Sale 1028 — The Natalee Grace Collection of Used U.S. Stamps, Part Three: 1902 and Later Issues
Sale Date — Thursday, 20 September, 2012
Category — 1912-14 Perf 12 Double-Line Watermark Issue-New Designs (Scott 405-422)
1c Green (405). Mathematically perfect centering with Jumbo margins, intense shade and impression on bright paper, neat wavy-line machine cancel, Extremely Fine Gem, a stunning stamp in every respect, with 2009 P.S.E. certificate (Gem 100 Jumbo; unpriced in SMQ above the grade of 98, SMQ $150.00 as 98), this is the highest grade possible and only three others share this grade
1c Green, Double Impression (405c). Showing clear doubling of the entire design, intense color on bright paper, neat wavy-line machine cancel, small thin spotVERY FINE APPEARANCE. THIS IS THE ONLY CERTIFIED EXAMPLE OF THE 1912 ONE-CENT WASHINGTON ISSUE IN EITHER UNUSED OR USED CONDITION. A PHENOMENAL RARITY.
This issue marked the first time Washington's portrait was used on a 1c stamp, breaking the 60-year tradition of putting Franklin's portrait on the 1c stamp. Our review of the records of the Philatelic Foundation and auction catalogues failed to find another double impression, in any condition.
With 1988 P.F. certificate. We are unaware of the basis for the Scott Catalogue price of $1,250.00, which seems very low. For example, Scott 498d double impression, with seven used known, catalogues $4,000.00.
2c Carmine (406). Gorgeous centering with Jumbo margins, narrow selvage at bottom, brilliant color, neat machine cancel, Extremely Fine Gem, a phenomenal stamp
2c Lake (406c). Intense color in the true Lake shade, bright paper, wavy-line machine cancelVERY FINE AND CHOICE. THIS IS THE ONLY CERTIFIED USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1912 2-CENT IN THE LAKE SHADE. A GREAT RARITY OF THE ISSUE.
Through an error at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, a small quantity of this stamp was erroneously printed using the inks in use at the time for the Postage Due issues. The Philatelic Foundation has certified approximately a dozen unused copies, and this sole used example.
With 2003 P.F. and P.S.E. certificates. Scott Catalogue value for used is only slightly higher than that for unused, despite its far greater rarity.
7c Black (407). Perfectly centered with Jumbo margins, intense impression on bright paper, long and full perforations all around, unobtrusive cancelEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A PHENOMENAL USED EXAMPLE OF THE 7-CENT WASHINGTON ISSUE. THIS MAGNIFICENT STAMP HAS BEEN GRADED SUPERB 98 JUMBO BY P.S.E. -- THIS IS THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED TO DATE AND IT IS THE ONLY EXAMPLE TO ACHIEVE THIS GRADE.
A new 7c denomination became necessary after the Parcel Post series was discontinued. This Perf 12 7c issue was only in use for five months before the new Perf 10 stamps, Scott 430, were issued. This accounts for their rarity in higher grades in both unused and used condition.
Ex Twigg-Smith. With 2009 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98 Jumbo; unlisted in SMQ above the grade of 98, SMQ $740.00 as 98). This is the highest grade awarded to date and the only example to achieve this grade.
1c Green, 2c Carmine, Ty. I, Kansas City Roulettes (408 var, 409 var). Blocks of four of each, 1c with selvage at right, 2c top left corner selvage, each with neat Omaha Nebr. oval registry cancels, few minor roulette flaws as usually seen on this issue, Very Fine and choice, a scarce set of used blocks of this officially sanctioned private perforation, Scott Catalogue and other sources note that in late 1914 the Post Office in Kansas City Mo. had on hand a stock of imperforate sheets originally intended for use in vending machines. The postmaster, W. N. Collins, sent some clerks to the local dry goods store where they bought 15 inexpensive dressmaker's tracing wheels. Each wheel was slightly different. The earliest documented use of either is Oct. 22, 1914 (the 1c). They were taken off of sale on January 14, 1915, nine days after official approval was given. They are far scarcer in used condition. Accompanied by 2006 article by Randy L. Neil on this fascinating issue.
1c Green, Coil (410). Guide line pair, deep rich color and detailed impression on bright paper, unusually wide and balanced margins, oval registry cancel, Extremely Fine Gem, a difficult guide line pair (or any multiple) to obtain in such superb condition, with 2005 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $725.00), this is the highest grade awarded to date and the only example to achieve this grade
2c Carmine, Coil (411). Guide line pair, perfect centering with wide margins all around, brilliant color on crisp paper, neat strike of duplex cancel, Extremely Fine Gem, ex Twigg-Smith, with 2001 P.F. certificate
1c Green, Coil (412). Guide line pair, perfectly centered with wide and balanced margins, intense shade and impression on bright paper, centrally-struck San Francisco circular datestampEXTREMELY FINE GEM. AN ABSOLUTELY STUNNING USED GUIDE LINE PAIR OF THE ONE-CENT HORIZONTAL COIL, SCOTT 412. THIS GUIDE LINE PAIR HAS BEEN GRADED SUPERB 98 BY P.S.E., WHICH IS THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED TO DATE. IT IS THE ONLY EXAMPLE TO ACHIEVE THIS GRADE.
With 2009 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98; SMQ $1,850.00). This is the highest grade awarded to date and the only example to achieve this grade.
2c Carmine, Coil (413). Guide line pair, brilliant color, beautiful centering with wide and balanced margins, neat duplex cancels and also manuscript pencil "859" on left stamp (possibly registry number), Extremely Fine Gem, a gorgeous guide line pair, with 2001 P.F. certificate
8c-$1.00 1912-14 Issue (414-423). Complete used set, individually selected by the owner for superior quality and in some cases purchased as individual lots at major auction houses, brilliant colors, most with registry cancel, all have Jumbo margins and phenomenal centering, all are soundEXTREMELY FINE. A RARE OPPORTUNITY TO ACQUIRE A COMPLETE SET OF THE 1912-14 SINGLE-LINE WATERMARK PERF 12 ISSUES IN GEM-QUALITY USED CONDITION.
We considered offering these stamps as individual lots, but reached the conclusion that other collectors would benefit from the opportunity to acquire the complete set. We are sure these will grade very highly. The 9c with 2007 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95, only one graded higher to date)
50c Violet (422). Beautiful centering with wide and balanced margins, pretty shade on crisp paper, bold strike of oval registry cancel, Extremely Fine Gem, Scott 422 was issued approximately two years before Scott 421, with 2008 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $275.00), this is the highest grade awarded to date and only three others have achieved this grade