Sale 1202 — The James Depew Collection of Superb U.S. Coils and 20th Century Imperforate Issues
Sale Date — Wednesday, 22 May, 2019
Category — 1910-13 Perf 8.5 Horizontal Coils, Single-Line Watermark (Scott 392-396)
3c Deep Violet, Coil (394). Mint N.H. guide line pair, deep rich color and proof-like impression, mathematically perfect centering all aroundEXTREMELY FINE GEM. THIS MAGNIFICENT MINT NEVER-HINGED GUIDE LINE PAIR OF SCOTT 394 IS GRADED GEM 100 BY P.S.E. -- THIS IS THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED AND THE ONLY EXAMPLE TO ACHIEVE IT.
The 1910-13 Perf 8-1/2 coils were a response by the Post Office Department to the tendency of the 1908-10 Perf 12 coils to break apart in production or handling. The larger gauge did indeed prevent inadvertent separation, but the change went too far as many users found that they accidentally tore the stamps when separating. The Perf 10 coils, released beginning in 1914, were the compromise and they remained in production throughout the rest of the Washington-Franklin period. The 3c Deep Violet Perf 8-1/2 coil was released in September 1911. It is very elusive as a Mint N.H. guide line pair in superb grades.
Ex "Hanover". With 2009 P.S.E. certificate (Gem 100; SMQ $16,500.00). This is the highest grade awarded and the only example to achieve it.
