Sale 1032 — The Nick Kirke Collection of Gem-Quality Used U.S. Stamps
Sale Date — Tuesday-Wednesday, 23-24 October, 2012
Category — 1861-66 Issue (Scott 68-78b)
Lot
Symbol
Photo/Description
Cat./Est. Value
Realized
3127
24c Steel Blue (70b). Essentially perfect centering, beautiful color in the true Steel Blue shade, well-struck large Boston "Paid" grid and also red "1d" British colonial rate markingEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB USED EXAMPLE OF THE 24-CENT 1861 STEEL BLUE WHICH HAS BEEN GRADED XF-SUPERB 95 BY P.S.E. A STAMP WITH WONDERFUL EYE APPEAL .
The Steel Blue is the most distinctive of all the 24c shades. Unlike some of the others, it is rarely mistaken or misidentified, and as such has always been a favorite of collectors. It is extremely rare in this superb used condition.
With 1994 and 1999 P.F. certificate. With 2008 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $9,000.00). This is the highest grade awarded and no other examples have achieved this grade
940
4,500