Sale 1278 — United States Stamps
Sale Date — Tuesday-Thursday, 21-23 March, 2023
Category — 1869 Pictorial Issue and 1869 Re-Issue (Sccott 112-133a)
1c Buff (112). Original gum, exceptionally well-centered, rich color, Extremely Fine, with 1992 and 2006 P.F. certificates (XF 90), we feel this is every bit a 95
1c Buff (112). Rich color, precise centering, cork cancel, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2019 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $1,450.00)
1c Buff (112). Brilliant color, unusual cork cancel, wide margins, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2021 P.S.A.G. certificate (XF-Superb 95)
1c Buff (112). Bright shade on crisp paper, neat quartered cork cancel, fresh and Extremely Fine, ex Kirke and Curtis, with 1997, 2006 and 2015 P.F. certificates (XF 90)
2c Brown (113). Mint N.H., deep rich color and proof-like impression, choice centering with wide and balanced marginsEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 2-CENT 1869 PICTORIAL ISSUE. THIS IS ONE OF THE FINEST EAMPLES WE HAVE ENCOUNTERED.
With 2019 P.F. certificate (XF 90). By way of comparison, the P.S.E. Population Report lists only one Scott 113 at the 90 grade in Mint N.H. condition, with none higher. We last offered that example in 2009. Unlisted in Scott as Mint N.H. Scott value as hinged
2c Deep Brown (113). Original gum, wonderful depth of color on bright paper, choice centering and margins, Extremely Fine, with 2016 P.S.E. certificate as Brown but it is at least Deep Brown if not Dark Brown (OGph, XF 90; SMQ $1,650.00)
2c Brown (113). Original gum, lightly hinged, rich color, well-centered with wide margins, Very Fine and choice, with 2002 P.F. certificate
2c Brown (113). Original gum, barely hinged, rich color, nicely centered, Very Fine and choice, with 1999 P.F. certificate
2c Brown (113). Outstanding centering with balanced margins, deep rich color, very light cork cancel, Extremely Fine Gem, a beautiful stamp, ex Kirke and Morton, with 2003 (as a strip of three), 2015 and 2020 P.F. certificates (XF-Superb 95)
2c Brown, Double Grill (113 var). Bright shade, light strike of cork cancel, wide margins, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2021 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $900.00 with no premium for the double grill)
3c Ultramarine (114). Mint N.H., brilliant color on bright paper, beautifully centered with wide marginsEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 3-CENT 1869 PICTORIAL ISSUE, GRADED XF-SUPERB 95 BY THE PHILATELIC FOUNDATION.
Ex Floyd. With 2001 and 2006 P.F. certificates (XF-Superb 95). By way of comparison, only three grade higher in the P.S.E.'s Population Report. Scott value as hinged
3c Ultramarine (114). Brilliant color, choice centering with wide margins, neat target and circular datestamp cancels, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2008 P.S.E. and 2015 P.F. certificates (both XF-Superb 95; SMQ $1,200.00), only ten grade higher (nine at 95J, one at 98)
3c Ultramarine (114). Rich color on bright paper, choice centering, blue target cancel, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2022 P.S.A.G. certificate (XF-Superb 95)
6c Ultramarine (115). Deep rich color and proof-like impression on bright paper, bold strike of blue grid cancel, unusually wide and balanced marginsEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB USED EXAMPLE OF THE 6-CENT 1869 PICTORIAL ISSUE, GRADED XF-SUPERB 95 BY BOTH P.S.E. AND THE P.F.
Ex Bowman. With 1985, 1999 and 2015 P.F. and 2008 P.S.E. certificates (latter two XF-Superb 95; SMQ $1,900.00). Only two grade higher (at 98J) and only three others share this desirable grade. These are low population numbers -- the last we offered at this grade realized $5,000 hammer in 2019.
