Sale 1032 — The Nick Kirke Collection of Gem-Quality Used U.S. Stamps

Sale Date — Tuesday-Wednesday, 23-24 October, 2012

Category — 5c-90c 1857-60 Issue (Scott 27-39)

Lot
Symbol
Photo/Description
Cat./Est. Value
Realized
3096
 
Sale 1032, Lot 3096, 5c-90c 1857-60 Issue (Scott 27-39)30c Orange (38). Vibrant color as fresh as the day it was printed, unusually choice centering for this difficult issue, neat strike of Boston large "Paid" grid cancel

EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A GORGEOUS USED EXAMPLE OF THE 30-CENT 1860 ISSUE WHICH HAS BEEN GRADED XF-SUPERB 95 BY P.S.E. AN EXCEEDINGLY DIFFICULT STAMP TO FIND IN SUCH SUPERB USED CONDITION.

The 30c 1860 challenges collectors for several reasons. First, the subjects were closely spaced together on the plate, leaving almost no room for perforations and little opportunity to create stamps with perforations clear of the design on all four sides. Second, the 24c, 30c and 90c 1860 high values were only in circulation for a brief period before the series was demonetized in the Fall of 1861. Third, this high-denomination stamp was issued for use on transatlantic mail, and postal clerks were careful to thoroughly cancel the stamps to prevent cleaning and re-use. Therefore, 30c 1860 stamps in sound, well-centered and lightly-cancelled condition defy all circumstances and are extremely rare.

With 1984 P.F. and 2005 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $4,750.00). Only two have graded higher

450
2,700