| Lot |
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Description |
Lot 2038 |
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1890, 2¢ carmine (220), top margin single, perfectly centered within true jumbo margins, bright fresh color and paper, spotless never hinged original gum, Superb. SMQ $2,350 for a normal 98.
Scott $70
AN INCOMPARABLE MINT JUMBO SINGLE IN THE HIGHEST QUALITY OBTAINABLE, BEING THE HIGHEST GRADED BY THE PSE TO DATE WITH ONLY ONE OTHER AT THIS GRADE.
Expertization: 2002 PF for block from where this originated and 2007 PSE Certificates, the latter graded Superb 98J.
Provenance: "Westchester"
The 2¢ Small Bank Note is not a rare stamp, in fact over 6 billion were printed. Yet we have never seen another that begins to approach this startling jumbo in the magnitude of its proportions, and still exhibiting impeccable never hinged original gum.
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Lot 2039 |
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1890, 5¢ chocolate (223), perfectly centered with very large balanced margins, stunning color and freshness, never hinged original gum, Superb. SMQ $7,000 for a normal 98.
Scott $250
A TRULY SUPERB LARGE MARGINED MINT SINGLE, THE HIGHEST GRADED JUMBO TO DATE BY THE PSE, THREE OTHERS SHARE THIS GRADE AND THERE IS ONE 100.
Expertization: 1993 PF and 2007 PSE Certificates, the latter graded Superb 98J.
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Lot 2040 |
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1890, 10¢ green (226), perfectly centered within balanced jumbo margins, fine detailed impression, bright rich color on white paper, full fresh never hinged original gum, a Superb jumbo. SMQ $15,000 for a normal 98.
Scott $575
SUPERB IN ALL RESPECTS, THIS LARGE MARGINED GEM 10¢ MAY WELL BE THE FINEST EXTANT; THE HIGHEST GRADED EXAMPLE TO DATE AND THE SOLE EXAMPLE AT THIS GRADE.
Expertization: 1992 PF and 2008 PSE Certificates, the latter graded Superb 98J.
Provenance: Whitman
As mentioned when discussing the 30¢ small Bank Note in lot 2042, this issue is uniformly difficult to locate in this choice, never hinged condition. When it comes to the 10¢, it seems that all of the stamps with outstanding centering are hinged, and the never hinged examples are not really well centered. This example should end the quest for the perfect 10¢.
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Lot 2041 |
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1890, 15¢ indigo (227), bottom margin plate no. 22 single, near perfect centering within exceptionally large margins, stunning deep rich color highlighted by brilliant white paper, fresh never hinged original gum, Extremely Fine to Superb. SMQ $6,850 for a normal 95.
Scott $750
AN ABSOLUTELY BREATHTAKING GEM MINT SINGLE OF THE 15¢ SMALL BANK NOTE ISSUE, BEARING THE HIGHEST GRADE YET AWARDED BY THE PSE AND THE SOLE EXAMPLE.
Expertization: 2009 PSE Certificate graded XF-Sup 95J.
The centering, the margins and the pristine color and paper all come together to make this one of the most memorable stamps in the Golden State Collection.
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Lot 2042 |
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1890, 30¢ black (228), mathematically centered with wide margins, bright fresh color, highly detailed impression, flawless never hinged original gum, Superb. SMQ $23,000.
Scott $1,200
AN INCOMPARABLE MINT SINGLE, THE HIGHEST GRADED TO DATE BY THE PSE AND THE SOLE EXAMPLE AT THIS SUPERB GRADE.
Expertization: 1993 PF and 2007 PSE Certificates, the latter graded Superb 98.
A great set of the 1890 small Bank Note issue is a most challenging one to assemble. An interesting statistical analysis helps to illustrate this challenge:
The PSE has awarded the grade of 100 to only one stamp in the entire set of 11 different denominations- and that includes some really common stamps, e.g. the 1¢ with over two billion printed and the 2¢ with over six billion printed. The 30¢ is one of the most difficult values, and if your quest is for the very finest, this stamp is a must.
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Lot 2043 |
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1893, 4¢ Columbian (233), a pristine post office fresh mint single, with absolute perfect centering, bright fresh color and paper, a finely detailed impression and immaculate never hinged original gum, a Superb gem. SMQ $3,250 for a normal 98, unpriced as gem 100.
Scott $200
PURE PERFECTION, THE SOLE EXAMPLE TO RECEIVE THE GEM 100 DESIGNATION, ONE OTHER, A 100J, BEING A CORNER MARGIN COPY AS WELL.
Expertization: 2008 PSE Certificate graded Gem 100.
