARE GUIDE LINE PAIR OF THE 10-CENT HORIZONTAL COIL, SCOTT 356.
According to Johl (Volume 1, page 181), only 10,000 of the 10c Washington coil stamp were issued. They were made especially for a New York firm to send out advertising samples, similar to the 3c Orangeburg coil. Only a few rolls were sold to the firm, and the remaining rolls were distributed to some of the large post offices across the country. Dealers acquired several rolls, but because most contemporary collectors did not collect coils, many were used and destroyed.
With 2002 P.F. and 2009 P.S.E. certificates (OGph, VF 80; SMQ $16,000.00). This is the highest grade awarded to a guide line pair of Scott 356 and it is shared by only one other
10c Yellow, Coil (356). Mint N.H. pair, wide margins and well-centered, vibrant colorVERY FINE AND CHOICE. AN EXTREMELY RARE MINT NEVER-HINGED PAIR OF THE 10-CENT PERF 12 COIL, SCOTT 356.
According to Johl (Volume 1, page 181), only 10,000 of the 10c Washington coil stamp were issued. They were made especially for a New York firm to send out advertising samples, similar to the 3c Orangeburg coil. Only a few rolls were sold to the firm, and the remaining rolls were distributed to some of the large post offices across the country. Dealers acquired several rolls, but because most contemporary collectors did not collect coils, many were used and destroyed.
With 2009 P.S.E. certificate (VF 80; SMQ $14,500.00). Only one Mint N.H. pair of Scott 356 grades higher -- the 95 offered in our Whitman and "Golden Oak" sales. This VF 80 graded pair is the next highest and is the only example in this grade.
10c Yellow, Coil (356). Mint N.H., vivid color, well-balanced marginsVERY FINE. A RARE CENTERED MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 10-CENT HORIZONTAL COIL, SCOTT 356.
Ex "Cloudrest". With 2006 P.S.E. certificate (VF 80; SMQ $6,850.00). This is the only graded Mint N.H. single of Scott 356 in the P.S.E. Population Report. We are confused by the SMQ value, which is less than Scott Retail for Very Fine and much less than the $11,000 hammer that this example realized the last time it was sold (Siegel Sale 1033, lot 4199)
10c Yellow, Coil (356). Pair, vivid color, two neat strikes of Washington D.C. double oval cancelFINE. ONLY FIFTEEN GENUINE USED MULTIPLES OF THE 10-CENT HORIZONTAL COIL, SCOTT 356, ARE RECORDED.
According to Johl (Volume 1, page 181), only 10,000 of the 10c Washington coil stamp were issued. They were made especially for a New York firm to send out advertising samples, similar to the 3c Orangeburg coil. Only a few rolls were sold to the firm, and the remaining rolls were distributed to some of the large post offices across the country. Dealers acquired several rolls, but because most contemporary collectors did not collect coils, many were used and destroyed.
Our census of Scott No. 356 in used multiples, available at https://siegelauctions.com/census/US/Scott/356 , contains 15 pairs, one strip of four and two strips of three. Four of the extant used pairs originated on the same cover, which was prepared by Henry Hammelman and mailed in August 1911 from Washington D.C. (this pair was positions 8 and 9 from the strip of 11 on that cover). A guide line pair has been certified as genuine, but the cancel needs to be reexamined to see if it is one of the fakes produced during the last 25 years.
Census No. 356-CAN-PR-14. Ex Curtis. With 1960, 2000 and 2015 P.F. certificates (F-VF 75). With 2016 P.S.E. certificate (F 70; SMQ $5,000.00). This is the only graded used pair of Scott 356 in the P.S.E. Population Report
10c Yellow, Coil (356). Bright color, choice centering and margins for this exceedingly difficult used coil, Orangeburg N.Y. duplex cancelVERY FINE AND CHOICE. AN EXTREMELY RARE SOUND AND CENTERED USED EXAMPLE OF THE 10-CENT HORIZONTAL COIL, SCOTT 356.
According to Johl (Volume 1, page 181), only 10,000 of the 10c Washington coil stamp were issued. They were made especially for a New York firm to send out advertising samples, similar to the 3c Orangeburg coil. Only a few rolls were sold to the firm, and the remaining rolls were distributed to some of the large post offices across the country. Dealers acquired several rolls, but because most contemporary collectors did not collect coils, many were used and destroyed.
With 1987 P.F. and 2017 P.S.E. certificates (VF-XF 85; SMQ $5,600.00). This is the highest graded used example of Scott 356 in any format and it is equaled by no others. The highest graded pair is the 70 offered in the previous lot