The Merlin Collection of Superb Quality 19th and 20th Century United States Stamps continued...

EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A PHENOMENAL USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1875 ONE-CENT 1869 PICTORIAL RE-ISSUE, WHICH HAS BEEN GRADED SUPERB 98 BY P.S.E. -- THIS IS THE SOLE EXAMPLE TO ACHIEVE THIS GRADE, WHICH IS THE HIGHEST AWARDED.

The 1c 1875 National Re-Issue on hard paper is much scarcer in this quality than its 1880's American counterparts on soft paper (Scott 133 and 133a). SMQ notes that approximately 40 are known used.

With 2011 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98, SMQ $5,400.00). This is the highest grade awarded and the only example to achieve it. (Image)

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EXTREMELY FINE GEM. THIS SUPERB USED EXAMPLE OF THE 10-CENT 1869 PICTORIAL RE-ISSUE IS EASILY ONE OF THE FINEST IN EXISTENCE.

SMQ estimates that approximately 30 used examples are known. We estimate that between 30 and 50 are known used. However, it is surprisingly difficult to obtain in such superb condition.

Ex Saadi. With 1984, 1989 P.F. and 2009 P.S.E. certificates (XF 90 Jumbo, SMQ $6,250.00 as 90, unpriced in SMQ as 95). This is the highest grade awarded and it is the only example to achieve this grade. (Image)

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EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB USED EXAMPLE OF THE 12-CENT 1869 PICTORIAL RE-ISSUE. A DIFFICULT STAMP TO FIND IN SUCH SUPERB CONDITION, AND EASILY ONE OF THE FINEST IN EXISTENCE. THIS REMARKABLE STAMP HAS BEEN GRADED XF-SUPERB 95 BY P.S.E. -- THIS IS THE HIGHEST GRADE AND THE ONLY ONE TO ACHIEVE IT.

The 12c 1869 Pictorial Re-Issue is the second rarest of the set in used condition (the 3c is the rarest). The Rose book estimates 15-25 extant used copies, and SMQ estimates 20 extant. It was the only used 1869 Re-Issue denomination in the Zoellner collection that was accepted with a small fault.

Ex Tahoe. With 2001 P.F. and 2008 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95, SMQ $15,000.00). This is the highest grade awarded and the only example to achieve this grade. (Image)

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EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A BEAUTIFUL USED EXAMPLE OF THE 15-CENT 1869 PICTORIAL RE-ISSUE.

The Type III design of the 15c Re-Issue is similar to the Type I, except it lacks shading lines around the vignette. The Rose book (p. 104) notes that essays of Type III are known from 1868, indicating this type was contemplated but never used for the original 1869 Issue. The vignette plate based on Type III was made for the Re-Issue. According to SMQ approximately 70 used examples are known. Our experience has been that most are either faulty or off-center.

With 2007 P.S.E. certificate (XF 90, SMQ $2,450.00). Only one has graded higher (at 95J) and four others share this grade. (Image)

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EXTREMELY FINE. A BEAUTIFUL USED EXAMPLE OF THE 24-CENT 1869 PICTORIAL RE-ISSUE. THIS MARVELOUS STAMP HAS BEEN AWARDED THE GRADE OF XF-SUPERB 95, WHICH IS THE HIGHEST AWARDED.

With 2009 P.F. and 2010 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95, SMQ $7,500.00). SMQ estimates that approximately 70 used examples are known. This is the highest grade awarded and only two others have achieved this grade. (Image)

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EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB USED EXAMPLE OF THE 24-CENT 1869 PICTORIAL RE-ISSUE, WHICH HAS BEEN GRADED XF-SUPERB 95 -- THIS IS THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED.

With 1994, 2003 P.F. and 2011 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95, SMQ $7,500.00). This is the highest grade awarded and only two others share this grade. (Image)

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EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A PHENOMENAL USED EXAMPLE OF THE 30-CENT 1869 PICTORIAL RE-ISSUE, WITH WONDERFUL EYE APPEAL.

SMQ estimates that approximately 40 are known used. Our experience has been that many are either off-center or have small faults.

With 2011 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95, SMQ $12,500.00). Only two have graded higher (both at 98) and one other shares this grade. (Image)

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