Lot 98
*
1857-60 (1875 Reprint), 90¢ deep blue (47), virtually perfectly centered for this notoriously difficult stamp, with full, intact perforations, exceptionally fresh deep color and a razor sharp impression, without gum as issued, Extremely Fine. SMQ $12,500.
Scott $4,000
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 P.F. and 2008 P.S.E. Certificates, the latter graded XF-Sup 95.
Provenance: "Golden State"
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 45 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 $11,500 |
