Lot 172
1894, 15¢ dark blue (259), original gum, never hinged, perfectly centered, stunning deep rich color contrasted beautifully by the bright paper. 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: with 1996 P.F. certificate (for a block from which this was taken) and 2004 P.S.E. certificate, 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 two never hinged singles in a grade of 95 and there are none by the PF. With this Superb 98, we know one fortunate collector will no longer have to settle.
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| Realized $24,000 |
