Sale 1034 — The Merlin Collection of Superb United States Stamps
Sale Date — Wednesday-Thursday, 28-29 November, 2012
Category — 1857-60 Issue and 1875 Reprint (Scott 18-47)
Lot
Symbol
Photo/Description
Cat./Est. Value
Realized
55
5c Red Brown (28). Intense shade on bright paper, perfectly centered with perfs well clear of outer projections on all sides, long and full perforations, neat strikes of New Orleans circular datestampEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A STUNNING USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1857 5-CENT RED BROWN. THIS IS ONE OF THE MOST DIFFICULT ISSUES TO OBTAIN WITH SUCH WIDE MARGINS AND IN SUCH PRISTINE CONDITION.
Due to the narrow spacing between stamps on the plate, the perforations often touch or go into the outer portion of the design on one or more sides. The example offered here, with perfect centering and unusually wide margins, is a true condition rarity.
With 1984 and 1999 P.F. and 2009 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $9,500.00). Only two have graded higher (at 98) and three others share this grade.
1,200
5,250
