Sale 1032 — The Nick Kirke Collection of Gem-Quality Used U.S. Stamps
Sale Date — Tuesday-Wednesday, 23-24 October, 2012
Category — 1894-98 Bureau Issues, Watermarked and Color Change (Scott 264-284)
$1.00 Black, Ty. I (276). Perfectly centered with wide margins, intense shade on bright white paper, unobtrusive cancel leaves design clearly visibleEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A MAGNIFICENT USED EXAMPLE OF THE $1.00 TYPE I WATERMARKED 1895 BUREAU ISSUE, WHICH HAS BEEN AWARDED THE GRADE OF SUPERB 98 BY P.S.E. -- EASILY ONE OF THE FINEST COPIES IN EXISTENCE.
The dollar-value Bureaus are rarely found with centering that would qualify for a high numerical grade, but in used condition they are further handicapped by heavy registry cancels, which almost invariably knock points off the final grade. The $1.00 Type I 1895 Issue offered here is extraordinary not only for its precise centering and wide margins, but the lightly-struck cancel leaves the entire design visible.
With 2011 P.F. and 2007 P.S.E. certificates (Superb 98; SMQ $2,500.00). This is the highest grade awarded and only one other shares this lofty grade -- a statistic that has not changed in four years
