Sale 1034 — The Merlin Collection of Superb United States Stamps
Sale Date — Wednesday-Thursday, 28-29 November, 2012
Category — 1867-68 Grilled Issue (Scott 79-101)
3c Rose, A. Grill (79). Clearly-defined grill points covering the entire stamp, perfs in far better condition than usual for this issue, wide interpane straight-edge margin at right, bright color, neat strike of circular datestampVERY FINE. AN ATTRACTIVE USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1867 3-CENT EXPERIMENTAL A GRILL.
With 1998 and 2007 P.S.E. certificates (VG-F 60; SMQ $2,500.00 as 50, $5,000.00 as 70). This is the highest grade awarded and two others share it.
3c Rose, C. Grill (83). Rich color and detailed impression on bright paper, clearly-defined grill, wide and balanced margins, neat strike of quartered cork cancelEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1867 3-CENT C GRILL IN THE FINEST CONDITION ATTAINABLE. A REMARKABLE STAMP IN EVERY RESPECT.
The 3c is the only denomination that comes with the distinctive C Grill, with the grill points facing up instead of down. Like the all-over A Grill this is classified as an experimental grill and saw limited production and use (probably in late 1867) just after the A Grill experiment and prior to the more widespread use of other grills in early 1868. The 3c B Grill, Scott 82, is only known from a cover dated Feb. 17, 1869, and was probably produced much later than the C Grill.
With 2002 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $9,600.00). This is the highest grade awarded and the only to achieve it.
3c Rose, D. Grill (85). Radiant color, clearly-defined grill, neat strike of target cancel, unusually choice centering with Jumbo marginsEXTREMELY FINE GEM. THIS MAGNIFICENT USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1867 3-CENT D GRILL HAS BEEN GRADED XF-SUPERB 95 JUMBO BY P.S.E.
With 2003 P.F. and 2005 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95 Jumbo; SMQ $7,000.00 as 95, $25,000.00 as 98). Only two have graded higher (both at 98, both offered in our recent Natalee Grace and Kirke sales) and no others share this grade.
2c Black, Z. Grill (85B). Clearly-defined grill, detailed impression and attractive shade, beautiful centering with balanced margins, bold strike of circle of V's cancelEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A MAGNFICENT USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1868 2-CENT Z GRILL, GRADED XF-SUPERB 95 BY P.S.E.
The plates used to print the Black Jacks did not provide enough space between subjects for the large 12-gauge perf holes. Consequently, most Black Jack stamps have perfs touching the design on one or two sides. This scarcity of four-margined copies multiplies exponentially when the Z Grill is factored into the equation. Only a small quantity of 2c sheets were grilled during the period when the Z device was active -- after the D Grill (Scott 84), the Z is the rarest of Black Jack grilled stamps.
With 2008 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $11,750.00). Only two have graded higher (at 98).
3c Rose, Z. Grill (85C). Huge margins with almost mathematically perfect centering, long and full perforations all around and clearly-defined grill, rich color, cancelled by "Peoria Ill. May 4" circular datestamp and bold letter "B" (postmaster was George C. Bestor)EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1868 3-CENT Z GRILL IN THE FINEST CONDITION ATTAINABLE -- MADE MORE DESIRABLE BY THE STRIKING "B" CANCEL. P.S.E. HAS AWARDED THIS STAMP THE GRADE OF SUPERB 98, WHICH IS THE HIGHEST GRADE AND ONLY EXAMPLE TO ACHIEVE IT.
The 3c Z Grill was in production for only a short period of time before the device was replaced with the F Grill. Only a small number of 3c sheets were fed thru the Z Grill, which accounts for the rarity of surviving examples. Our review of past auctions, including Power Search, found precious few sound copies with Extremely Fine centering, and none that rival this stamp.
P.S.E. encapsulated (Superb 98; SMQ $35,000.00). This is the highest grade awarded and the only example to achieve it.
3c Rose, Z. Grill (85C). Clearly-defined grill, deep rich color and detailed impression on bright paper, superior centering with wide margins, neat strikes of circular datestamp and rosette cancelEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1868 3-CENT Z GRILL. AN EXCEEDINGLY RARE STAMP IN THIS CHOICE USED CONDITION.
The 3c Z Grill was in production for only a short period of time before the device was replaced with the F Grill. Only a small number of 3c sheets were fed thru the Z Grill, which accounts for the rarity of surviving examples.
With 1982 P.F. and 2009 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $22,500.00). Only one has graded higher (at 98, offered in the previous lot) and none share this grade.
