Sale 1277 — The Adventurer Collection of United States Stamps
Sale Date — Tuesday-Wednesday, 7-8 March, 2023
Category — 1861-66 Issue (Scott 56-78)
3c Brown Rose, First Design (56). Unused (no gum), rich color on bright paper, Very Fine, with 1975 A.P.S. certificate, Scott value as with gum
10c Dark Green, First Design (62B). Original gum, lightly hinged, deep rich color and proof-like impression, choice centering for this difficult issueEXTREMELY FINE. A RARE SOUND AND CENTERED ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE 1861 10-CENT FIRST DESIGN.
The 10c 1861 "First Design" (or Type I from Plate 4) is extremely difficult to find in well-centered, sound, original-gum condition. This is partly due to the narrow spacing on Plate 4, which was used for the earliest printing.
Ex Engel and Hall. With 1957, 1989 and 2015 P.F. certificates (VF-XF 85)
3c Pink (64). Mint N.H., outstanding centering and margins, radiant color with the desirable bluish cast sometimes seen in this shade and more often seen in the famous Pigeon Blood Pink shadeEXTREMELY FINE. AN INCALCULABLY RARE CENTERED MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 1861 3-CENT PINK.
The 1861 3c Pink, Scott 64, is one of the most difficult stamps of the 1861-66 Issue to find in sound, well-centered, original-gum condition. As difficult as that is, finding one in Mint N.H. condition is another matter entirely. This example is not only Mint N.H., it is sound and well-centered. This is a true condition rarity of the 1861 Issue.
With 2021 P.F. certificate (NH, XF 90). Scott value as hinged.
3c Rose Pink (64b). Unused (no gum), vibrant color, phenomenal centering, Extremely Fine, a stamp with great visual appeal based on color and centering, with 1975 A.P.S. certificate
3c Rose (65). Mint N.H., warm color, well-balanced margins, Very Fine and choice, with 1979 and 2004 P.F. certificates, Scott value as hinged
10c Green "TAG" Double Transfer (68 var). Original gum, lightly hinged, intense shade and impression, deep rich color and proof-like impressions shows the double transfer to great effect, wide margins, Very Fine and choice, with 1984 and 2002 P.F. certificates
24c Brown Lilac (70a). Original gum, lightly hinged, deep rich color and proof-like impression on crisp paper, gorgeous centering with wide and balanced marginsEXTREMELY FINE GEM. THIS IS WITHOUT QUESTION ONE OF THE FINEST ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLES OF THE 1861 24-CENT BROWN LILAC SHADE IN EXISTENCE.
As noted in several of the descriptions of original-gum 1861's in our past sales, these stamps are available in unused no-gum condition or low grades of original-gum condition; however, the combination of original gum and choice centering is so rare that Scott values can be very misleading. In the case of this 24c, the unusually deep Brown Lilac shade adds another dimension of rarity -- perhaps comparable to the difference between a 5c Red Brown (75) and 5c Brown (76).
Ex Whitman. With 1993 and 2009 P.F. certificates (XF 90XQ). The "XQ" stands for "Extraordinary Quality". By way of comparison, P.S.E. has graded only one at 90 which is the highest grade awarded.
30c Orange (71). Original gum, lightly hinged, unusually well-centered, bright colorVERY FINE. AN EXTREMELY SCARCE SOUND AND WELL-CENTERED ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE 30-CENT 1861 ISSUE.
Ex "Concord" and Hall. With 1988 and 2015 P.F. certificates.
90c Blue (72). Unused (no gum), rich color on bright paper, choice centering, Extremely Fine, with 2008 P.F. and P.S.E. certificates (NG, XF 90; SMQ $1,700.00)
5c Red Brown (75). Unused (no gum), lovely warm color, well-balanced margins, small sealed tear at right not noted on certificate, Very Fine appearance, with 1975 A.P.S. certificate
5c Brown (76). Unused (no gum), crisp impression, gorgeous centering, Extremely Fine, with 1979 P.F. certificate
15c Black (77). Unused (no gum), beautifully centered, intense shade and proof-like impression, Extremely Fine, with 2008 P.F. certificate (VF-XF 85)
24c Grayish Lilac (78a). Original gum, lightly hinged, lovely warm shade on bright paper, far better centering than normally seen on this difficult issueEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A BEAUTIFUL ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE 24-CENT 1863 ISSUE IN THE GRAYISH LILAC SHADE.
This shade is particularly difficult to obtain in sound, centered and original-gum condition. A Power Search of our sale records and a review of P.S.E. Population Report numbers will confirm this statement.
Ex "Hanover". With 2008 P.S.E. certificate (OGph, XF 90; SMQ $7,000.00). This is the highest grade awarded and the only example to achieve it. It is also the only example graded above a 75.