6c Ultramarine (115). Rich color on bright paper, Jumbo margins, cork cancel, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2019 P.S.A.G. certificate (XF-Superb 95 Jumbo)
6c Ultramarine (115). Rich color, cork cancel, choice centering, Extremely Fine, with 2019 P.S.A.G. certificate (XF 90)
10c Yellow (116). Vibrant color, neat strike of quartered cork and circular datestamp duplex cancel, wide and balanced margins, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2013 P.S.A.G. and 2015 P.F. certificates (both XF-Superb 95), by way of comparison only five grade higher at P.S.E.
10c Yellow (116). Vivid color nicely complemented by central strike of blue target cancel, wide margins, Extremely Fine, with 2020 P.S.A.G. certificate (XF-Superb 95)
10c Yellow (116). Bright shade, target and circular datestamp cancels, Extremely Fine, with 2020 P.S.A.G. certificate (XF 90)
12c Green (117). Rich color, light strike of target cancel, unusually wide and balanced margins, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2000 and 2008 P.F. certificates (XF-Superb 95)
12c Green (117). Rich color and proof-like impression, wide and balanced margins, cork cancel, Extremely Fine Gem, with 1994 P.F. and 2017 P.S.A.G. certificates (XF-Superb 95)
12c Green (117). Intense shade and impression, cork cancel, well-balanced margins, Extremely Fine, with 2020 P.S.A.G. certificate (XF 90)
12c Green (117). Ten used stamps with red cancels, clear strikes of mostly cork, also couple circular datestamp, most with decent centering, a couple small flaws may be found but overall Fine-Very Fine and attractive group, two certificates accompany
12c Green (117). Balance of 33 stamps, collected for a range of cancels with some better included, unusual thin target, other target, letter "K", "Paid 3" in circle, propeller in circle, concentric circle, one red, others, few faults to be expected in a group such as this but an impressive balance, Fine or appear so, Scott value as all normal cancels
15c Brown & Blue, Ty. I (118). Bright colors, wide and balanced margins, bold strike of cork cancelEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A STUNNING USED EXAMPLE OF THE 15-CENT TYPE I 1869 PICTORIAL ISSUE.
With 2021 P.F. certificate (XF-Superb 95). By way of comparison P.S.E. has graded only four higher.
15c Brown & Blue, Ty. I (118). Rich colors, choice centering with wide and balanced margins, cork cancelsEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A BEAUTIFUL USED EXAMPLE OF THE 15-CENT TYPE II 1869 PICTORIAL ISSUE.
With 2020 P.S.A.G. certificate (XF-Superb 95)
15c Brown & Blue, Ty. I (118). Deep rich colors, vignette shifted slightly downwards, bold quartered cork cancel, fresh and Extremely Fine, ex Kirke, with 2005 P.S.E. and 2014 P.F. certificates (both XF 90; SMQ $1,750.00)
15c Brown & Blue, Ty. I (118). Detailed impressions, cork cancel, choice centering, Extremely Fine, with 2020 P.S.A.G certificate (XF 90)
15c Brown & Blue, Ty. I (118). Brilliant colors, choice centering with wide and balanced margins, segmented cork cancel, Extremely Fine, a pretty stamp, small purple backstamp, with 1989 P.S.E. and 2006 P.F. certificates (XF 90)
15c Brown & Blue, Ty. I (118). Deep rich colors, wide margins and choice centering, cork cancel, Extremely Fine, with 2021 P.S.E. certificate (XF 90; SMQ $1,750.00)
15c Brown & Blue, Ty. I (118). Rich colors, well-centered with nicely balanced margins, very light cork cancel, Very Fine and choice, with 2007 P.S.E. certificate
15c Brown & Blue, Ty. I (118). Wide margins and attractively centered, rich colors, red cork cancel, Very Fine, with 1991 and 2003 P.F. certificates
15c Brown & Blue, Ty. I (118). Rich colors, with dramatic vignette shift to the right which extends well into the perfs, cork cancel, Very Fine and most unusual, Scott value with no premium for the shift
15c Brown & Blue, Ty. I (118). Deep rich colors nicely complemented by bold red 12c credit datestamp, centered to top, Fine, with 1988 P.F. certificate
15c Brown & Blue, Ty. I, II, 30c Ultramarine & Carmine (118, 119, 121). Including three of 30c, each with vignette shift, No. 118 shifted strongly downwards, No. 119 shifted up and to the right, two 30c shifted down and showing white space between impressions, last 30c shifted slightly upwards, few faults, Fine appearance, a striking and unusual group, two 30c with certificates
15c Brown & Blue, Ty. II (119). Block of four, disturbed original gum, centered to the bottom as are virtually all blocks of this issue we have sold, hinge reinforced perfs at bottom, Fine, with clear 1980 P.F. certificate, Scott value $15,750.00
15c Brown & Blue, Ty. II (119). Beautifully balanced margins, exceptional depth of colors complemented by bold blue target cancelEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A BEAUTIFUL USED EXAMPLE OF THE 15-CENT TYPE II 1869 PICTORIAL WITH A BOLD BLUE TARGET CANCEL.
