Sale 1348 — The Philip Pivawer Collection of U.S. Stamps
Sale Date — Wednesday, 19 March, 2025
Category — 1870-71 National Bank Note Co. Grilled Issue
1c Ultramarine, H. Grill (134). Original gum, clearly defined grill, rich color on bright paper, well-proportioned margins
EXTREMELY FINE. A BEAUTIFUL ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE 1870 ONE-CENT NATIONAL BANK NOTE H GRILL ISSUE.
With 1991 and 2022 P.F. certificates.
2c Red Brown, H. Grill (135). Unused (no gum), clear grill, deep rich color and well-centered, Extremely Fine, with 1982 and 2022 P.F. certificates (VF-XF 85)
3c Green, I. Grill (136A). Unused (traces of original gum), clearly defined grill, wide margins, Very Fine, with 2021 P.S.A.G. certificate, SCV as with gum
6c Carmine, H. Grill (137). Unused (no gum), rich color, well-balanced margins, Very Fine, with 1989, 2004 and 2022 P.F. certificates (VF-XF 85)
7c Vermilion, H. Grill (138). Unused (no gum), typical light but fully defined grill, brilliant color, balanced margins
EXTREMELY FINE UNUSED EXAMPLE OF THE 1870 7-CENT NATIONAL BANK NOTE COMPANY GRILLED ISSUE.
Ex Wingate. With 1996 and 2023 P.F. certificates (XF 90).
10c Brown, H. Grill (139). Unused (regummed), several clear rows of grill points, choice centering
EXTREMELY FINE UNUSED EXAMPLE OF THE 1870 10-CENT NATIONAL BANK NOTE COMPANY GRILLED ISSUE.
With 2022 P.F. certificate (XF 90).
12c Dull Violet, H. Grill (140). Unused (no gum), pretty shade on crisp paper, easily discernible grill points
VERY FINE AND CHOICE. A RARE UNUSED EXAMPLE OF THE 1870 12-CENT NATIONAL BANK NOTE COMPANY GRILLED ISSUE. THIS IS THE MOST DIFFICULT DENOMINATION OF THE SET TO OBTAIN IN UNUSED CONDITION.
Aside from the 24c, which does not exist unused, the 12c is the most difficult to obtain unused, in any condition. Probably less than ten exist with original gum, and many of those have faults or are off-center. We have offered only four singles with original gum since 2002 (the last was in 2017). The stamp offered here, with clear grill points, rich color, choice centering and in sound condition, is a true condition rarity.
Ex "Laila" and "Adventurer". With 1991, 2009 and 2018 P.F. certificates (VF 80).
15c Orange, H. Grill (141). Unused (no gum), vibrant color
VERY FINE UNUSED EXAMPLE OF THE 1870 15-CENT NATIONAL BANK NOTE COMPANY GRILLED ISSUE.
With 2021 P.F. certificate.
24c Purple, H. Grill (142). Bright color, quartered cork cancel, stronger grill than usual for this rare issue
VERY FINE. A WELL-CENTERED AND ATTRACTIVE EXAMPLE OF THE 1870 24-CENT NATIONAL BANK NOTE COMPANY GRILLED ISSUE.
With 1969, 1978 and 2024 P.F. certificates.
30c Black, H. Grill (143). Unused (no gum), intense shade and impression, clear grill points
EXTREMELY FINE AND ATTRACTIVE UNUSED EXAMPLE OF THE 1870 30-CENT NATIONAL BANK NOTE COMPANY GRILLED ISSUE.
The 30c 1870 Grilled Issue is notorious among collectors for its typical poor centering. It is also virtually impossible to find with original gum and decent centering — our comprehensive search of past catalogues found perhaps five with gum which would grade Very Fine. P.S.E. has graded two with gum, at 70 and 90, and the example graded 90 (ex Curtis) has a 2003 certificate noting a small repair, which we agree is present. Therefore, the only graded sound original-gum copy is one at 70. For copies without gum, centering is also challenging. The highest grade awarded to a no-gum stamp at P.S.E. is one example at F-VF 75. The P.F. has graded one stamp with gum and this no gum example at 90.
With 1967 and 2017 P.F. certificates (XF 90).
90c Carmine, H. Grill (144). Unused (no gum), rich color, several noticeable grill points
very FINE. AN EXTREMELY RARE WELL-CENTERED UNUSED EXAMPLE OF THE 1870 90-CENT NATIONAL bank note company GRILLED ISSUE. VIRTUALLY IMPOSSIBLE TO FIND WITH SUCH CHOICE CENTERING.
The 1870 90c National Bank Note Company grilled issue is one of the most difficult of the series to obtain with decent centering. Collectors who have been waiting to acquire a Very Fine example of this issue with original gum should consider this choice unused stamp without gum.
With 1986 and 2008 P.F. certificates.