Sale 1163 — The Clipper City Collection of Superb U.S. Stamps
Sale Date — Tuesday, 19 September, 2017
Category — 1869 Pictorial Issue (Scott 112-122)
1c Buff (112). Original gum, single hinge mark, radiant color, clearly-defined grill, choice centering with wide marginsEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE ONE-CENT 1869 PICTORIAL ISSUE, GRADED XF-SUPERB 95 BY THE PHILATELIC FOUNDATION.
Ex "Hanover". With 2008 P.F. certificate (XF-Superb 95). The P.F. has not graded any higher and this is the only example to achieve this grade. By way of comparison, P.S.E. has only graded two higher (highest is a 98) and only one at this grade.
3c Ultramarine (114). Mint N.H., deep rich color and proof-like impression on bright paper, unusually choice centering with wide and balanced marginsEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 3-CENT 1869 PICTORIAL ISSUE.
With 2005 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $2,750.00). Only two have graded higher. Scott Retail as hinged
10c Yellow (116). Original gum, vivid color and impression, extra wide margins and choice centeringEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A PARTICULARLY FRESH AND WIDE-MARGINED ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE 10-CENT 1869 PICTORIAL ISSUE.
Ex Whitman. With 2000 P.F. and 2009 P.S.E. certificates (OGh, XF 90 Jumbo; SMQ $8,000.00)
12c Green (117). Almost perfectly centered, rich color, light quartered cork cancel, Extremely Fine Gem, a superb 12c Adriatic, with 2009 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98; SMQ $2,150.00), this is the highest grade awarded to a used Scott 117
15c Brown & Blue, Ty. I (118). Gorgeous centering with wide margins, rich colors and proof-like impressions (actually we believe it is the Dark Brown & Blue shade, but not certified as such), neat strike of target cancelEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A GORGEOUS USED EXAMPLE OF THE 15-CENT TYPE I 1869 PICTORIAL ISSUE.
With 2002 P.F. and 2005 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $3,900.00). Only four have graded higher
15c Brown & Blue, Ty. II (119). Original gum, h.r., incredible depth of color, choice margins and centering on bright paperEXTREMELY FINE ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE 15-CENT TYPE II 1869 PICTORIAL.
With 2000 and 2013 P.S.E. certificates (OGh, VF-XF 85; SMQ $5,250.00)
24c Green & Violet (120). Rich colors on bright paper, outstanding centering and margins, cork cancelEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A BEAUTIFUL EXAMPLE OF THE 24-CENT 1869 PICTORIAL ISSUE.
Ex Senchuk. With 2009 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $3,800.00)
30c Ultramarine & Carmine (121). Wide margins and near perfect centering, rich colors on bright paper, neat strike of circle of wedges cancelEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB USED EXAMPLE OF THE 30-CENT 1869 PICTORIAL ISSUE.
With 1999 P.F. and 2013 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $3,700.00)
90c Carmine & Black (122). Rich colors, detailed impressions on crisp paper, outstanding centering with wide and balanced margins, light cancel leaves design clearly visibleEXTREMELY FINE. A GORGEOUS USED EXAMPLE OF THE 90-CENT 1869 PICTORIAL ISSUE. SELDOM OFFERED IN THIS PRISTINE CONDITION.
The 90c 1869 Pictorial is widely admired for its beautiful engraving and dignified portrait of Abraham Lincoln. However, collectors have been frustrated in their efforts to acquire choice examples of this issue. Used 90c stamps are typically heavily cancelled, because the high denomination was cause for postal clerks to thoroughly obliterate any chance for re-use. Naturally, the significant monetary value of 90c in 1869 limited the number of unused stamps that would be saved for future collectors.
With 2003 and 2016 P.F. certificates (XF 90)