Sale 946 — United States Stamps
Sale Date — Monday, 12 November, 2007
Category — 1851-56 Issue (Scott 5-17)
1c Blue, Ty. Ib (5A). Position 6R1E, margins virtually all around, choice plate one early color, essentially face-free Boston circular datestampFINE. A BEAUTIFUL EXAMPLE OF POSITION 6R1E, ONE OF THE TWO POSITIONS THAT FURNISHED THE BEST TYPE IB EXAMPLES, SHOWING THE COMPLETE DESIGN AT TOP AND NEARLY COMPLETE DESIGN AT BOTTOM.
Type Ib was produced only as an imperforate stamp. Six positions on Plate 1 Early furnished stamps qualifying as Type Ib--Positions 3-6R and 8-9R--distinguished by the complete design at top and nearly complete design at bottom. When first entered on the plate, these six positions (as well as 7R1E) had the complete design at top and bottom. However, unlike 7R, small portions of the bottoms were burnished away. Positions 6R and 8R had less of the bottom erased than the other Type Ib positions, and for this reason they are more desirable examples of the type.
With 2007 P.S.E. certificate
1c Blue, Ty. Ib (5A). Position 6R1E, large top sheet margin, large margin at right, just touching at upper left and slightly in at bottom, wonderful bright early shade and proof-like impression, grid cancel, tiny pinpoint punctures at bottom rightVERY FINE APPEARING EXAMPLE OF POSITION 6R1E, ONE OF THE TWO POSITIONS THAT FURNISHED THE BEST TYPE IB EXAMPLES, SHOWING THE COMPLETE DESIGN AT TOP AND NEARLY COMPLETE DESIGN AT BOTTOM.
With Ashbrook note and 2007 P.S.E. certificate
1c Blue, Ty. Ia (6). Position 92R4, large margins to clear and amply showing the characteristics of the type, rich color, two neat penstroke cancels leave design clearly visible, light horizontal crease at top, tiny surface scuff at top leftVERY FINE APPEARING EXAMPLE OF THE 1851 ONE-CENT TYPE IA IMPERFORATE.
The extremely rare Type Ia, showing the full design at bottom, was furnished only by 18 of the 200 subjects on Plate 4 (the remaining two bottom-row positions were sub-type Ic).
With 2007 P.F. certificate. Scott Retail with non-pen cancel $12,500.00. Considering the fact that a light pen cancel leaves the design characteristics unmasked, the reduced Scott value for a pen-cancelled No. 6 seems unjustified.
1c Blue, Ty. II, Plate 3 (7 var). Position 92L3, unused (no gum), large margins to barely touched incl. part of adjoining stamp at top, bright colorVERY FINE AND CHOICE. A RARE UNUSED EXAMPLE OF THE TYPE II ONE-CENT 1851 IMPERFORATE FROM PLATE 3.
According to Ashbrook and Neinken, Plate 3 is believed to have been made in March or April 1856, possibly to replace the defective Plate 2 and/or to meet the increased demand for stamps concurrent with the April 1855 change in postal regulations requiring prepayment of postage. For an unknown reason -- possibly a severe defect that arose in the plate -- very few stamps were printed from the new Plate 3 before it was retired, and surviving examples are rare.
With 1992 P.F. certificate
1c Blue, Ty. II (7). Position 24 L1E, large to enormous margins all around, light blue circular datestamp and magnificent Plate 1 Early shadeEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB USED USED EXAMPLE OF THE IMPERFORATE 1851 ONE-CENT TYPE II FROM PLATE ONE EARLY. ESPECIALLY DESIRABLE WITH THE FACE-FREE BLUE CANCEL.
With 2007 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98; SMQ $2,400.00). Eight Scott No. 7's (1c Type II imperforate) have achieved the P.S.E. grade of Superb 98 or better, but the P.S.E. Population Report does not break down the 1c 1851's by plate. We are quite sure that the more desirable and scarcer Plate 1E stamps are much rarer in high grades than their Type II counterparts from other plates.
1c Blue, Ty. II (7). Plate 2, enormous margins all around including portions of adjoining stamps above and below and large sheet margin at eft, cancelled by bold ms. town postmark, deep rich colorEXTREMELY FINE. A SPECTACULAR 1851 ONE-CENT TYPE II SINGLE, WITH GIGANTIC MARGINS, A LEFT SHEET MARGIN AND AN UNUSUAL FORM OF CANCELLATION.