Any 19th century mint stamp that can be described as a gem 100 Never Hinged is a true condition rarity. When we find an example of a Columbian such as the one offered here we are truly in awe.
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Lot 2044 |
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1893, 6¢ Columbian (235), lower right corner margin single, perfectly centered within true jumbo margins, brilliant color on white paper and the impression is so deeply etched, the design has real depth, impeccable never hinged original gum, a Superb jumbo. SMQ $5,500 for a normal 98.
Scott $200
A BREATHTAKING MINT SINGLE THAT WE FEEL WE CAN UNEQUIVOCALLY STATE IS THE FINEST EXTANT- IT IS THE HIGHEST GRADED TO DATE BY THE PSE AND THE SOLE EXAMPLE IN THIS GRADE.
Expertization: 2006 PSE Certificate graded Superb 98J.
Provenance: "Westchester"
If one could design the perfect 6¢ Columbian, one could not possibly produce a finer example than the printing division of the American Bank Note Company has done for us. Centering that could not be improved upon, margins and color that would be the envy of any proof and all neatly framed in by the corner selvage. A condition rarity of the highest order and a probable contender for the finest stamp of the Golden State Collection.
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Lot 2045 |
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1893, 30¢ Columbian (239), perfectly centered within incredibly large margins, brilliant color and paper, as fresh as the day it was printed with immaculate never hinged original gum, a Superb jumbo. SMQ $ 10,000 for a normal 98.
Scott $750
AN IMPECCABLE MINT EXAMPLE OF THE 30¢ COLUMBIAN, EMINENTLY SUITABLE FOR THE FINEST SET OBTAINABLE, THE HIGHEST GRADED JUMBO MINT SINGLE BY THE PSE TO DATE AND THE SOLE EXAMPLE AT THIS GRADE WITH TWO HIGHER.
Expertization: 1999 PF and 2007 PSE Certificates, the latter graded Superb 98J.
Provenance: "Westchester"
Though there are two examples graded 100, we simply cannot imagine a finer example than the one offered here.
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Lot 2046 |
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1893, $1 Columbian (241), beautifully centered and impeccably fresh with lovely brilliant color and pristine never hinged original gum, Extremely Fine. SMQ $40,400.
Scott $3,800
A STRIKING, NEVER HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE $1 COLUMBIAN.
Expertization: 2004 PSE Certificate graded XF-Sup 95.
To state the obvious, all of the dollar value Columbians are rare in pristine, well centered condition. The $1 we offer here, plus the $4 and $5 in the following two lots, represent a truly remarkable offering. This stamp, with its fiery color and totally pristine appearance represents the pinnacle of a high quality $1 Columbian.
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Lot 2047 |
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1893, $4 Columbian (244), precisely centered, warm rich color on fresh crisp paper, flawless never hinged original gum, Extremely Fine. SMQ $65,000.
Scott $7,250
A TRULY SUPERB $4 COLUMBIAN IN POST OFFICE FRESH CONDITION AND THE HIGHEST GRADED BY THE PSE TO DATE (ONE OF THREE).
Expertization: 2000 PF and 2004 PSE Certificates, the latter graded XF-Sup 95.
To locate a $4 Columbian in choice mint condition is as difficult- or perhaps even more so, as to locate the $5.
The mint, Never Hinged single offered here is unquestionably in the finest obtainable quality and would be a perfect match for the $5 Columbian in the following lot.
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Lot 2048 |
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1893, $5 Columbian (245), flawless centering within wide and balanced margins and as fresh as the day it was printed with intense color on brilliant white paper, a deeply and finely etched impression, perfectly spotless never hinged original gum, Extremely Fine. SMQ $87,900.
Scott $10,500
WITH MAGNIFICENT CENTERING AND IN PERFECT STATE OF PRESERVATION, HERE IS A MATCHLESS MINT SINGLE OF THIS ICONIC UNITED STATES CLASSIC WITH THE HIGHEST GRADE BY THE PSE, A DISTINCTION IT SHARES WITH ONLY ONE OTHER.
Expertization: 1992 PF and 2004 PSE Certificates, the latter graded XF-Sup 95.
If there is one stamp that epitomizes the quest of the Golden State collector, it would have to be this $5 Columbian. He bought this stamp in the mid-1990s, years before the concept of grading stamps entered anyone's mind. In our many decades as auctioneers, we have seen any number of well centered and fresh $5 Columbians, but when one adds the element of Never Hinged, we have never encountered anything that began to approach this example. We look forward to helping a fellow philatelist add this gem to his/her own collection.
