Sale 1122 — The Hanover Collection of Superb-Quality U.S. Stamps-Part One
Sale Date — Thursday, 7 April, 2016
Category — 1894-95 Bureau Issues (Scott 246-278)
8c Violet Brown, USIR Watermark (272a). Showing clear "R" of "USIR" watermark, beautiful centering with wide and balanced margins, intense color and detailed impression, face-free strike of cancelEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1895 8-CENT WATERMARKED BUREAU ISSUE ON THE "USIR" WATERMARKED PAPER. THIS STAMP HAS ALL THE QUALITIES ONE COULD HOPE TO FIND -- WIDE MARGINS, RICH COLOR, BRIGHT PAPER, FULL PERFORATIONS AND AN UNOBTRUSIVE CANCEL.
The "USIR" (United States Internal Revenue) watermark error occurred when a supply of paper reserved for revenue stamp production was used for printing the 6c and 8c postage stamps. There are approximately 75 known of the 8c, but many are either off-center or have flaws.
Ex Hoffner, Rubin and "Natalee Grace". With 1986 and 1999 P.F. and 2009 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $4,750.00). Only one has graded higher (at 95J) and only one other shares this grade. One could also argue that this is the highest grade awarded showing the "R" of the "USIR" watermark.