12c Black, Z. Grill (85E). Intense shade and proof-like impression, clearly-defined grill, gorgeous centering with wide and balanced margins, long and full perforations all around, lightly cancelled by grid leaving entire design clearly visibleEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A PHENOMENAL USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1868 12-CENT Z GRILL, WITH WONDERFUL IMPRESSION AND SHADE, BEAUTIFUL MARGINS AND PERFORATIONS AND A CLEAR GRILL. THIS ISSUE IS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO OBTAIN IN SUCH SUPERB CONDITION.
The 12c Z Grill stamps are often quite off-center. The example offered here is a true condition rarity.
With 1995 P.F. and 2009 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $19,500.00). Only one has graded higher (at 98) and one other shares this grade (offered in our recent Natalee Grace sale)
1c Blue, E. Grill (86). Perfectly centered with wide and well-balanced margins, brilliant color on bright paper, light cancel leaves design clearly visible, strong grill impressionEXTREMELY FINE GEM. THE 1868 ONE-CENT E GRILL IS ONE OF THE MOST DIFFICULT STAMPS OF THE SERIES TO OBTAIN WITH SUCH CHOICE CENTERING AND IN SUCH PRISTINE CONDITION. THIS IS EASILY ONE OF THE FINEST IN EXISTENCE. THIS IS THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED, AND THIS STAMP IS ONE OF ONLY TWO TO ACHIEVE IT.
Ex Tahoe. With 2003 P.F. and 2008 P.S.E. certificates (Superb 98; SMQ $13,000.00). This is the highest grade awarded and only one other shares it (offered in our Kirke sale).
2c Black, E. Grill (87). Remarkably well-centered with Jumbo margins all around, strong grill impression on fresh paper, cork cancel and also circular datestampEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1868 2-CENT E GRILL. AN EXTREMELY DIFFICULT STAMP TO FIND WITH SUCH HUGE MARGINS AND IN SUCH PRISTINE CONDITION. AN EXTRAORDINARY STAMP WHICH MAY WELL BE THE FINEST IN EXISTENCE -- IT HAS RECEIVED THE GRADE OF SUPERB 98 JUMBO BY P.S.E., WHICH IS THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED. IT IS THE ONLY EXAMPLE TO ACHIEVE THIS DESIRABLE GRADE.
Ex Tahoe. With 2003 P.F. and 2008 P.S.E. certificates (Superb 98 Jumbo; unpriced in SMQ above the grade of 98, SMQ $6,000.00 as 98). This is the highest grade awarded, and this is the only example to achieve it.
3c Rose, E. Grill (88). Pretty shade on bright paper, well-defined grill which is easily discernible from the front of the stamp, wide margins, neat strike of quartered cork cancel, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2011 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $800.00), only one has graded higher (at 95J) and four others share this grade
10c Green, E. Grill (89). Perfectly centered with Jumbo margins, radiant color and detailed impression on crisp paper, unobtrusive strike of cork cancelEXTREMELY FINE GEM. THIS MAGNIFICENT USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1868 10-CENT E GRILL HAS BEEN GRADED SUPERB 98 JUMBO BY P.S.E. -- IT IS CLEARLY ONE OF THE FINEST IN EXISTENCE.
With 2009 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98 Jumbo; unpriced in SMQ above the grade of 98, SMQ $9,500.00 as 98). Only one other shares this grade which is the highest awarded (offered in our Kirke sale). The next-highest is a 95J.
12c Black, E. Grill (90). Choice centering with wide and balanced margins, well-defined grill, intense shade and impression on bright paper, unobtrusive strike of cork cancelEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A BEAUTIFUL USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1867 12-CENT E GRILL.
With 2011 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $3,200.00). Only two have graded higher (highest is 98, offered in our recent Natalee Grace sale)
15c Black, E. Grill (91). Clearly-defined grill, sharp proof-like impression, well-balanced margins, neat strike of quartered cork cancel, Extremely Fine, with 2007 P.S.E. certificate (XF 90; SMQ $950.00), only three have graded higher (all at 95)
1c Blue, F. Grill (92). Bright color and detailed impression, clear grill points, phenomenal centering with Jumbo margins, neat strike of circle of wedges cancel and part of circular datestampEXTREMELY FINE GEM. THIS MASSIVE EXAMPLE OF THE 1868 ONE-CENT F GRILL HAS BEEN AWARDED THE GRADE OF SUPERB 98 JUMBO BY P.S.E. -- THIS IS THE HIGHEST GRADE AND THE ONLY EXAMPLE TO ACHIEVE IT.
Ex Tahoe. With 1983, 2003 P.F. and 2008 P.S.E. certificates (Superb 98 Jumbo; unpriced in SMQ above the grade of 98, SMQ $12,800.00 as 98). This is the highest grade awarded and the only example to achieve it.
