The Nick Kirke Collection of Gem-Quality Used U.S. Stamps continued...

EXTREMELY FINE. A REMARKABLY BEAUTIFUL 1857 5-CENT BRICK RED WITH OUTSTANDING COLOR, CENTERING AND LIGHT CANCELLATION.

With 2006 P.F., 2005 and 2007 P.S.E. certificates (XF 90, SMQ $4,250.00) (Image)

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EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A STUNNING USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1857 5-CENT RED BROWN WHICH HAS BEEN GRADED SUPERB 98 BY P.S.E. THIS IS ONE OF THE MOST DIFFICULT ISSUES TO OBTAIN WITH SUCH WIDE MARGINS AND IN SUCH PRISTINE CONDITION.

Due to the narrow spacing between stamps on the plate, the perforations often touch or go into the outer portion of the design on one or more sides. The example offered here, with perfect centering and deep rich color, is a true condition rarity.

With 2000 and 2010 P.F. certificates (XF-Superb 95). With 2010 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98, SMQ $27,500.00). This is the highest grade awarded and only one other example has achieved this grade (Image)

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EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB EXAMPLE OF THE 1857 5-CENT BRIGHT RED BROWN WITH INCREDIBLE DEPTH OF COLOR AND EXTRAORDINARY CENTERING.

This stamp is, in our opinion, further evidence that the 1858 5c printing produced the deeper shades of Red Brown, Bright Red Brown and Indian Red (and probably the Brick Red as a mistake in ink mixture).

With 2009 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95, SMQ $10,800.00). This is the highest grade awarded and no other examples have achieved this grade (Image)

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EXTREMELY FINE GEM. THE 1857 5-CENT INDIAN RED IS AN INCALCULABLE RARITY IN THIS STUNNING QUALITY. THIS STAMP HAS BEEN GRADED XF-SUPERB 95 BY P.S.E. THIS IS THE SOLE EXAMPLE TO ACHIEVE THIS GRADE, WHICH IS THE HIGHEST AWARDED.

With 1995 and 2003 P.F. certificates. With 2007 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95, SMQ $20,000.00). This is the highest grade awarded and it is shared by no others (Image)

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EXTREMELY FINE GEM. AN OUTSTANDING USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1859 5-CENT TYPE I BROWN IN THE FINEST ATTAINABLE CONDITION.

With 2010 P.F. and 2007 P.S.E. certificates (Superb 98, SMQ $10,500.00). Only two examples have achieved this desirable grade with none higher (Image)

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EXTREMELY FINE USED EXAMPLE OF THE 5-CENT TYPE II ORANGE BROWN.

The Orange Brown is much scarcer used than unused. Examples in this choice sound used condition are rare.

With 2002 P.F., 1998 and 2005 P.S.E. certificates (XF 90, SMQ $3,150.00). Only three examples have been graded higher (at 95) and this is the only stamp to achieve this grade (Image)

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EXTREMELY FINE GEM. THIS MAGNIFICENT USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1857 10-CENT PERFORATED TYPE I HAS BEEN GRADED XF-SUPERB 95 BY P.S.E. -- THIS IS THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED.

Type I stamps are only found on the 20 stamps that comprise the bottom row of the plate. Due to narrow spacing on the plate and difficulties in aligning the perforating machine, stamps at the bottom of the plate usually have perforations cutting into the top or bottom portion of the design. This is a negative, because Type I is defined as having the design complete at bottom. The population of stamps showing the characteristic is extremely limited, especially when other factors such as soundness are taken into consideration.

With 2011 P.F. and 2007 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95, SMQ $10,000.00). This is the highest grade awarded, and only four others share this grade. This statistic has not changed since 2008. In our opinion, this 10c Plate 1 stamp has margins wide enough to qualify for the Jumbo appellation. (Image)

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EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1857 10-CENT TYPE II WITH A DESIRABLE NEW YORK OCEAN MAIL CANCEL.

With 1995 and 2006 P.F. certificates (XF-Superb 95). With 2007 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95, SMQ $2,100.00 with normal cancel). Only two have graded higher (Image)

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EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1857 10-CENT TYPE III WITH AN UNUSUAL COLORFUL CANCEL.

With 2001 P.F. and 2006 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95, SMQ $1,950.00). Eleven examples have equaled this grade while only three have graded higher in the P.S.E. Population Report. We wonder if any others in that group could match this stamp for pure eye appeal (Image)

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EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A MARVELOUS USED EXAMPLE OF THE PERFORATED 1857 10-CENT TYPE IV WITH BALANCED MARGINS AND A LIGHT TOWN CANCEL.

10c Type IV stamps are defined by the recut of one or both outer lines at the top or bottom of the design. Type IV stamps come from only seven scattered positions on the left pane and one position on the right pane of Plate 1. Therefore, only 4% of the stamps from Plate 1 are Type IV.

With 2010 P.F. and 2008 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95, SMQ $14,500.00). According to the P.S.E. Population Report, this is one of only three used examples to have achieved this grade, which is the highest awarded. (Image)

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