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Lot 2049 |
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1894, 1¢ ultramarine (246), precisely centered within huge perfectly balanced margins, pretty pastel shade, fresh never hinged original gum, Extremely Fine. SMQ $3,150 for a normal 98.
Scott $90
A STRIKING JUMBO, AND THE HIGHEST GRADED TO DATE BY THE PSE, SHARING THE GRADE WITH JUST 2 OTHERS.
Expertization: 2007 PSE Certificate graded Superb 98J.
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Lot 2050 |
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1894, 1¢ blue (247), top margin plate no. 102 single, precisely centered within wide balanced margins, rich color, fresh never hinged original gum, Extremely Fine. SMQ $2,000 for a normal 95.
Scott $190
A MATCHLESS MINT PLATE NO. SINGLE WITH GREAT EYE APPEAL, THE HIGHEST GRADED TO DATE BY THE PSE AND ONE OF ONLY 2 AT THIS GRADE.
Expertization: 1987 & 2000 PF and 2004 PSE Certificates, the latter graded 95J.
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Lot 2051 |
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1894, 2¢ pink, type I (248), perfectly centered, lovely bright fresh color, never hinged original gum, Extremely Fine. SMQ $2,800.
Scott $82
A SUPERB MINT 2¢ PINK, BEING THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED TO DATE BY THE PSE AND ONE OF ONLY 3 AWARDED THIS GRADE.
Expertization: 2004 PSE Certificate graded Superb 98.
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Lot 2052 |
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1894, 2¢ carmine, type I (250), left plate no. 112 single, mathematical centering within incredibly large margins, stunning prooflike color on bright white paper, flawless never hinged original gum, Extremely Fine. SMQ $3,000 for a normal 98.
Scott $82
AN EYE ARRESTING GEM MINT JUMBO MARGINED SINGLE, THE SOLE EXAMPLE AT THIS GRADE WITH THE NEXT HIGHEST A 95J.
Expertization: 1997 PF and 2008 PSE Certificates, the latter graded Superb 98J.
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Lot 2053 |
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1894, 2¢ carmine, type II (251), precise centering within large margins for this, exceptionally fresh with stunning color, never hinged original gum, Extremely Fine. SMQ $8,000.
Scott $1,100
A SUPERB MINT SINGLE OF THE DIFFICULT TYPE II, BEING THE HIGHEST GRADED TO DATE, AND SHARING THE GRADE WITH ONLY ONE OTHER.
Expertization: 2002 PF and 2009 PSE Certificates, the latter graded XF-Sup 95.
The 2¢ type II unwatermarked has always been a thorn in the side of any philatelist attempting a superb never hinged set of the first Bureau issue. Other than the exceedingly rare $2 and $5, the 2¢ type II is the only stamp in the set where a non-jumbo 95 is the highest grade yet awarded to a never hinged example, and there are only two of these gems.
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Lot 2054 |
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1894, 2¢ carmine, type III (252), right plate no. 151 single, absolutely perfectly centered within very wide margins, lovely color on brilliant paper, flawless never hinged original gum, Superb. SMQ $10,000.
Scott $360
A STELLAR MINT SINGLE, WITH IMPECCABLE CENTERING AND EXTRAORDINARY FRESHNESS- THE HIGHEST GRADED YET BY THE PSE FOR A MINT SINGLE AND THE SOLE EXAMPLE AT THIS GRADE.
Expertization: 2002 PF and 2008 PSE Certificates, the latter graded Superb 98.
The 2¢ type III unwatermarked is barely easier to locate in choice never hinged condition than its type II counterpart in the previous lot. Other than the example offered here at the grade of 98, there are only three normal 95s.
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Lot 2055 |
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1894, 4¢ dark brown (254), top plate no. 50 single, beautifully centered within large margins, gorgeous color, impeccable never hinged original gum, Extremely Fine. SMQ $11,000 for a normal 98.
Scott $525
A STUNNING MINT SINGLE, BEING THE HIGHEST GRADED TO DATE AND SHARING THE GRADE WITH ONLY ONE OTHER.
Expertization: 1992 & 2000 PF and 2008 PSE Certificates, the latter graded Superb 98J.
Provenance: V. Morris
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Lot 2056 |
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1894, 10¢ dark green (258), precise centering, dark shade with a highly detailed impression, fresh never hinged original gum, Extremely Fine. SMQ $7,350 for a normal 95.
Scott $1,000
A SUPERB EXAMPLE OF ONE OF THE MOST DIFFICULT STAMPS IN THE FIRST BUREAU ISSUE, BEING THE ONLY EXAMPLE AT THIS GRADE WITH ONLY ONE HIGHER (98).