With 2007 P.F. certificate (Superb 98; SMQ $2,400.00 with handstamp cancel)
1c Blue, Ty. II (7). Position 81R2, enormous margins all around including portions of adjoining stamps above and below and sheet margin at left, magnificent intense color and clear impression, cancelled by ms. town postmarkEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A STRIKING EXAMPLE OF THE 1851 ONE-CENT TYPE II IMPERFORATE.
With 2007 P.F. certificate (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $1,100.00 with handstamp cancel), given its huge margins we are surprised this only graded 95 -- it deserves at least the "J" Jumbo appellation.
1c Blue, Ty. II (7). Position 23L2, large margins all around, remarkably dark shade, neat circular datestamp, Extremely Fine, with 2007 P.S.E. certificate (XF 90; SMQ $650.00)
1c Blue, Ty. II (7). Positions 80/90/100R1E, vertical strip of three, large margins to just in, rich color, blue grid cancels, bottom stamp natural pre-printing paperfold, Fine-Very Fine, scarce Plate 1E multiple with 2002 P.S.E. certificate
1c Blue, Ty. II (7). Horizontal strip of six from Plate 2, large margins to slightly in, three strikes of New York "Steam/Ship" two-line handstamp, vertical crease and tear in fourth stamp from left, small faults along top, still Fine appearing and a very rare multiple which undoubtedly paid the 6c transcontinental rate from California (cancelled on arrival at New York)
1c Blue, Ty. III (8). Plate 4, unused (regummed), unusually large margins all around, minute scuffs on the forehead (barely visible even under magnification) and tiny rust speck at bottom, otherwise Extremely Fine, a most presentable example of this rare unused stamp, with 2007 P.F. certificate
1c Blue, Ty. III (8). Plate 4, large margins to barely touched, showing clear and wide breaks at both top and bottom, rich color on bright paper, face-free cancel, fresh and Very Fine
1c Blue, Ty. III (8). Large margins to just in at sides and showing clear breaks at top and bottom (the Type III characteristics), intense shade and impression, neat strike of circular datestamp, Fine, with 2006 P.S.E. certificate
1c Blue, Ty. III, Position 99R2 (8). Horizontal strip of three, Positions 98-100R2, comprising Type II (98R), Type III (99R) and the transitional Type II/IIIA (100R) with minute break in the outer line at bottom, the center stamp -- Position 99R2 -- has full margins at top and bottom framing the key elements of the Type III design (the wide breaks in outer lines), left stamp has large margins to clear at top, right stamp has ample to large top and bottom margins and is slightly in at right, bright shade on crisp white paper, tied by light strikes of "Conyngham Pa." double-line circle (apparently without date) on top half of folded cover to Mr. N. G. Taylor, Nr. 3 & 5 Bransh Street" (Nathaniel G. Taylor, congressman from Tennessee and later Commissioner of Indian Affairs), ms. "Register" and Due 3" handstamp, registry fee paid in cash and charged 3c postage for weight, the strip has been removed from the piece and is completely soundEXTREMELY FINE EXAMPLE OF THE RARE 1851 ONE-CENT IMPERFORATE TYPE III FROM POSITION 99R2 IN A STRIP OF THREE WITH FLANKING POSITIONS 98 AND 100R2. THE 99R2 IS THE BEST EXAMPLE OF TYPE III, WITH THE WIDEST BREAKS AT TOP AND BOTTOM.
Type III is defined by breaks in the outer lines at both top and bottom. Many Type III stamps have breaks that were created or enlarged by plate wear. Since the wear occurred over a period of time, the majority of stamps of this type (both unused and used) has small breaks in at least one line. The most notable exception is Position 99R2. According to the Neinken book, "The 99R2 stamp is a fresh entry, that was short transferred both at top and bottom, over an original entry that had been erased... The reason that 99R2 is the finest example of Type III is because of its very short transfer at top and at bottom, giving us the wide breaks in these lines." (p. 184).
This piece is a new 99R2 discovery, buried among the hundreds of thousands of documents in the Historical Society of Pennsylvania. The odds of finding a 99R2 are incalculable, but we did.
