Sale 1034 — The Merlin Collection of Superb United States Stamps
Sale Date — Wednesday-Thursday, 28-29 November, 2012
Category — 1914-17 Washington-Franklin Issues (Scott 441-485)
Lot
Symbol
Photo/Description
Cat./Est. Value
Realized
416
3c Violet, Coil (445). Guide line pair, single small hinge mark at top, deep rich color on bright paper, mathematically perfect centering with wide marginsEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SPECTACULAR GUIDE LINE PAIR OF THE 3-CENT SINGLE-LINE WATERMARK PERF 10 COIL, SCOTT 445, WHICH HAS BEEN AWARDED THE PERFECT GRADE OF GEM 100 BY P.S.E.
According to Johl (p. 143) this issue was mainly used for special mailing purposes such as samples and pamphlets which were sent out in large quantities by individual mailers and resulted in limited distribution among collectors.
With 2010 P.S.E. certificate (Gem 100; unpriced in SMQ above the grade of 98, SMQ $3,700.00 as 98). This is the only example of Scott 445 to achieve this perfect grade in any format or condition, and none have been graded higher
1,200
2,200