103 |
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5c Indigo (216). Perfectly centered with Jumbo margins, intense shade and proof-like impression, face-free cancel at bottom leaves entire design clearly
visible EXTREMELY FINE GEM. THIS STUNNING STAMP HAS BEEN AWARDED THE HIGHEST GRADE POSSIBLE OF GEM 100 JUMBO BY P.S.E. -- THIS IS THE ONLY EXAMPLE TO ACHIEVE THIS GRADE. According to Brookman, a circular by the Third Assistant Postmaster
General, dated August 15, 1887, stated that "The five-cent stamp will be dark blue instead of chocolate brown, and will contain the head of Grant instead of Garfield." This stamp, issued in the spring of 1888, still shows the head of Garfield, as a
compromise the Garfield Postal Stationery designs were withdrawn and superseded by an embossed profile of Grant. The 5c was in plentiful supply, as it satisfied postage requirements for the Universal Postal Union rate to overseas destinations.
However, it is a difficult issue to obtain in Gem-quality used condition. With 2003 P.F. and 1997 and 2009 P.S.E. certificates (Gem 100 Jumbo, unpriced in SMQ above the grade of 98, SMQ $680.00 as 98). This is the highest grade possible on the
grading scale, and it is the only example to achieve this grade. As another indication of the difficulty of finding this issue in Gem condition, the next-highest grade awarded to date is 95 Jumbo. This is also one of only six used Bank Note stamps
(five Scott numbers) between Scott 134 and 218 to achieve this perfect grade (two others are also offered in this collection). (Image) Search for comparables at SiegelAuctions.com |
17.50
SOLD for $1,400.00
Will close during Public Auction |
104 |
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30c Orange Brown (217). Jumbo margins which are significantly wider than normally seen on this issue, brilliant color as fresh as the day it was printed, bold cork
cancel, Extremely Fine, Brookman notes "the lighter color makes fine used copies difficult to find and I doubt if one in a hundred could be rated as superb", with 2000 P.F. certificate
(Image) Search for comparables at SiegelAuctions.com |
130.00
SOLD for $180.00
Will close during Public Auction |
105 |
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90c Purple (218). Choice centering with Jumbo margins all around, radiant color, neat strike of New York oval registry cancel, long and full
perforations EXTREMELY FINE GEM. THE 90-CENT 1888 AMERICAN BANK NOTE COMPANY ISSUE IS DIFFICULT TO FIND WITH SUCH JUMBO MARGINS. A TRUE CONDITION RARITY, AND THE WIDEST-MARGINED USED EXAMPLE WE HAVE EVER ENCOUNTERED. This issue is easy to
obtain in used condition, and several large multiples are known. However, it is difficult to find with wide margins. A review using Power Search, which includes two copies graded XF-Superb 95 by P.S.E. (the highest grade awarded to date) did not find
any with margins similar to the example offered here. With 1993 and 1996 P.F. certificates. (Image) Search for comparables at SiegelAuctions.com |
250.00
SOLD for $1,400.00
Will close during Public Auction |
106 |
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90c Purple (218). Deep rich color and sharp proof-like impression, choice centering with wide margins, bold strike of New York oval registry cancel, fresh and
Extremely Fine, a beautiful stamp, ex Dr. Morris (Image) Search for comparables at SiegelAuctions.com |
250.00
SOLD for $425.00
Will close during Public Auction |