Sale 1159 — 2017 Rarities of the World
Sale Date — Tuesday, 27 June, 2017
Category — 1851-56 Issue (Scott 5-17)
1c Blue, Ty. I (5). Position 7R1E, large margins to just into ornaments at left, plumes at bottom are clearly visible and design at top complete, bright early shade, neat strike of blue grid cancelFINE AND RARE SOUND EXAMPLE OF POSITION 7R1E -- THE SEVENTH STAMP IN THE RIGHT PANE OF PLATE ONE EARLY -- THIS IS THE ONLY ONE OF THE 1,000 POSITIONS USED TO PRINT IMPERFORATE ONE-CENT STAMPS THAT SHOWS THE COMPLETE DESIGN (TYPE I).
The published census compiled by Jerome S. Wagshal contains at least 98 unduplicated records of Scott 5. There are probably no more than ten examples existing outside of the Wagshal census population. Therefore, the 1c 1851 Type I is the rarest of all United States stamps issued regularly prior to the 1868 Grills.
According the the Wagshal Census, this stamp was discovered around 1998 by a stamp dealer in a large lot of U.S. stamp pages originating with a family in France.
Wagshal Census No. 5-CAN-29. With 1998 P.S.E. and P.F. certificates
1c Blue, Ty. Ib (5A). Position 3R1E, unused (no gum), large top sheet margin, full bottom margin, barely touched at lower left and slightly in at right -- showing all the essential characteristics of the type -- rich Plate 1 Early color, miniscule vertical edge thin at right not mentioned on accompanying certificateFINE AND RARE UNUSED EXAMPLE OF THE 1851 ONE-CENT TYPE Ib IMPERFORATE ISSUE.
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 of 3-6R and 8-9R were ironed out when the entries were made below them.
With clear 1977 P.F. certificate
1c Blue, Ty. Ib (5A). Position 5R1E, ample margins to touched -- clearly showing all the key design characteristics, beautiful Plate 1 Early color, light strike of town cancel, thinned at right and at bottomFINE APPEARING EXAMPLE OF THE SCARCE TYPE Ib FROM PLATE ONE EARLY, SHOWING THE COMPLETE DESIGNS AT TOP AND BOTTOM.
With 2006 P.F. certificate
1c Blue, Ty. Ia (6). Position 97L4, unused (no gum), ample to full margins all around, small repair and stain at top, light diagonal crease at bottom, otherwise Very Fine and very rare unused example of this issue, Ty. Ia shows the full design at bottom and was furnished only by 18 of the 200 subjects on Plate 4, Power Search lists only three other unused examples, pencil notations on back, with 2009 plated certificate from the One Cent Franklin Plating Archive which fails to mention the repair
1c Blue, Ty. Ia (6). Position 97L4 with Curl on Shoulder plate variety, mostly ample margins to clear at bottom right, deep rich Plate 4 color, light town circular datestampVERY FINE AND CHOICE. A HANDSOME USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1851 ONE-CENT TYPE Ia IMPERFORATE SHOWING THE CURL ON THE SHOULDER PLATE VARIETY.
Stamps printed from Plate 4 were issued in April, May and briefly in June 1857 before perforations were introduced. The relatively small number of imperforate Plate 4 stamps issued during this period explains the rarity and desirability of any of the imperforate stamp types produced from this plate (Ia, Ic, II, III and IIIa). 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). The Curl on Shoulder variety resulted from a tiny thread adhering to the relief on the transfer roll.
With 2017 P.F. certificate. Sold for the benefit of the Smithsonian National Postal Museum.
1c Blue, Ty. Ia (6). Plate 4, mostly ample to large margins, barely in at lower right, deep rich Plate 4 color nicely complemented by New York City carrier datestampA FINE USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1851 ONE-CENT TYPE Ia IMPERFORATE.
Stamps printed from Plate 4 were issued in April, May and briefly in June 1857 before perforations were introduced. The relatively small number of imperforate Plate 4 stamps issued during this period explains the rarity and desirability of any of the imperforate stamp types produced from this plate (Ia, Ic, II, III and IIIa). 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 1976 P.F. and 2008 P.S.E. certificates
1c Blue, Ty. III (8). Position 44L4, original gum, lightly hinged, large margins at top and bottom, ample to clear at sides, deep rich Plate 4 color and sharp impression from a late state of the plate with unusually wide breaks in top and bottom outer linesEXTREMELY FINE. THIS IS ONE OF THE FINEST ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLES OF THE 1851 ONE-CENT IMPERFORATE TYPE III EXTANT. THE BREAKS IN OUTER LINES AT TOP AND BOTTOM -- THE DEFINING CHARACTERISTIC OF TYPE III -- ARE ESPECIALLY WIDE IN THIS LATE IMPRESSION.
