Gem-Quality United States Stamps continued...

EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1861 5-CENT BUFF IN THE FINEST CONDITION ATTAINABLE.

Due to narrow spacing on the 5c 1861 plate, it is very difficult to find centered copies with the perforations clear of the design on all sides. The stamp offered here, with its choice centering and fresh color, may be considered a true condition rarity.

Ex Curtis. With 2009 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $6,500.00). This is the highest grade awarded and only four others share this grade. (Image)

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EXTREMELY FINE GEM. THIS PHENOMENAL STAMP IS GRADED GEM 100 JUMBO BY P.S.E. -- THIS IS THE HIGHEST GRADE POSSIBLE ON THE GRADING SCALE. THIS IS ALSO THE ONLY PERFORATED STAMP PRIOR TO THE 1870-71 NATIONAL BANK NOTE ISSUE TO ACHIEVE THIS PERFECT GRADE. A TRULY REMARKABLE STAMP IN EVERY RESPECT.

The 10c is the only denomination of the 1861-66 Issue that was actually issued in two types. Type I, Scott 62B, was printed from Plate 4. Type II stamps -- Scott 68 and its grilled counterparts -- were printed from Plates 15 and 26. It has been surmised that Type I was pressed into service to help fill strong demand for 10c stamps after demonetization of the earlier issue. The 10c stamps paid the transcontinental rate, the ship-letter rate and certain rates to foreign countries.

Despite the high production numbers this is a difficult denomination to obtain in superb quality. Of the 175 used copies sent to P.S.E. for grading, only seven have graded higher than a 95 (including the stamp offered here). Another denomination produced in even greater quantity, the 3c, has failed to achieve 100J and only one is graded 100, despite almost 500 submissions. Submissions tend to be skewed towards higher-quality stamps, so this statistic is even more significant.

Ex "Natalee Grace". With 1997 P.F. and 2009 and 2013 P.S.E. certificates (Gem 100 Jumbo; unpriced in SMQ above the grade of 100, SMQ $8,000.00 as 100). This is the highest grade possible. This is also the earliest perforated Scott number to achieve this grade -- none have graded 100J for the 1857-60 Issue, and this is the only example for the entire issue (plus the next two issues) to achieve this grade. The next perforated stamp to achieve this grade is the 6c Bank Note Issue, Scott 148. (Image)

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EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB JUMBO USED EXAMPLE OF THE 12-CENT 1861 ISSUE, GRADED SUPERB 98 JUMBO BY P.S.E. -- THIS IS THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED.

Although the 12c 1861 plate provided ample space between the subjects, the 12-gauge perforation holes use up much of that space, and the lines of perforations were rarely applied in a way that created four balanced margins around the design. This stamp is a one-in-a-million example of perforating outside the normal boundary line on all four sides.

Ex Senchuk and Merlin. With 1980 P.F. and 2009 P.S.E. certificates (Superb 98 Jumbo; SMQ $4,500.00). This is the highest grade awarded and only three others share it. (Image)

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EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A BEAUTIFUL USED EXAMPLE OF THE 12-CENT 1861 ISSUE, GRADED SUPERB 98 BY P.S.E.

With 2002 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98; SMQ $2,750.00). Only four have graded higher (all at 98J) and only six others share this grade (Image)

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EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1861 24-CENT RED LILAC ISSUE. ESPECIALLY DESIRABLE WITH THE RED SUPPLEMENTARY MAIL CANCEL. THIS STAMP IS GRADED XF-SUPERB 95 BY P.S.E. -- THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED.

With 2015 P.S.A.G. and 2015 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $4,750.00). This is the highest grade awarded. (Image)

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EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1861 24-CENT BROWN LILAC FEATURING HUGE EVEN MARGINS, FRESH COLOR, SHARP IMPRESSION AND A COLORED CANCEL. THIS MAGNIFICENT STAMP IS GRADED XF-SUPERB 95 JUMBO BY P.S.E., WHICH IS THE SECOND-HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED.

Ex "Tahoe" and Merlin. With 2002 P.F. and 2008 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95 Jumbo; SMQ $5,150.00). Only one has graded higher (Superb 98, offered in our Kirke sale), and this is the only example to achieve this grade. This stamp appears to us to be the equal of the 98 ex-Kirke stamp. (Image)

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EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB USED EXAMPLE OF THE 24-CENT 1861 STEEL BLUE, GRADED XF-SUPERB 95 BY P.S.E. -- THIS IS THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED AND IT IS SHARED BY ONLY ONE OTHER.

The Steel Blue is the most distinctive of all the 24c shades. Unlike some of the others, it is rarely mistaken or misidentified, and as such has always been a favorite of collectors. It is extremely rare in this superb used condition.

With 2014 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $9,000.00). This is the highest grade awarded and only one other shares it (ex Kirke). (Image)

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