Sale 1034 — The Merlin Collection of Superb United States Stamps

Sale Date — Wednesday-Thursday, 28-29 November, 2012

Category — 1861-66 Issue (Scott 62B-78)

Lot
Symbol
Photo/Description
Cat./Est. Value
Realized
81
 
Sale 1034, Lot 81, 1861-66 Issue (Scott 62B-78)30c Orange (71). Rich color and detailed impression, Jumbo margins, bold strike of target cancel

EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1861 30-CENT ORANGE. THIS BEAUTIFUL STAMP HAS BEEN GRADED XF-SUPERB 95 JUMBO BY P.S.E.

The 30c is known used very early after the series was issued; the earliest documented use is August 20, 1861. The narrowly-spaced 30c 1861 plate left very little room for the 12-gauge perforations between stamps. Brookman notes "coupled with the fact it is very hard to find a well-centered copy, this color, which always cancels badly, makes a truly superb used copy almost a rarity. I consider it the most difficult stamp of the 1861 Series to obtain in choice used condition". Scott Catalogue also acknowledges the difficulty of obtaining this issue in better condition, stating "Values for No. 71 are for examples with small margins, especially at sides. Large-margined examples sell for much more".

With 2008 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95 Jumbo; SMQ $2,000.00 as 95, $5,550.00 as 98). Only three have graded higher and none share this lofty grade.

180
1,900