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, a majority of stamps of this type (both unused and used) have small breaks in at least one line. The most notable exception is Position 99R2, which has the widest breaks of any Type III position, due to the short transfer during plate entry.
The stamp offered here should be considered significant for several reasons. The breaks at top and bottom are so wide that it actually approaches those of Position 99R2. This E Relief position (44L) had breaks in both lines when originally entered on the plate; however, later impressions show widened breaks, and, in this example, the breaks are extremely wide. The large margins at top and bottom also allow for easy identification of the type. All factors considered -- design, impression, margins and gum -- this stamp is easily one of the finest original-gum examples of the imperforate Type III.
Ex Lilly, Drucker and "Scarsdale." With 1988 and 2002 P.F. certificates
1c Blue, Ty. IV (9). Recut once at top, original gum, barely hinged, large to huge margins including portion of adjoining stamp at left, rich color on bright paperEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE 1851 IMPERFORATE ONE-CENT TYPE IV.
With 1996 P.F. and 2005 P.S.E. certificates (OGph, XF-Superb 95; SMQ $3,500.00)
3c Orange Brown, Ty. II (10A). Original gum, clear to large margins with part sheet margin at right, fresh, marvelous deep rich colorVERY FINE. THE 3-CENT 1851 ORANGE BROWN IS DIFFICULT TO FIND IN THIS EXCEPTIONALLY CHOICE ORIGINAL-GUM CONDITION.
With 2009 P.S.E. certificate. There are only three original-gum examples listed in the P.S.E. Population Report (graded 85, 85J and 95)
5c Red Brown (12). Original gum, lightly hinged, three large margins, clear at bottom, deep rich color and proof-like impression on bright paperFRESH AND VERY FINE. AN ATTRACTIVE AND RARE SOUND ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE 5-CENT 1856 ISSUE.
With the exception of some rare types of the 1c and 10c, such as Scott Nos. 5 and 16, the 5c stamp is the most difficult denomination to obtain with four margins in original-gum condition. The spacing between stamps was very narrow, leaving little margin for error when separating the stamps, which explains why so few examples are known with four margins.
Ex "Laila". With 1980 and 1997 P.F. certificates
5c Red Brown (12). Original gum, full margins all around, deep rich color, small sealed tear at lower left and tiny scissors-cut at left almost entirely in marginVERY FINE APPEARANCE. A RARE ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE 5-CENT 1856 ISSUE.
Ex Wunderlich. With 2017 P.F. certificate
5c Red Brown (12). Large part original gum which covers nearly the entire back, full margins to barely touched at bottom left, rich colorFINE AND RARE ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE 5-CENT 1856 ISSUE.
With 2012 P.F. certificate stating "large part original gum"
5c Red Brown (12). Huge margins all around including small part of adjoining stamp at top, sheet margin at bottom and left interpane and centerline margin, incredibly rich color, light datestampsEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A PHENOMENAL USED EXAMPLE OF THE 5-CENT 1856 ISSUE. AN EXCEPTIONAL POSITIONAL EXAMPLE.
With 2016 P.F. certificate (XF-Superb 95 XQ). The "XQ" denotes extraordinary quality, which is clearly demonstrated by this example
10c Green, Ty. I (13). Unused (no gum), huge margins to clear, gorgeous color on bright white paperVERY FINE AND CHOICE. A BEAUTIFUL AND FRESH UNUSED EXAMPLE OF THE 1855 10-CENT TYPE I IMPERFORATE ISSUE.
The Type I stamps are defined as having complete scrolls at bottom. They are only found on the bottom row of the plate (20 positions). Unfortunately, many were trimmed at bottom when they were separated, leaving a dearth of four-margin copies.
Ex Curtis. With 2000 P.F. certificate
10c Green, Ty. I (13). Unused (no gum), full to large margins, dark shade, accompanying P.F. certificate states "bleached to remove staining" but the rich color and paper lead us to conclude that some brownish gum was soaked off, sharp impression clearly showing the complete design at bottomEXTREMELY FINE APPEARANCE. A BEAUTIFUL UNUSED EXAMPLE OF THE 1855 10-CENT TYPE I IMPERFORATE.