1c Blue, Ty. IIIa (8A). Full margins to clear, beautiful bright Plate 1E color, light strike of blue Philadelphia circular datestamp, Very Fine and choice, with 1996 P.F. certificate
1c Blue, Ty. IIIa (8A). Position 88R4, clear break at top, large margins to clear, bright color, unusual blue cork cancel, trivial corner margin crease, still fresh and Very Fine, unusual cancel which is especially desirable on this scarcer type, ex Knapp, with 2007 P.F. certificate
1c Blue, Ty. IIIa (8A). Plate 4, enormous margins to barely touched incl. sheet margin and guideline at left, rich color, neat pen cancel, Very Fine and choice, with 2007 P.F. certificate
1c Blue, Ty. IIIa (8A). Large even margins, deep rich color, face-free cancel struck heavily and splitting paper, small thin spot at right, appears Very Fine
1c Blue, Ty. II-IIIa-II (7-8A-7). Horizontal strip of three, Positions 71-73L1E, left stamp with inverted double transfer, large margins to just in at bottom, neat pen cancels, stamps with small faults, still Fine-Very Fine and attractive multiple, with 2003 P.S.E. certificate, Scott Retail as handstamped cancels
1c Blue, Ty. IV (9). Original gum, large margins incl. trace of adjoining stamps at top and bottom and sheet margin at left, bright color in an unusual shade for Plate 1 Late (probably one of the early printings from the reworked plate)EXTREMELY FINE ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE 1851 ONE-CENT TYPE IV IMPERFORATE.
With 2000 P.S.E. certificate
1c Blue, Ty. IV (9). Position 18R1L, large to enormous margins showing parts of three adjoining stamps, deep rich color, light circular datestampEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A HUGE EXAMPLE OF THE 1851 ONE-CENT TYPE IV, WHICH HAS BEEN GRADED SUPERB 98 JUMBO BY P.S.E.
With 2007 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98 Jumbo; SMQ $1,800.00 for 98, unpriced above the grade of 98). Having the graded certificate only confirms the obvious, but it is worth noting that only one stamp has received a higher P.S.E. grade.
1c Blue, Ty. IV (9). Horizontal strip of three, large to huge margins incl. part of six adjoining stamps at top and bottom and sheet margin at right, brilliant color and impression which is most unusual for Plate 1 Late printings, perfectly-struck "New-York Nov. 1" circular datestampsEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB AND SPECTACULAR USED STRIP OF THE 1851 IMPERFORATE ONE-CENT TYPE IV.
Although most of the attention in today's stamp market is focused on graded singles, philatelists who study and collect multiples will appreciate the extreme rarity of this used strip of the 1851 1c Type IV. Perhaps because the flanking stamps at left and right are equals to the spectacular center stamp, this strip was not cut to furnish a Jumbo single. Combining the enormous margins with brilliant color and the sharpest strikes of the New York City datestamp we have encountered, this strip offers everything to the condition-conscious collector. With high-grade singles bringing $1,500 to $3,000 or more, this strip should be worth exponentially more.
With 2007 P.S.E. certificate
1c Blue, Ty. IV (9). Position 9L1L, recut twice at bottom, large margins to clear, bright color nicely complemented by red N.Y. carrier cancel, fresh and Very Fine, ex Koppersmith, with 1989 P.F. certificate
1c Blue, Ty. IV (9). Huge margins to clear incl. part of adjoining stamps on three sides, bright color, bold strikes of circular datestamps, Very Fine and choice, with 2006 P.F. and P.S.E. certificates (VF-XF 85 Jumbo; SMQ $200.00 as 85, $310.00 as 90)
1c Blue, Ty. IV (9). Position 97R1L, recut once at top, large margins to clear incl. bottom sheet margin, bright shade, neat grid cancel, Very Fine and choice, ex Koppersmith, with 1990 P.F. certificate
1c Blue, Ty. IV (9). Recut once at top and once at bottom, large margins to ample at top, bright color, neat strike of New York circular datestamp, Very Fine and choice
3c Orange Brown, Ty. II (10A). Original gum, large to ample margins, brilliant color on bright paper, faint vertical crease in margin at top right could be trimmed to leave a full marginVERY FINE APPEARING ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE 1851 IMPERFORATE 3-CENT ORANGE BROWN WITH RECUT INNER LINES.