2c Black, F. Grill (93). Gorgeous centering with Jumbo margins, detailed impression nicely complemented by blue quartered cork cancel, Extremely Fine Gem, a beautiful stamp, with 2010 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95 Jumbo; SMQ $1,900.00 as 95, $5,500.00 as 98), only two have graded higher (at 98) and only one other shares this grade
3c Red, F. Grill (94). Brilliant color nicely complemented by well-struck blue target cancel, wide and balanced margins, Extremely Fine Gem, a beautiful stamp with tremendous visual appeal, with 2003 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $320.00), only five have graded higher
5c Brown, F. Grill, Very Thin Paper (95 var). Well-balanced margins, deep rich color and sharp impression, neat strike of circle of V's cancelEXTREMELY FINE. A RARE WELL-CENTERED EXAMPLE OF THE 1868 5-CENT F GRILL ON THIN PAPER.
The National Bank Note Co. undoubtedly made various attempts to improve grilling quality and efficiency through modifications in the process. Based on surviving stamps, it appears that one modification involved the use of very thin paper, which probably allowed two or more sheets to be grilled in one pass through the grilling device. The 1c (F), 2c (E and F), 3c (E and F), 5c (F), 10c (F), 12c (F) and 15c (F) are found on this very thin paper. They are scarce, particularly the 5c-15c values.
With 2000, 2005 and 2006 P.F. and 1999, 2007 P.S.E. certificates (XF 90; SMQ $2,200.00 with no premium for the paper variety)
10c Yellow Green, F. Grill (96). Radiant color, choice centering with Jumbo margins, bold strike of rosette cancel, Extremely Fine, scarce with such wide margins, with 2008 P.S.E. certificate (XF 90 Jumbo; SMQ $650.00 as 90, $2,600.00 as 95), only two have graded higher (both 95)
12c Black, F. Grill (97). Bright shade and crisp impression, clearly-defined grill, bold strike of crossroads cancel, wonderful centering with wide and balanced marginsEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A PHENOMENAL USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1868 12-CENT F GRILL, WHICH HAS BEEN GRADED SUPERB 98 BY P.S.E.
With 2009 P.F. and 2009 P.S.E. certificates (Superb 98; SMQ $9,000.00). Only two have graded higher (at 98J) and one other shares this grade.
15c Black, F. Grill (98). Detailed impression on bright paper, unobtrusive strike of cork cancel, wide and balanced marginsEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A BEAUTIFUL USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1868 15-CENT F GRILL.
With 2007 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $3,250.00), only two have graded higher
24c Gray Lilac, F. Grill (99). Unusually choice centering with wide margins, rich color and detailed impression, bold strike of large circle of wedges cancelEXTREMELY FINE GEM. THE 1868 24-CENT F GRILL IS RARELY OBTAINABLE IN THIS OUTSTANDING USED CONDITION, AND HAS BEEN GRADED XF-SUPERB 95 BY P.S.E. THIS IS THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED.
The higher-denomination F Grills were produced in limited quantities and are often found either off center or with choppy perforations. This stamp is a true condition rarity.
With 1976, 2008 P.F. and 2009 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $10,500.00). This is the highest grade awarded and only three others share it.
30c Orange, F. Grill (100). Vibrant color, clear grill which is easily discernible on the front of the stamp, bold strike of large circle of wedges cancel and also traces of blue cancelEXTREMELY FINE. THE 1868 30-CENT F GRILL IS ONE OF THE MOST ELUSIVE CLASSIC UNITED STATES ISSUES IN THIS SUPERB QUALITY.
With 2007 P.S.E. certificate (XF 90; SMQ $1,950.00). Only two have graded higher (both 95, offered in our recent Natalee Grace and Kirke sales), but this stamp really should have the Jumbo appellation, bringing it closer to the stamps graded 95.
90c Blue, F. Grill (101). Perfectly centered with wide margins, beautiful shade and impression, red cork cancel, much better formed perfs than typically encounteredEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SPECTACULAR USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1868 90-CENT F GRILL, COMBINING FLAWLESS CENTERING, PERFORATIONS, COLOR AND A PREMIUM CANCEL.
The 90c stamps used to make grilled issues were printed on a thick stock of paper. It is likely that sheets remaining from the pre-grill period were used and that the thinner paper introduced in 1868 had not been used for the 90c value. Two characteristics of 90c F Grill stamps are poorly punched perforations and generally bad centering. This stamp is a remarkable exception. The perfs are much better formed than usual (although they show the genuine characteristics) and the centering is precise. In this stamp there is also the added feature of a striking red cancel.
With 1969 P.F. and 2010 P.S.E. certificates (XF 90; SMQ $5,000.00). Only three have graded higher and three others share this grade, but the red cancel on this stamp adds considerably to its appeal and value.