With 1989 P.F. certificate
10c Green, Ty. II (14). Original gum, three large margins, full at bottom, deep rich colorVERY FINE AND CHOICE ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE 1855 10-CENT TYPE II IMPERFORATE.
Given the wide spacing between subjects on the plate used to print the 10c 1855 Issue, one would expect to find an ample supply of examples in sound original-gum condition with four margins. However, such stamps are extremely rare.
With 2002 P.S.E. certificate. Small red backstamp
10c Green, Ty. II (14). Jumbo margins all around, gorgeous color, cancelled by circular datestamp and red boxed "Aachen Franco" transitEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A HUGE AND STRIKING EXAMPLE OF THE 1855 10-CENT TYPE II WITH A COLORFUL COMBINATION OF CANCELS. THIS BEAUTIFUL STAMP IS GRADED SUPERB 98 JUMBO BY P.S.E.
Ex Kirke. With 1982 and 2000 P.F. certificates. With 2006 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98 Jumbo; SMQ $4,000.00). Only six others share this grade with only one higher (at 100). Frankly, this is a Gem 100 stamp, plain and simple.
10c Green, Ty. III (15). Original gum, lightly hinged, ample to clear margins, intense shade and impressionVERY FINE ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE 1855 10-CENT TYPE III IMPERFORATE.
With 1993 and 2002 P.F. certificates
10c Green, Ty. IV (16). Position 86L1, recut at top, original gum which covers approximately half the stamp, described as "small part original gum" on accompanying certificates, large margins to just touched at top right ornament, rich color, tiny thin at topFINE APPEARANCE. A RARE UNUSED EXAMPLE OF THE 1855 10-CENT TYPE IV WITH PART ORIGINAL GUM. ONE OF THE RAREST OF ALL CLASSIC UNITED STATES UNUSED STAMPS.
As an indication of rarity, we have offered fewer than a dozen unused copies with or without gum in all of our Rarities sales and in the last 16 years of auctions.
Ex Curtis. With 1988 P.F. and 2007 P.S.E. certificates. Scott Retail as original gum
12c Black (17). Position 69L1, original gum, lightly hinged, ample to large margins, intense shade and impression, barely perceptible crease along left edgeVERY FINE APPEARANCE. A BEAUTIFUL ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE 12-CENT 1851 ISSUE.
With 1983 P.F. and 2017 P.S.E. certificates
12c Black (17). Large to huge margins all around including parts or traces of six surrounding stamps, beautiful deep shade and neatly struck Boston large "Paid" grid cancelEXTREMELY FINE GEM. ONE OF THE MOST ATTRACTIVE USED EXAMPLES OF THE 12-CENT 1851 ISSUE WE HAVE ENCOUNTERED, GRADED GEM 100 BY THE PHILATELIC FOUNDATION.
Many collectors have a tendency to discount how difficult it is to find imperforate classics in such superb condition. The assumption is that there are multiples which can be split to "make" perfect singles. However, one would need a lightly-cancelled block of nine or sheet margin block of six, with no wrinkles or other minor defects, to produce a single such as the one offered here.
With 2016 P.F. certificate (Gem 100)
12c Black, Printed on Both Sides (17c). Back printed inverted in relation to impression on face, back of stamp shows part of the top of two designs with clear "E" and "U" of lettering, face of stamp with large margins to in and a red grid cancel, small thin spotFINE APPEARANCE. AN EXTREMELY RARE EXAMPLE OF THE 12-CENT 1851 ISSUE WITH THE DESIGN PRINTED ON BOTH SIDES. ONE OF THE GREAT RARITIES OF THE 1851 ISSUE. THIS IS A NEW DISCOVERY AND IS OFFERED TO THE MARKET FOR THE FIRST TIME. ONLY THREE ARE RECORDED.
Engraved stamps printed on both sides usually have a poor impression on one side and a second, complete impression on the other. They probably occurred when a sheet was printed without proper moistening, which prevented the paper from picking up the ink in the recessed lines of the engraved plate. The variety is known on the three denominations issued in 1851 -- 1c, 3c and 12c -- but not on the imperforate stamps issued in 1855 (10c) and 1856 (5c).
Reports have varied as to how many copies of the 12c 1851 printed on both sides are known. Brookman reported that he knew of four. However, we have previously only been able to locate two complete stamps, and this is the number widely used by students today. None is known unused. This stamp was found by one of our specialists in an old New England collection formed in the 1920's and 1930's.
Our census of Scott 17c can be found at: http://siegelauctions.com/census/us/17c