The Tahoe Collection of Superb Used United States Stamps continued...

EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB USED EXAMPLE OF THE IMPERFORATE ONE-CENT TYPE III, WHICH HAS BEEN GRADED XF-SUPERB 95 BY P.S.E. A MAGNIFICENT STAMP IN EVERY RESPECT.

Type III is defined by breaks in the outer lines at both top and bottom. Many Type III stamps have breaks that were created or enlarged by plate wear. Since the wear occurred over a period of time, the majority of stamps of this type (both unused and used) has small breaks in at least one line. This stamp is notable both for its overall condition and also for the clear breaks which are evident at both top and bottom.

With 2007 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95, SMQ $13,600.00). This is the highest grade awarded to date, and only two others share this desirable grade. (Image)

EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A MAGNIFICENT USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1851 ONE-CENT IMPERFORATE TYPE IIIA FROM PLATE 4. AN EXTREMELY DIFFICULT STAMP TO FIND WITH SUCH HUGE MARGINS.

Stamps printed from Plate 4 were issued in April-June 1857 before perforations were introduced. The relatively small number of imperforate Plate 4 stamps issued during this period explains the rarity and desirability of any of the imperforate stamp types produced from this plate.

With 1981 and 2002 P.F. certificates for horizontal strip of three, this being the center stamp. (Image)

EXTREMELY FINE GEM. THIS MARVELOUS STAMP, WHICH IS SURELY ONE OF THE FINEST IN EXISTENCE, HAS BEEN AWARDED THE SUPREME GRADE OF GEM 100 JUMBO BY P.S.E. -- A PERFECT STAMP IN TERMS OF MARGINS, COLOR, IMPRESSION, CANCEL AND OVERALL FRESHNESS.

With 2006 P.S.E. certificate (Gem 100 Jumbo, unpriced in SMQ above the grade of 98, SMQ $1,850.00 as 98). This is the only example to date to receive this ultimate grade. (Image)

EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1851 IMPERFORATE ONE-CENT TYPE IV WITH TRIPLE TRANSFER/ONE INVERTED IN THE FINEST CONDITION ATTAINABLE.

The three inverted transfers occurred during the making of Plate 1 Early. Positions 71L, 81L and 91L were entered from the three-subject transfer roll in the spaces where the first three entries had been made and erased (but not fully erased). The plate was turned 180 degrees before starting fresh entries from the transfer roll. Position 91L was re-entered a third time on Plate 1 Early, creating a triple transfer (two upright, one inverted). When Toppan, Carpenter re-worked the worn plate, many of the subjects were re-entered, and all but one were recut at top and/or bottom, creating Scott 9, Type IV, from what we call Plate 1 Late (the same piece of steel in its modified state). Positions 71L and 81L were re-entered, thus becoming triple transfer (one inverted) positions. Position 91L was not re-entered. Thus, Position 71L and 81L only exist as triple transfers one inverted as Type IV stamps, while Position 91L exists as Type II and Type IV.

With 2000 and 2005 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95 Jumbo, the variety is unpriced in SMQ, SMQ $860.00 as normal 95, $1,800.00 as normal 98) (Image)

EXTREMELY FINE GEM AND THE ESSENCE OF PERFECTION. THIS IS ONE OF ONLY TWO EXAMPLES OF THE 3-CENT 1851 ISSUE TO ACHIEVE THE P.S.E. GRADE OF GEM 100 JUMBO.

Many collectors have a tendency to discount how difficult it is to find imperforate classics in such superb condition. The assumption is that there are multiples which can be split to "make" perfect singles. However, one would need a lightly-cancelled block of nine, with no wrinkles or other minor defects, to produce a single such as the one offered here.

With 1997 P.F. and 2008 P.S.E. certificates (Gem 100 Jumbo, unpriced in SMQ above the grade of 98, SMQ $750.00 as 98 in the normal Dull Red shade). Of the nearly 300 submissions of used 3c 1851 stamps to P.S.E., only four have graded Gem 100 and only two are Gem 100J (all are used No. 11's). (Image)

EXTREMELY FINE GEM. AN EXCEEDINGLY RARE SHEET-MARGIN EXAMPLE OF THE 5-CENT 1856 ISSUE WITH FULL GUIDELINE. VERY FEW EXIST.

Our ongoing census of off-cover sheet margin examples of Scott 12 contains twelve singles with imprint and an additional thirteen with sheet margin, including three with corner margins.

Ex Mayer. With 2002 P.F. certificate (Image)

VERY FINE AND CHOICE. A BEAUTIFUL AND RARE EXAMPLE OF THE 5-CENT 1856 ISSUE SHOWING THE DISTINCTIVE DEFECTIVE TRANSFER. THIS IS ONE OF THE FINEST EXAMPLES IN EXISTENCE.

Our computerized records (which include every Rarities sale since 1964) indicate we have only offered three other examples of this variety. One is on cover, and the other two had faults.

With 1998 P.F. certificate. (Image)

EXTREMELY FINE GEM. WITHOUT QUESTION ONE OF THE FINEST USED SINGLES OF THE 12-CENT 1851 ISSUE EXTANT. THIS MAGNIFICENT STAMP HAS BEEN GRADED GEM 100 JUMBO BY P.S.E. -- THIS IS ONE OF ONLY TWO EXAMPLES TO ACHIEVE THIS ULTIMATE GRADE TO DATE.

Our comments regarding the 3c 1851 Imperforate (see lot 10) apply to the stamp offered here, and even more so considering its greater scarcity.

Ex Lehman, Haas and Morris. With 1993 P.F. and 2008 P.S.E. certificates (Gem 100 Jumbo, unpriced in SMQ above the grade of 98, SMQ $4,100.00 as 98). Only two 12c 1851's have achieved the unbeatable Gem 100J grade (both used). There are no Gem 100 examples without the Jumbo appellation. (Image)