With 1976 P.F. certificate for block of four and 2007 P.F. certificate as single No. 10 (prior to 2008 Scott reclassification)
3c Orange Brown, Ty. II (10A). Position 6L2E with recut inner lines, original gum, lightly hinged, large margins to just in at top left incl. part of adjoining stamp at bottom, bright color with some slight oxidation, small vertical scrape at top left, Fine appearance, with 2007 P.F. certificate as No. 10 prior to 2008 Scott reclassification
3c Deep Orange Brown, Ty. II (10A). Magnificent intense color, large margins to just touched at top right, dark blue town circular datestamp, Very Fine, with 2007 P.F. certificate as No. 10 prior to 2008 Scott reclassification
3c Orange Brown, Ty. II (10A). Two, first Position 23R5E, large margins to full incl. part of adjoining stamps at top and bottom and with small Boston "Paid" grid struck in black, second full to large margins, bright color and with red small Boston "Paid" grid, Extremely Fine, a marvelous lot with the cancels struck in different colors on attractive stamps, each with 2006 P.F. certificate (graded VF-XF 85 and XF 90) as No. 10 prior to 2008 Scott reclassification
3c Experimental Orange Brown, Ty. II (11A var). Position 1L1L, large to huge margins incl. part of adjoining stamp at bottom and sheet margin at top and partial sheet margin at left, brilliant color, ms. "X" cancel, Extremely Fine example of this scarce variety, with 2004 P.F. certificate as No. 11 var prior to 2008 Scott reclassification
3c Brownish Carmine, Ty. I (11 var). Original gum, brilliant color, large margins incl. part of adjoining stamp at bottom, fresh and Extremely Fine, with 1985 P.F. certificate as No. 11 prior to 2008 Scott reclassification
3c Brownish Carmine, Ty. II (11A var). Position 45L1L, original gum, lightly hinged, full margins, brilliant color and detailed impression, Very Fine and choice, with 2007 P.F. certificate as No. 11 prior to 2008 Scott reclassification
3c Dull Red, Ty. I (11). Original gum, lightly hinged, large margins, shows part of frameline of next stamp at top, rich color, Extremely Fine, with 2007 P.S.E. certificate (XF 90; SMQ $520.00) as No. 11 prior to 2008 Scott reclassification
3c Dull Red, Ty. II (11A). Horizontal pair, disturbed original gum with strong offset on back of right stamp, large margins to clear incl. part of adjoining stamps at bottom, light crease not mentioned on accompanying certificate which does note oxidation, appears Very Fine, with 2007 P.F. certificate as No. 11 prior to 2008 Scott reclassification
3c Brownish Carmine, Ty. II (11A var). Jumbo margins all around incl. part of five adjoining stamps, bright color nicely complemented by blue circular datestamp, Extremely Fine Gem, a phenomenal stamp, with 2007 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98 Jumbo; unpriced in SMQ above the grade of 98, SMQ $860.00 as 98), only two have graded higher to date; all of these statistics are prior to 2008 Scott reclassification
3c Dull Red, Ty. I (11). Huge margins incl. significant portions of adjoining stamps at top and bottom, face-free cancel, brilliant color, Extremely Fine Gem
3c Dull Red, Ty. I (11). Large even margins all around, rich color and detailed impression, face-free cancel, Extremely Fine, a beautiful stamp
3c Dull Red, Ty. II (11A). Huge to enormous Jumbo margins showings bits to parts of five adjoining stamps, rich color, dark blue circular datestamps, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2007 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95 Jumbo; SMQ $325.00 for 95, $750.00 for 98) as No. 11 prior to 2008 Scott reclassification
3c Brownish Carmine, Ty. II (11A). Large to enormous Jumbo margins showing bit to parts of six other adjoining stamps, lovely color, light grid cancel, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2007 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95 Jumbo; SMQ $375.00 for 95, $860.00 for 98) as No. 11 prior to 2008 Scott reclassification
3c Dull Red, Ty. 1 (11). Large margins incl. part imprint at right, bright shade and crisp impression, neat strike of Milwaukee circular datestamp, Extremely Fine, scarce with the part imprint
5c Red Brown (12). Unused (no gum), clear to large margins, deep rich color clear impressionVERY FINE. A RARE UNUSED 5-CENT 1856 ISSUE, A STAMP WHICH IS MISSING IN MANY ADVANCED COLLECTIONS AND ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO FIND IN THIS BETTER SOUND QUALITY.