With 1991, 2002 and 2013 P.F. certificates (XF-Superb 95 XQ). The "XQ" denotes "Extraordinary Quality".
15c Brown & Blue, Ty. II (119). Deep rich colors and proof-like impressions on bright paper, bold strike of cork cancel, wide margins, Extremely Fine, with 2012 P.F. certificate (XF 90)
15c Brown & Blue, Ty. II (119). Detailed impressions, wide margins, cork cancel leaves vignette clearly visible, Extremely Fine, with 2015 P.F. certificate (XF 90 XQ), the "XQ" stands for "Extraordinary Quality"
24c Green & Violet (120). Original gum, bright colors and detailed impressionsVERY FINE AND CHOICE ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE 24-CENT 1869 PICTORIAL ISSUE.
Ex Price. With 1998 and 2007 P.F. certificates
24c Green & Violet (120). Uncommonly wide margins and exceptional centering, rich colors, transparent rosette cancelEXTREMELY FINE USED EXAMPLE OF THE 24-CENT 1869 PICTORIAL ISSUE.
With 2002 P.F. and 2008 P.S.E. certificates (XF 90 Jumbo; SMQ $2,500.00)
24c Green & Violet (120). Detailed impressions, well-balanced margins, circle of wedges cancel leaves design clearly visible, fresh and Extremely Fine, with 1992, 2015 P.F. and 2009 P.S.E. certificates (latter two XF 90; SMQ $1,850.00)
24c Green & Violet (120). Beautifully balanced margins, rich colors, unobtrusive grid cancel, Extremely Fine, with 1997 and 2021 P.F. certificates (XF 90)
30c Ultramarine & Carmine (121). Extraordinarily well-centered with wide margins, wonderfully rich colors, light cork cancelEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB USED EXAMPLE OF THE 30-CENT 1869 PICTORIAL ISSUE.
With 2021 P.F. certificate (XF-Superb 95)
30c Ultramarine & Carmine (121). Rich colors and proof-like impressions, wide margins, rosette cancelEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB USED EXAMPLE OF THE 30-CENT 1869 PICTORIAL ISSUE.
With 2009 and 2019 P.F. certificates (XF-Superb 95 XQ). The "XQ" stands for "Extraordinary Quality". By way of comparison, P.S.E. has graded only four higher (at 95J)
30c Ultramarine & Carmine (121). Brilliant colors, cancelled solely by red circle of wedges, wide margins, Extremely Fine, with 1991, 2005 P.F. and 2020 P.S.A.G. certificates (XF-Superb 95)
30c Blue & Carmine (121). Wide margins, rich colors, dark red cork cancel (found on supplementary mail covers from New York City in this period), Very Fine, ex Jon Rose, with 1996 P.F. certificate
90c Carmine & Black (122). Mint N.H.--yes, that is correct--pristine original gum with clear grill impression in paper and gum (an important characteristic of original gum), perfect craquelure of gum surface, fresh color and sharp impressions, three wide margins and frame design barely touched by single perf hole at upper rightFINE. AN EXTRAORDINARY MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 90-CENT 1869 PICTORIAL ISSUE. THIS TOP DENOMINATION OF THE REGULARLY ISSUED 1869 PICTORIAL ISSUE SELDOM COMES LIGHTLY HINGED, LET ALONE NEVER-HINGED. FOR THE COLLECTOR OF CLASSIC STAMPS IN MINT POST-OFFICE FRESH CONDITION, THIS IS THE ONLY STAMP OF ITS KIND.
