Sale 968 — The Alan B. Whitman Collection of Outstanding United States Stamps
Sale Date — Tuesday-Wednesday, 27-28 January, 2009
Category — 1875 Reprint of 1857-60 Issue (Scott 40-47)
Lot
Symbol
Photo/Description
Cat./Est. Value
Realized
55
1c Bright Blue, Reprint (40). Without gum as issued, brilliant color on post-office fresh paper, perfectly centered with Jumbo marginsEXTREMELY FINE GEM. THIS ONE-CENT 1857 REPRINT HAS BEEN GRADED SUPERB 98 JUMBO BY P.S.E. -- THIS IS BY FAR THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED TO DATE AND THE ONLY EXAMPLE TO ACHIEVE THIS GRADE. IT MAY WELL BE THE FINEST IN EXISTENCE.
With 1995 P.F. and 2008 P.S.E. certificates (Superb 98 Jumbo). This is the highest grade awarded to date and the only example to achieve this grade (the next-highest is a 95). As another indication of rarity, SMQ does not even price this above the grade of 95. Accompanied by note from master grader Dr. William Litle which states in part "I'll bet this is the best in existence"
625
9,500