The Beverly Hills Collection of United States Inverts continued...

EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SPECTACULAR EXAMPLE OF THE ONE-CENT PAN-AMERICAN INVERT WITH LIGHTLY-HINGED ORIGINAL GUM, FRESH COLOR AND BRIGHT PAPER. ONE OF THE FINEST EXAMPLES OF THIS ICONIC INVERT EXTANT.

Ex Alan B. Whitman (Siegel Sale 968A, April 14, 2009, lot 364, $19,000 hammer). Previously the upper left stamp in a block of four offered in a J. & H. Stolow auction in 1972

With 1998 Philatelic Foundation certificate (328220) as Genuine, previously hinged”. With 2008 and 2013 Professional Stamp Experts certificates (1191493 and 1201453), which state genuine unused, o.g., previously hinged” with a grade of Extremely Fine 90, Mint OGph.

The grade of Extremely Fine 90 is the highest for Scott 294a in the PSE Population Report, and a total of five stamps have received it (all in the OGph category).

2013 Scott U.S. Specialized Catalogue Graded Value for XF 90: $30,000

Stamp Market Quarterly Value: $27,500

Click here for an introduction to the 1901 Pan-American Issue: http://siegelauctions.com/2013/1052/1901_Intro.pdf (Image)

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EXTREMELY FINE GEM. THE FINEST RECORDED EXAMPLE OF THE 2-CENT PAN-AMERICAN INVERT WITH ORIGINAL GUM AND THE ONLY COPY CERTIFIED SUPERB 98 BY PROFESSIONAL STAMP EXPERTS.

A survey of the Levi records produced 64 single unused stamps (excluding the block of four and rejoined block of four). Many of these were described in auction catalogues more than 40 years ago; therefore, the determination of soundness is uncertain. However, assuming the old descriptions were reaffirmed today, approximately 45% of singles across all centering categories have faults.

Of the single stamps with Extremely Fine centering (a minimum grade of 85), we counted 13 sound and 9 with faults. There is no other stamp in the Levi records that we think would achieve a grade of Superb 98 or better. Therefore, it is our contention, backed by the PSE Population Report, that the stamp offered here is the finest original-gum example of the 2c Pan-American Invert extant.

Certified by The Philatelic Foundation in 1993 as Genuine, previously hinged with slightly disturbed o.g.” due to minor hinge removal mark (certificate 276055, which no longer accompanies stamp). Superseded by 2013 Professional Stamp Experts certificate (1201453), which states genuine unused, o.g., previously hinged” with a grade of Superb 98, Mint OGph.

The grade of Superb 98 is the highest for Scott 295a in the PSE Population Report, and this is the only stamp to receive it. The next highest grade awarded to Scott 295a in any category is Extremely Fine 90 (three stamps, all OGph).

Unpriced in Superb 98 grade in either the 2013 Scott U.S. Specialized Catalogue or Stamp Market Quarterly. The Scott Catalogue Graded and SMQ values for XF 90 are $120,000 and $130,000, respectively. This stamp is two full grade levels above 90.

Click here for an introduction to the 1901 Pan-American Issue: http://siegelauctions.com/2013/1052/1901_Intro.pdf (Image)

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EXTREMELY FINE. THIS STAMP, WITH ITS PRISTINE GUM, RICH COLOR, LONG AND FULL PERFORATIONS AND PLATE NUMBER SELVAGE, IS THE FINEST OF ALL EXAMPLES OF THE 4-CENT PAN-AMERICAN INVERT WITH IMPRINT SELVAGE.

Ex John F. Odeneal (Siegel Sale 941, October 3, 2007, lot 1207, $300,000 hammer)

Certified by The Philatelic Foundation in 1991 as Genuine, previously hinged” (certificate 241269, which no longer accompanies stamp). With 2013 Professional Stamp Experts certificate (1270177), which states genuine unused, o.g., previously hinged” with a grade of Very Fine 80, Mint OGph.

The grade of Very Fine 80 is the second highest for Scott 296a in the PSE Population Report, and this is the only stamp to receive it. One higher grade (XF 90) has been awarded to a single without the plate number selvage. After the 80 and 90 point stamps, there are two stamps graded Fine 70.

The 2013 Scott U.S. Specialized Catalogue and Stamp Market Quarterly values for Scott 296a in Very Fine 80 are $75,000 and $270,000, respectively, but neither conveys the true value of this stamp, which has both philatelic significance, by virtue of the plate number selvage, and high-grade condition status.

Click here for an introduction to the 1901 Pan-American Issue: http://siegelauctions.com/2013/1052/1901_Intro.pdf

Click here for an introduction to the 4c Pan-American Invert: http://siegelauctions.com/2013/1052/296a_Intro.pdf (Image)

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