Lot 2008
1857-60 (1875 Reprint), 90¢ deep blue (47), virtually perfectly centered for this notoriously difficult stamp, exceptionally fresh deep color and a razor sharp impression, Extremely Fine. SMQ $11,000.
Scott $4,500
AN EXQUISITE AND SIMPLY SUPERB EXAMPLE OF THE HIGH VALUE, BEING THE HIGHEST GRADED TO DATE BY THE PSE, A DISTINCTION IT SHARES WITH ONLY ONE OTHER.
Expertization: 2001 PF and 2008 PSE Certificates, the latter graded XF-Sup 95.
The 1875 Reprints of the 1857-60 issue have a terrible reputation for quality, and deservedly so. While freshness is not often a problem, perforations and centering are an entirely different matter.
A large percentage of these stamps were scissor separated, resulting in severely blunted perforations. When we finally come across one with intact perforations, invariably, the centering is dreadful. Pursuing this point, some research revealed that other than the 1¢, the PSE has given the grade of 95 to only six examples total for the other seven denominations combined. There are no 100s and only one 98- the 1¢, 98J listed above. After 40 years as a philatelic auctioneer, after handling numerous 90¢ Reprints, the example we offer here is an absolute joy to behold.
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| Realized $8,000 |
