Sale 1032 — The Nick Kirke Collection of Gem-Quality Used U.S. Stamps
Sale Date — Tuesday-Wednesday, 23-24 October, 2012
Category — 1867-68 Grilled Issue, E and F Grills (Scott 86-101)
30c Orange, F. Grill (100). Outstanding centering with balanced margins, vibrant color, clearly-defined grill, neat strike of target cancelEXTREMELY FINE GEM. THE 1868 30-CENT F GRILL IS ONE OF THE MOST CHALLENGING CLASSIC STAMPS TO FIND IN CHOICE CONDITION. THIS STAMP HAS BEEN GRADED XF-SUPERB 95 BY P.S.E., WHICH IS THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED.
The 30c 1861-68 Issue stamps -- Scott 71 (to a lesser extent) and Scott 100 -- rank as two of the most difficult classic U.S. stamps to find in such pristine condition. Due to narrow spacing of the plate, the 30c 1861-68's are usually found with tight margins, especially at sides. Brookman notes "Superb copies are almost non-existent".
With 2010 P.F. and 2008 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $8,100.00). This is the highest grade awarded. The only other example that shares this grade was offered as part of the Natalee Grace collection (Sale 1024, lot 168)