Expertization: 1990 PF and 2008 PSE Certificates, the latter graded XF-Sup 95J.
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Lot 2057 |
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1894, 15¢ dark blue (259), centered with absolute precision, stunning deep rich color contrasted beautifully by the bright paper, pristine never hinged original gum, Superb. SMQ $22,000.
Scott $1,000
AN INCOMPARABLE MINT SINGLE, WHICH, WITH ITS PERFECT CENTERING AND DAZZLING COLOR, IS IN A CLASS BY ITSELF; THE HIGHEST GRADED BY THE PSE TO DATE AND THE ONLY ONE AT THIS GRADE.
Expertization: 1996 PF (for block from which this was taken) and 2004 PSE Certificates, the latter graded Superb 98.
A gem quality, never hinged 15¢ First Bureau has long presented a seemingly impossible challenge. Most seasoned collectors have come to realize that to obtain a beautifully centered example they would probably have to settle for one that was hinged. In fact, the PSE has only graded seven never hinged singles in a grade of Very Fine or higher, and there is only one never hinged example graded 95. With this Superb 98, we know one fortunate collector will no longer have to settle.
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Lot 2058 |
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1894, 50¢ orange (260), beautifully centered, brilliant color, as fresh as when it was printed, immaculate never hinged original gum, Extremely Fine. SMQ $12,200.
Scott $1,600
A REMARKABLY CHOICE 50¢ FIRST BUREAU, RARELY ENCOUNTERED IN SUCH PRISTINE NEVER HINGED CONDITION, ONE OF ONLY TWO AT THIS GRADE AND WITH ONLY ONE HIGHER- THERE ARE NONE GRADED AT 100.
Expertization: 2008 PSE Certificate graded XF-Sup 95.
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Lot 2059 |
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1894, $2 bright blue (262), beautifully centered within large margins, rich color and a finely etched impression, full fresh never hinged original gum, Extremely Fine. SMQ $20,800.
Scott $8,750
WITH ITS STUNNING COLOR AND OUTSTANDING CENTERING, THIS EXAMPLE IS IN THE FINEST OBTAINABLE QUALITY AND IS THE HIGHEST GRADED BY THE PSE, A DISTINCTION IT SHARES WITH ONLY ONE OTHER EXAMPLE.
Expertization: 1984 & 1995 PF and 2004 PSE Certificates, the latter graded XF 90.
The $2 First Bureau Issue is on the those stamps one despairs of ever locating in this superb, never hinged quality, especially given the dreadful job performed by the Bureau when perforating these first issues. This example will be a cornerstone for the collector who wishes to assemble a superlative set.
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Lot 2060 |
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1894, $5 dark green (263), very well centered for this notoriously difficult high value, rich fresh color, crisp paper, and spotless never hinged original gum, Very Fine. SMQ $14,400.
Scott $15,000
AN EXTRAORDINARY NEVER HINGED MINT SINGLE, BEAUTIFULLY CENTERED AND WITH PRISTINE NEVER HINGED ORIGINAL GUM. ARGUABLY THE FINEST NEVER HINGED $5 FIRST BUREAU EXTANT AND CERTAINLY THE HIGHEST OF ONLY THREE NEVER HINGED EXAMPLES GRADED BY THE PSE, THE OTHERS GRADED AT 70 AND 75.
Expertization: 1993 PF (for block from which this came) and 2004 PSE Certificates, the latter graded VF 80.
It is no wonder this is a difficult stamp to find mint and in high quality. Only 62 sheets of 100 were sold, and unlike the $5 Columbians which were issued with collectors in mind, this issue was meant to be used for heavy parcels. Of the small number that were never used, the majority are off center and virtually all of them were hinged. We doubt if there are more than a half dozen reasonably well centered and never hinged singles, and we have seen none that could surpass this present example.
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Lot 2061 |
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1895, 2¢ carmine, type I (265), top margin single with part imprint, perfectly centered within large margins, stunning color and freshness, never hinged original gum, Superb. SMQ $2,600.
Scott $82
A MAGNIFICENT MINT SINGLE BEING THE HIGHEST GRADED TO DATE AND THE ONLY EXAMPLE AT THIS SUPERB GRADE.
Expertization: 1992 PF and 2008 PSE Certificates, the latter graded Superb 98.
Provenance: "Westchester", V. Morris
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Lot 2062 |
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1895, 6¢ dull brown (271), wonderfully well centered within truly oversized margins for this normally narrow issue, gorgeous color, original gum, never hinged, Extremely Fine. SMQ $3,200 for a normal 95.