Our reaction to the first report of this stamp and its accompanying P.S.E. certificate was, they got it wrong and the stamp is hinged or regummed. We were wrong. The gum is absolutely Mint Never-Hinged. If this stamp were face down next to 3c 1869 stamps in Mint N.H. condition, of which there are many, it would be impossible to tell which one was the common 3c and which was the arguably unique 90c.
One of the key characteristics of genuine gum on grilled stamps is the grill itself. In the manufacturing process, sheets were gummed first, then grilled and perforated. Therefore, the grill in original gum will show characteristics that differ from a grill that was covered with gum in regumming or brushing. Likewise, perforations that followed gumming will have a different appearance than perforations of a regummed stamp. Finally, brushing over a hinge removal will be evident in the minute crackling in the surface of the gum--what art experts call craquelure in oil paintings--but this stamp shows perfectly even crackling in the gum.
We have gone to great lengths to explain the Mint N.H. state of this stamp, because it might well be the only Scott 122 to survive in such condition. Every example we have seen is previously hinged or has disturbed gum, or has no gum at all. If this stamp were centered with a grade of 80 or better, it would be valued at $100,000 or more. With Fine centering, it will probably bring less, but for collectors of classic stamps in post-office fresh Mint N.H. condition, it is essentially priceless.
With 1980 P.F. certificate (before gum was described as never-hinged) and 2023 P.S.E. certificate "genuine, o.g., never hinged". Scott value as hinged.
90c Carmine & Black (122). Deep rich colors and proof-like impressions, wide margins and exceptional entering, light cancel which appears purple to us and confirmed as such on P.F. certificate, but P.S.E. certificate declines opinion on the cancel colorEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB USED EXAMPLE OF THE 90-CENT 1869 PICTORIAL ISSUE, GRADED XF-SUPERB 95 BY P.S.E.
With 2002 P.F. certificate stating "purple cancellation". With 2007 P.S.E. certificate stating "faintly cancelled, but no opinion whether or not the cancel is purple" (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $9,000.00). Only three grade higher (two at 95J, one at 98J), and only seven others share this grade. The Scott premium for a purple cancel is $3,000.00 but Scott value quoted here is for a black cancel
90c Carmine & Black (122). Deep rich colors, gorgeous centering, unobtrusive cork cancelEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB USED EXAMPLE OF THE 90-CENT 1869 PICTORIAL ISSUE, GRADED XF-SUPERB 95 BY THE P.F.
With 2001, 2006 and 2011 P.F. certificates (XF-Superb 95)
90c Carmine & Black (122). Rich color and detailed impressions, unusually wide and balanced margins, unobtrusive strike of cork cancelEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB USED EXAMPLE OF THE 90-CENT 1869 PICTPRIAL ISSUE, GRADED XF-SUPERB 95 BY P.S.E.
These high-denomination stamps were typically used on mail to foreign countries or on heavy registered letters. They were often heavily cancelled by postal clerks to make sure they were not reused. The example offered here, with a very light cancel, is a rare exception to the rule.
With 2021 P.F. certificate (XF-Superb 95).
90c Carmine & Black (122). Bright colors, well-centered, circle of wedges cancel, very freshVERY FINE AND CHOICE USED EXAMPLE OF THE 90-CENT 1869 PICTORIAL ISSUE.
With 1977 and 2006 P.F. certificates (VF-XF 85)
1c Buff, 2c Brown, Re-Issues (123-124). 1c slightly disturbed original gum, 2c large part original gum, rich colors, Very Fine, 2c with 1970 P.F. certificate
1c Buff, Re-Issue (123). Radiant color, unusual rosette cancel, choice centering, Extremely Fine, with 2016 P.F. certificate (XF 90)
2c Brown, Re-Issue (124). Well-balanced margins, rich color and detailed impression on fresh paper, light but clear cancelEXTREMELY FINE. A BEAUTIFUL USED EXAMPLE OF THE 2-CENT 1869 PICTORIAL RE-ISSUE. RARE IN SUCH CHOICE CONDITION.
