Sale 1219 — The Edward Morton Collection of Outstanding Quality U.S. Stamps

Sale Date — Wednesday-Thursday, 8-9 April, 2020

Category — 24c-90c 1860 Issue (Scott 37-39)

Lot
Symbol
Photo/Description
Cat./Est. Value
Realized
136
 
Sale 1219, Lot 136, 24c-90c 1860 Issue (Scott 37-39)30c Orange (38). Choice centering for this difficult issue, vibrant color beautifully complemented by dark red grid cancel

EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A GORGEOUS USED EXAMPLE OF THE 30-CENT 1860, CANCELLED IN VIVID RED AND GRADED XF-SUPERB 95 BY P.S.E. AN EXCEEDINGLY DIFFICULT STAMP TO FIND IN SUCH SUPERB USED CONDITION.

The 30c 1860 challenges collectors for several reasons. First, the subjects were closely spaced together on the plate, leaving almost no room for perforations and little opportunity to create stamps with perforations clear of the design on all four sides. Second, the 24c, 30c and 90c 1860 high values were only in circulation for a brief period before the series was demonetized in the Fall of 1861. Third, this high-denomination stamp was issued for use on transatlantic mail, and postal clerks were careful to thoroughly cancel the stamps to prevent cleaning and re-use. Therefore, 30c 1860 stamps in sound, well-centered and lightly-cancelled condition defy all circumstances and are extremely rare.

With 1992, 2003 P.F. and 2012 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $3,800.00 for normal cancel). Only three grade higher

475
2,500