Scott $360
A WONDERFUL MINT SINGLE OF THE 6¢, BEING THE HIGHEST GRADED TO DATE AND THE ONLY EXAMPLE AT THIS GRADE.
Expertization: 2009 PSE Certificate graded XF-Sup 95J.
Provenance: Scarsdale, Beverly Hills
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Lot 2063 |
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1895, $1 black, type I and type II (276, 276A), top margin with imprint combination pair, perfectly centered, with brilliant intense color on fresh paper, full fresh original gum that has barely been hinged, Superb.
Scott $2,400
AN EXTRAORDINARY QUALITY MINT COMBINATION PAIR, QUITE LIKELY THE FINEST EXTANT.
Expertization: 1986 & 1996 PF (the first for strip of 3 from which this pair originated) and 2008 PSE Certificates.
Provenance: V. Morris
Includes the following note from former chief grader Bill Litle: "This is, as far as I can remember, the best combination pair I have ever seen"
Only ten of these combination pairs per sheet of 200 were produced. Virtually all of these were separated over time.
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Lot 2064 |
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1895, $5 dark green (278), bottom margin single with part imprint, outstanding centering, wonderful deep rich color and prooflike impression, fresh never hinged original gum, Extremely Fine. SMQ $9,200.
Scott $7,000
WITH ITS EXCEPTIONAL CENTERING, MARVELOUS COLOR AND OTHER POST OFFICE FRESH QUALITIES, THIS $5 IS A MOST EXQUISITE MINT EXAMPLE OF THIS SCARCE HIGH VALUE.
Expertization: 1997 PF and 2007 PSE Certificates, the latter graded VF-XF 85.
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Lot 2065 |
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1898, 10¢ brown, type I (282C), bottom margin plate no. 518 mint single, centered with mathematical precision within unusually wide margins for either 10¢ brown, exceptionally fresh with outstanding color and a highly detailed impression, flawless never hinged original gum, Superb. SMQ $16,800.
Scott $575
AN ABSOLUTE GEM MINT SINGLE OF THE EXCEEDINGLY DIFFICULT 10¢ BROWN TYPE I, BEING THE HIGHEST GRADED TO DATE BY THE PSE AND THE ONLY EXAMPLE AT THIS STELLAR GRADE.
Expertization: 1997 PF and 2008 PSE Certificates, the latter graded Superb 98.
At the risk of being thought repetitious, the 10¢ brown, type I is yet one more of the stamps that one assumes will never be found in perfectly centered, post office fresh condition. A review of a number of years worth of auction catalogues reveals a dismaying absence of superlative examples. When a 10¢ brown such as this one appears on the market, one cannot help but be in awe.
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Lot 2066 |
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1898, 10¢ Trans-Miss. (290), perfect centering within wide beautifully balanced margins, exceptional freshness of paper and color, with pristine never hinged original gum, Superb. SMQ $15,000.
Scott $475
WITH ALL OF ITS FLAWLESS QUALITIES, THIS IS SIMPLY A SUPERB EXAMPLE OF THE 10¢ TRANS-MISSISSIPPI AND HAS BEEN AWARDED THE HIGHEST GRADE TO DATE BY THE PSE, A GRADE IT SHARES WITH ONLY FIVE OTHERS.
Expertization: 2008 PSE Certificate graded Superb 98.
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Lot 2067 |
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1898, $1 Trans-Miss. (292), bottom margins single with imprint, extraordinary centering within very wide margins for the issue, intense "jet black" color on bright paper, full fresh never hinged original gum (lightly hinged in selvage only), Extremely Fine. SMQ $25,000.
Scott $3,400
A SUPERB AND UTTERLY EYE-ARRESTING MINT EXAMPLE OF WHAT, FOR MANY COLLECTORS, IS THE MOST BEAUTIFULLY DESIGNED UNITED STATES STAMP EVER ISSUED. THERE ARE FIVE OTHER 95'S AND ONE 98, BUT WHEN ONE CONSIDERS THE EXTRAORDINARY FRESHNESS OF THE EXAMPLE WE HAVE HERE, WITH THE RICH COLOR AND THE PRESENCE OF THE STRONG IMPRINT, IT IS UNDOUBTEDLY THE FINEST QUALITY OBTAINABLE.
Expertization: 2001 PF and 2006 PSE Certificates, the latter graded XF-Sup 95.
Provenance: "Westchester"
When we offered this $1 Trans-Miss in our Sale #283, I felt there could not possibly be a finer example. I have seen none since to alter that opinion.
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