Ex Kirke and Morton. With 1998, 2005, 2006 and 2020 P.F. certificates (XF 90). With 2007 P.S.E. certificate (XF 90; SMQ $2,000.00). Only four grade higher (two at 95 and two at 95J) and only three others share this grade.
6c Blue, Re-Issue (126). Original gum, lightly hinged, perfectly centered with wide and balanced margins, bright and fresh paperEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE 6-CENT 1869 PICTORIAL RE-ISSUE
With 1986, 2003 and 2021 P.F. certificates (XF-Superb 95). This is the highest grade awarded by the P.F. to an original gum Scott 126. By way of comparison, the highest P.S.E. grade is also 95.
6c Blue, Re-Issue (126). Original gum, lightly hinged, radiant color on bright paper, fresh in every respectVERY FINE AND CHOICE LIGHTLY-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 6-CENT 1869 PICTORIAL RE-ISSUE.
Ex "Vineyard". With 2003 P.F. certificate
6c Blue, Re-Issue (126). Choice centering for this difficult issue with wide margins, rich color on bright paper, unobtrusive strike of duplex cancelEXTREMELY FINE USED EXAMPLE OF THE 6-CENT 1869 PICTORIAL RE-ISSUE. ONE OF THE MOST DIFFICULT DENOMINATIONS TO OBTAIN IN SUCH CHOICE USED CONDITION.
Ex Twigg-Smith, Dr. Dauer and Morton. With 2001 and 2020 P.F. and 2005 P.S.E. certificates (latter two VF-XF 85; SMQ $4,500.00). Only four grade higher: a 98 which brought $23,000 in Sale 1199 in 2019, a 95 which brought $10,500 in our sale of the Kirke collection in 2012 and two at 90 (we have never offered them).
6c Blue, Re-Issue (126). Bright color on fresh paper, light strike of cancel leaves entire design completely visibleFRESH AND VERY FINE USED EXAMPLE OF THE 6-CENT 1869 PICTORIAL RE-ISSUE.
With 1978 and 1997 P.F. certificates.
10c Yellow, Re-Issue (127). Original gum, Jumbo margins, remarkably freshEXTREMELY FINE. A VIBRANT ORIGINAL GUM, WIDE-MARGINED EXAMPLE OF THE 10-CENT 1869 PICTORIAL RE-ISSUE.
With 2003 P.F. certificate
10c Yellow, Re-Issue (127). Original gum, lightly hinged, choice centering and margins, bright colorEXTREMELY FINE ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE 10-CENT 1869 PICTORIAL RE-ISSUE.
With 1992 P.S.E., 2004 and 2022 P.F. certificates (VF-XF 85)
10c Yellow, Re-Issue (127). Vivid color on bright paper, unusually choice centering with wide and balanced margins, unobtrusive oval grid cancelEXTREMELY FINE USED EXAMPLE OF THE 10-CENT 1869 PICTORIAL RE-ISSUE. VERY DIFFICULT TO FIND IN SOUND AND CENTERED CONDITION.
With 1991, 2003 and 2019 P.F. certificates (XF 90). With 2019 P.S.E. certificate (VF-XF 85; SMQ $4,000.00). For P.S.E., only four used copies of Scott 127 grade higher than 85 (three at 90 and one at 90J). We leave it to collectors to determine who got the grade right, in any case this is extremely difficult to obtain in such choice condition.
12c Green, Re-Issue (128). Incredibly rich color and proof-like impression, almost perfect centering with well-proportioned margins, neat strike of New York City "2" oval grid cancel and part of duplex datestampEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB USED EXAMPLE OF THE 12-CENT 1869 PICTORIAL RE-ISSUE. A DIFFICULT STAMP TO FIND IN SUCH OUTSTANDING CONDITION, AND EASILY ONE OF THE FINEST IN EXISTENCE. THIS REMARKABLE STAMP IS GRADED XF-SUPERB 95 BY P.S.E. -- THIS IS THE HIGHEST GRADE AND THE ONLY ONE TO ACHIEVE IT.
