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)
Lot
Symbol
Photo/Description
Cat./Est. Value
Realized
3396
$2.00 Bright Blue (277). Gorgeous color, precise centering with wide margins, fresh paper, lightly cancelledEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SPECTACULAR USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1895 $2.00 WATERMARKED ISSUE.
The $2.00 Watermarked issue (Scott 277) was issued in significantly greater quantities than its unwatermarked counterpart (10,027 of Scott 262 versus 31,720 of Scott 277). However, the watermarked $2.00 is almost as difficult to find in superbly centered used condition with an attractive cancel. The P.S.E. Population Report lists seven examples graded XF-90 or above of No. 262 and only eight of No. 277.
With 2011 P.F. and 2007 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $2,650.00). Only one has graded higher (at 98) and only three others share this grade.
450
1,500