Sale 1032 — The Nick Kirke Collection of Gem-Quality Used U.S. Stamps
Sale Date — Tuesday-Wednesday, 23-24 October, 2012
Category — 1c 1851-56 Issue (Scott 5A-9)
1c Blue, Ty. Ib (5A). Position 3R1E, huge margins all around perfectly framing the key type characteristics, beautiful bright Plate 1 Early color, Cincinnati circular datestamp cancelEXTREMELY FINE GEM. THIS SPECTACULAR EXAMPLE OF THE RARE 1851 ONE-CENT TYPE Ib FROM PLATE ONE EARLY HAS ACHIEVED THE GRADE OF SUPERB 98 FROM P.S.E. THIS IS THE ONLY EXAMPLE TO RECEIVE THIS EXALTED GRADE, WHICH IS THE HIGHEST AWARDED.
Type Ib was produced only as an imperforate stamp from Plate 1 Early. Six positions on Plate 1E 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 were ironed out when the entries were made below them. These top-row positions usually have an ample top margin, but frequently the margins are close or cutting into the sides or bottom. A Type Ib stamp with large margins all around is a great rarity, particularly in sound condition.
With 1975 and 1985 P.F. certificates, the former as a rejoined pair with Position 4R1E. With 2011 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98; unpriced in SMQ above the grade of 95, SMQ $32,300.00 as 95). This is the highest grade awarded and no other examples have achieved this grade.