The 12c 1869 Pictorial Re-Issue is the second rarest of the set in used condition (the 3c is the rarest). The Rose book estimates 15-25 extant used copies, and SMQ estimates 20 extant. It was the only used 1869 Re-Issue denomination in the Zoellner collection that was accepted with a small fault.
Ex Tahoe, Merlin and Curtis. With 2001, 2015 P.F. and 2008 P.S.E. certificates (latter two XF-Superb 95; SMQ $15,000.00). This is the highest grade awarded and the only example to achieve this grade.
15c Brown & Blue, Re-Issue (129). Original gum, deep rich colors and proof-like impressions, Very Fine and choice, ex Coulter, with 2006 P.F. certificate
15c Brown & Blue, Re-Issue (129). Deep rich colors and proof-like impressions, unusually wide margins, unobtrusive cancel, Extremely Fine, a pretty stamp, with 2017 P.F. certificate (XF 90 XQ)
15c Brown & Blue, Re-Issue (129). Nicely centered, beautiful deep rich colors, cork cancel, Very Fine, with 2009 P.F. certificate
15c Brown & Blue, Re-Issue (129). Deep rich colors, registry oval cancel, fresh and Very Fine, with 1992 P.F. certificate
24c Green & Violet, Re-Issue (130). Original gum which the P.F. calls "large part" but is essentially full with h.r., bright colors, wide margins and nicely centered, Very Fine and choice centering, with 2016 P.F. certificate
24c Green & Violet, Re-Issue (130). Original gum, h.r., bright colors, three balanced margins, Fine, with 2017 P.S.E. certificate
24c Green & Violet, Re-Issue (130). Unusually wide margins and nearly perfect centering, bright colors, light strike of oval registry cancel leaves design clearly visibleEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A BEAUTIFUL USED EXAMPLE OF THE 24-CENT 1869 PICTORIAL RE-ISSUE. THIS MARVELOUS STAMP HAS BEEN AWARDED THE GRADE OF XF-SUPERB 95, WHICH IS THE HIGHEST AWARDED.
Ex Merlin. With 2009, 2013 P.F. and 2010 P.S.E. certificates (latter two XF-Superb 95; SMQ $7,500.00). This is the highest grade awarded and only two others have achieved this grade. This is the first we have offered since 2012.
24c Green & Violet, Re-Issue (130). Well-centered, bright and fresh colors, Very Fine, with 2007 P.F. certificate (VF 80)
30c Ultramarine & Carmine, Re-Issue (131). Deep rich colors and proof-like impressions, neat cancels at sides, unusually choice centeringEXTREMELY FINE. A STUNNING USED EXAMPLE OF THE 30-CENT 1869 PICTORIAL RE-ISSUE.
With 2000, 2010 and 2011 P.F. certificates (XF 90). By way of comparison, P.S.E. has graded only four higher (two each at 95 and 98) and three at this grade.
30c Ultramarine & Carmine, Re-Issue (131). Bright colors, attractive centering and margins, unobtrusive cork cancelVERY FINE AND CHOICE USED EXAMPLE OF THE 30-CENT 1869 PICTORIAL RE-ISSUE.
SMQ estimates that approximately 40 examples of the 30c Re-Issue are known used. Our experience has been that many are either off-center or have small faults.
With 1982 and 1998 P.F. certificates.
30c Ultramarine & Carmine, Re-Issue (131). Bright colors, bold large oval cancel, Fine, the 30c is particularly scarce used, only approximately 40 are known, with 2007 P.F. certificate
90c Carmine & Black, Re-Issue (132). Slightly disturbed original gum, brilliant colors and well-centered, faint horizontal crease along perfs at top, appears Extremely Fine, with 2022 P.F. certificate
90c Carmine & Black, Re-Issue (132). Unused (no gum), deep rich colors and bright paper, fresh and Very Fine


