Sale 1227 — Outstanding United States Stamps and Gold Coins
Sale Date — Monday-Friday, 19-23 October, 2020
Category — Special Delivery, Registration
10c Blue, Special Delivery (E1). Mint N.H. wide top right corner imprint and plate no. 495 block of ten, brilliant color on fresh paper, attractive centering and margins, position 6 slightly rounded corner, tear at top of position 7 affects plate block, perf separations at left with the left two stamps separated, but both are intact with the stamps to their right (and selvage above)VERY FINE APPEARANCE. AN EXTREMELY RARE IMPRINT AND PLATE NUMBER BLOCK OF THE 1885 FIRST SPECIAL DELIVERY ISSUE. THIS IS THE ONLY MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE WE HAVE ENCOUNTERED.
All of the first four Special Delivery Issues (E1-E4) are extremely rare in plate block form. We believe the 1885 Issue, E1, is the rarest of the group with perhaps 5-7 known (including one pane). This is one of only four we have offered since keeping computerized records, and it is also the only Mint N.H. example we have offered. This was held for generations since being purchased at the post office in the 1890s. As a result, the gum is untouched by hinging or reinforcement.
Scott value as hinged plate block of eight plus two Mint N.H. singles
10c Blue, Special Delivery (E1). Original gum, single hinge mark at top, gorgeous deep color on bright paper, perfectly centered with Jumbo marginsEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE FIRST SPECIAL DELIVERY STAMP, GRADED SUPERB 98 JUMBO BY P.S.E.
Ex Merlin. With 2019 P.S.E. certificate (OGph, Superb 98 Jumbo; SMQ $3,350.00). This is one of only two examples to achieve this lofty grade, which is the highest awarded to any unused E1
10c Blue, Special Delivery (E1). Original gum, intense shade, wide and balanced margins, Extremely Fine, with 2017 P.F. certificate
10c Blue, Special Delivery (E2). Mint N.H., rich color, strong Fine, P.F. certificate no. 312966 no longer accompanies
10c Orange, 10c Blue, Special Delivery (E3, E5). Both original gum and barest trace of hinging, choice balanced margins, bright and fresh, Extremely Fine Gems, both with 1980 P.F. certificate
10c Blue, Special Delivery (E4). Wide margins and outstanding centering, wonderful depth of color, duplex cancel, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2019 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98; SMQ $1,000.00), only two grade higher and three share this lofty grade
10c Blue, Special Delivery (E5). Top imprint and plate no. 381 strip of three, stamps Mint N.H., h.r. in selvage, bright shade, fresh and Fine, Scott value as singles is $1,425.00
10c Ultramarine, Special Delivery (E6). Original gum, lightly hinged, deep rich color, well-balanced margins, Extremely Fine, with 2018 P.F. certificate (XF-Superb 95)
10c Ultramarine, Special Delivery (E6). Top imprint and plate no. 5245 block of six, bottom left stamp Mint N.H., h.r. in ungummed selvage where few minor perf separations sensibly reinforced, rich color on bright paper, Fine, scarce from the top position, this is the third top plate block we have offered since 2011
10c Green, Special Delivery (E7). Mint N.H. wide left imprint and plate no. 4920 block of six, fresh and Fine
10c Ultramarine, Special Delivery (E8). Mint N.H., rich color on bright paper, well-balanced margins, fresh and Extremely Fine, with 2008 P.S.E. certificate (XF 90; SMQ $510.00)
10c Violet Blue, Special Delivery (E8b). Mint N.H., intense shade and impression, Very Fine and choice example of this sub-shade, with copy of 2011 P.S.E. certificate (VF-XF 85; SMQ $475.00)
10c Ultramarine, Special Delivery (E9). Right plate no. 6049 block of six, pretty shade on bright paper, right stamps natural vertical gum crease, tear in selvage only near staple hole, still Very Fine
10c Ultramarine, Special Delivery (E11). Mint N.H., Jumbo margins and precise centering, pretty pastel color on fresh paper, Extremely Fine Gem, a huge and stunning stamp, with 1992 P.F. and 2008 P.S.E. certificates (Superb 98 Jumbo; SMQ $975.00), only one stamp grades higher (at Gem 100, offered in our Sale 1014)
10c Gray Violet, Special Delivery (E11b). Mint N.H., wide margins and perfect centering, deep rich color on bright paper, most recent certificate notes natural gum wrinkle, Extremely Fine Gem, a superb stamp in every respect, with 2016 P.S.A.G. certificate (100 ogNH), with 2020 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $575.00 "Apparent centering: Gem 100")
10c Ultramarine, Registration (F1). Mint N.H. bottom imprint, plate no. 5723 and letter "A" block of six, Fine