The Natalee Grace Collection of Used Stamps of the United States, Part Two continued...

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EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A MAGNIFICENT USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1894 15-CENT UNWATERMARKED BUREAU ISSUE IN THE FINEST CONDITION ATTAINABLE. THIS WONDERFUL STAMP HAS BEEN AWARDED THE GRADE OF SUPERB 98 BY P.S.E., WHICH IS THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED TO DATE. IT IS ALSO THE ONLY EXAMPLE TO ACHIEVE THIS GRADE.

Brookman notes that for the 15c 1894-95 Bureau Issues, the circle around the numeral at lower left does not impinge on the oval, as is the case with the 15c 1890 Issue (Scott 227). This issue was made from an altered die where more work was done than just adding the triangles at top.

With 1999 P.F. and 2009 P.S.E. certificates (Superb 98, SMQ $2,900.00). This is the highest grade awarded to date and the only example to achieve this grade. (Image)

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EXTREMELY FINE GEM. THIS PHENOMENAL STAMP HAS BEEN AWARDED THE GRADE OF SUPERB 98 JUMBO BY P.S.E. -- THIS IS THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED TO DATE AND THE ONLY EXAMPLE TO ACHIEVE THIS GRADE. TRULY STUNNING IN EVERY RESPECT.

The $1.00 Type I, which is defined as having an incomplete circle around the left "$1", occurred on 150 of the 200 subjects of Plate 76. However, the $1.00 unwatermarked stamps are notorious for having small margins. To date only one has graded 95 and two have graded 98. A comparison to one of the 98's, offered in our Sale 946 (lot 739), demonstrates the significant difference in margin size. Far fewer of the unwatermarked stamps were issued compared to its watermarked counterpart -- 26,284 of Scott 261 were issued compared to 192,449 of the watermarked Scott 276. They were mostly used on parcels or other oversize or heavy mailings. The stamps on these mailings tend to be damaged from use or were discarded, resulting in a small population of sound used stamps. Linn's Stamp Facts estimates less than ten covers are known.

With 1999 P.F. and 2009 P.S.E. certificates (Superb 98 Jumbo, unpriced in SMQ above the grade of 98, SMQ $8,400.00 as 98). This is the highest grade awarded to date and the only example to achieve this grade. (Image)

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EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A GORGEOUS USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1894 TYPE II UNWATERMARKED BUREAU ISSUE. THIS IS ONE OF THE MOST DIFFICULT ISSUES TO OBTAIN WITH SUCH CHOICE CENTERING.

The $1.00 Type II, which is defined as having the complete circle around the left "$1", occurred on only 50 of the 200 subjects of Plate 76. It is believed that only 8,762 were issued. This is a miniscule number when compared to the previous $1.00 stamp of the Columbian series (55,050 issued) and its watermarked counterpart (Scott 276A with 63,803 issued). They were mostly used on parcels or other oversize or heavy mailings. The stamps on these mailings tend to be damaged from use or were discarded, resulting in a small population of sound used stamps. Linn's Stamp Facts estimates less than ten covers are known.

With 1999 P.F. certificate. (Image)

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EXTREMELY FINE GEM. THIS IS EASILY ONE OF THE FINEST USED EXAMPLES OF THE 1894 $2.00 UNWATERMARKED BUREAU ISSUE IN EXISTENCE. THIS STAMP IS EXCEEDINGLY RARE IN SUCH SUPERB CONDITION.

Brookman notes "Only 10,027 of this stamp were issued and for some reason the centering on most of the copies we have seen is very poor." This amounts to just a bit more than 100 panes. Only a small number were used, mostly on parcels or other oversize or heavy mailings. The stamps on these mailings tend to be damaged from use or were discarded, resulting in a small population of sound used stamps. No covers are known. Given Brookman's comments on centering, the existence of this superb stamp is a true anomaly.

With 1997 P.F. and 2009 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95, SMQ $10,000.00). This is the highest grade awarded to date and only two others have achieved this grade. Based on centering, color and overall freshness we are surprised this did not grade higher. (Image)

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EXTREMELY FINE GEM. THIS IS WITHOUT QUESTION ONE OF THE FINEST USED EXAMPLES OF THE 1894 $5.00 UNWATERMARKED BUREAU ISSUE IN EXISTENCE. THIS IS THE MOST DIFFICULT DENOMINATION TO OBTAIN IN SUCH SUPERB CONDITION. THIS MAY ALSO BE THE EARLIEST DOCUMENTED USE OF THIS ISSUE.

Brookman notes "The $5 is the scarcest stamp in the 1894 series as the total issue of the stamp consisted of 6,251 stamps. It is probable that more of these stamps might have been sold were it not for the fact that speculators were dumping $5 Columbians at a discount to face because the rise they had anticipated had failed to materialize." Very few were used. A review of Power Search and P.S.E'.s Population Report found very few used and centered copies of this issue.

The cancellation on this issue reads "10-5 1895". The last digit of the yeardate is slightly smudged, but using computer enhancement we are able to discern the ball at the curve of the "5". Also, the shape of the top could not be any other number. This stamp was listed by Alan Berkun as a potential EDU pending his examination of the item. The date listed in Scott Catalogue as the EDU is July 6, 1896. Considering that this stamp was issued in December 1894, it is our opinion that this should be the new earliest documented use. No covers are known.

With 1999 P.F. and 2009 P.S.E. certificates (XF 90 Jumbo, SMQ $6,300.00 as 90, $17,900.00 as 95). Only one has graded higher to date and this is the only example to achieve this grade. Catalogue pricing also does not take into consideration the date. (Image)

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