Sale 941 — The John F. Odeneal Collection of Superb Mint U.S. Stamps
Sale Date — Wednesday, 3 October, 2007
Category — Washington-Franklin Issues (Bluish Paper)
8c Olive Green, Bluish (363). Lightly hinged, choice centering with unusually wide and balanced margins, intense color on deeply blued paper, long and full perforations all aroundEXTREMELY FINE GEM. THIS FANTASTIC STAMP MAY WELL BE THE FINEST ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE RARE 8-CENT ON BLUISH PAPER IN EXISTENCE. THE GRADE OF XF-SUPERB 95 IS THE HIGHEST AWARDED BY P.S.E., AND HAS ONLY BEEN BESTOWED ON THIS ONE STAMP. ONE OF THE HIGHLIGHTS OF THE ODENEAL COLLECTION AND CERTAINLY ONE OF THE GREAT RARITIES OF 20TH CENTURY UNITED STATES PHILATELY.
According to Johl (Vol. 1, page 175), the only source of the 4c and 8c Bluish stamps was the archives of the Post Office Department. Approximately 80 of each were traded for rare stamps missing from the archives. Only a few shown in our Levi records could contend for a XF-Superb 95 grade, and this stamp is the only example to achieve this exalted grade from P.S.E.
With 1969 and 1984 P.F. and 2007 P.S.E. certificates (Superb 95; unpriced in SMQ above the grade of 90).