With 1977 and 2007 P.F. certificates
5c Red Brown (12). Large margins, rich color on bright paper, two strikes of circular datestamp cancel, fresh and Extremely Fine, with 1984 P.F. certificate
5c Red Brown (12). Large margins, rich color, face-free cancel, tiny corner crease at bottom right, Very Fine appearance
5c Red Brown (12). A Relief from the top row of the plate, large margins to clear, bright color, neat New Orleans circular datestamp, fresh and Fine, with 1993 P.S.E. certificate
10c Green, Ty. I (13). Position 99L1, large even margins all around, intense shade and impression on crisp paper, neat strike of New Orleans circular datestamp, fresh and Extremely Fine, ex Floyd, with 1990 P.F. certificate
10c Green, Ty. II (14). Original gum, single hinge mark, large margins to just touched at bottom left, deep rich colorNEARLY VERY FINE. A SCARCE ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE 1855 10-CENT TYPE II IMPERFORATE.
With 1999 P.F. certificate
10c Green, Ty. II (14). Unused (no gum), large margins to clear, bright color, natural paper inclusion, Very Fine, with 1984 P.F. certificate
10c Green, Ty. II (14). Large to mostly huge margins, wonderful intense color, neat circular datestamp, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2007 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $780.00)
10c Green, Ty. II (14). Large to huge margins, beautiful deep shade, neat partial New York Ocean Mail Grid cancel, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2007 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $780.00)
10c Green, Ty. III (15). Large to huge margins, deep rich color and neat circular datestamp, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2007 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $780.00)
10c Green, Ty. III (15). Large to huge margins, lovely color, lightly struck Boston large "Paid" grid cancel, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2007 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95; $780.00)
10c Green, Ty. III (15). Huge margins, rich color, well-struck New Orleans circular datestamp, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2001 P.F. certificate
10c Green, Ty. IV (16). Position 54L1, recut at bottom, large balanced margins, with deep rich color and and a light unobtrusive grid cancelEXTREMELY FINE. A PARTICULARLY CHOICE USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1855 10-CENT TYPE IV.
With 1993 P.F. and 2005 P.S.E. certificates (XF 90; SMQ $3,000.00)
10c Green, Ty. IV (16). Position 54L1, recut at bottom, ample to large margins, exceptionally deep shade and proof-like impression from a very early printing, bold dark blue circular datestamp, Very Fine and choice, given the VF-XF 85 grade and other attributes, we would be justified grading it Extremely Fine, with 2007 P.S.E. certificate (VF-XF 85; SMQ $2,150.00)
10c Green, Ty. IV (16). Position 65L1, recut at top, large margins, pretty shade nicely complemented by blue circular datestamp, Very Fine and choice, an attractive stamp, with 1983 and 2004 P.F. certificates
10c Green, Ty. IV (16). Position 74L1, recut at top, large margins to in, trace of blue cancel at left, almost Fine
12c Black (17). Original gum, h.r., large margins to barely in incl. trace of adjoining stamp at right, bright shade, tiny thin speck, light gum toning, still Fine, scarce in original-gum condition, with 2007 P.S.E. certificate
12c Black (17). Original gum with some offset on back from another 12c stamp, large margins to just in at bottom, tiny thin speck, Fine
12c Black (17). Large to huge margins, shows small parts of adjoining stamps at top and right, clear impression, neat San Francisco circular datestamp, Extremely Fine, with 2005 P.S.E. certificate (XF 90; SMQ $740.00)
12c Black (17). Large even margins all around incl. part of adjoining stamp at left, intense shade and impression, lightly cancelled, Extremely Fine, with 2004 P.F. certificate
12c Intense Black (17). Large to huge margins, incredibly strong color, light grid cancel, Extremely Fine, with 1990 and 2007 P.F. certificates (VF-XF 85; SMQ $495.00)
12c Black, Part India (17 var). Large margins to just touched at top left, intense shade and impression, grid cancel, Very Fine and choice, scarce, this is only the seventh used example we have offered since keeping computerized records, with 2007 P.F. certificate
12c Black, Diagonal Half Used as 6c (17a). Bottom left diagonal half, large margins, tied by "Sacramento City Cal. Jul. 30" circular datestamp on small piece, small natural inking flaw at bottom below "CE" of "Cents" which in our view is a plus, Very Fine and choice, with 2006 P.F. certificate, Scott Retail as bisect on cover $2,750.00