Sale 1084 — The Curtis Collection: 1847-1901 Stamps and Covers
Sale Date — Wednesday-Thursday, 5-6 November, 2014
Category — 1875 Re-Issue of 1869 Pictorial Issue (Scott 123-133a)
12c Green, Re-Issue (128). Incredibly rich color and proof-like impression, almost perfect centering with well-proportioned margins, neat strike of New York City "2" oval grid cancel and part of duplex datestampEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB USED EXAMPLE OF THE 12-CENT 1869 PICTORIAL RE-ISSUE. A DIFFICULT STAMP TO FIND IN SUCH SUPERB CONDITION, AND EASILY ONE OF THE FINEST IN EXISTENCE. THIS REMARKABLE STAMP HAS BEEN GRADED XF-SUPERB 95 BY P.S.E. -- THIS IS THE HIGHEST GRADE AND THE ONLY ONE TO ACHIEVE IT.
The 12c 1869 Pictorial Re-Issue is the second rarest of the set in used condition (the 3c is the rarest). The Rose book estimates 15-25 extant used copies, and SMQ estimates 20 extant. It was the only used 1869 Re-Issue denomination in the Zoellner collection that was accepted with a small fault.
Ex Tahoe and Merlin. With 2001 P.F. and 2008 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $15,000.00). This is the highest grade awarded and the only example to achieve this grade.
