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

EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB USED EXAMPLE OF THE ONE-CENT 1869 PICTORIAL RE-ISSUE.

With 2004 P.F. and 2010 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95, SMQ $2,650.00). Only four other examples have achieved this grade and only one has graded higher (at 98). (Image)

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EXTREMELY FINE. AN OUTSTANDING EXAMPLE OF THE 3-CENT 1869 PICTORIAL RE-ISSUE.

With 2007 P.F. (VF-XF 85) and 2007 P.S.E. certificates (XF 90, SMQ $4,300.00). This is the highest grade awarded to an unused (no gum) example and is shared by only one other. There are only two original-gum examples graded 90, as well as the stamp graded 95 (ex Whitman) (Image)

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EXTREMELY FINE GEM. THIS IS WITHOUT QUESTION ONE OF THE FINEST USED EXAMPLES OF THE 6-CENT 1869 RE-ISSUE IN EXISTENCE. A SUPERB STAMP WHICH HAS RECEIVED THE GRADE OF XF-SUPERB 95 FROM P.S.E. -- THE HIGHEST AWARDED.

The 6c is the one of the rarest of the set in used condition. SMQ estimates that approximately 30 exist in used condition, and our own informal count concurs. The example offered here is one of the finest in existence -- most are either off-center or have flaws.

With 2000 P.F. and 2005 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95, SMQ $17,500.00). This is the highest grade awarded and no other examples have achieved this grade (Image)

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EXTREMELY FINE. A STUNNING USED EXAMPLE OF THE 10-CENT 1869 PICTORIAL RE-ISSUE.

With 1985 and 1995 P.F. certificates. With 2009 P.S.E. certificate (XF 90, SMQ $6,250.00). SMQ estimates that approximately 30 are known used. Only one example has graded higher in the P.S.E. Population Report (at 90J) and this is the sole example to achieve this grade. As a further indication of the rarity of this issue in the higher grades, P.S.E. does not even price it as a used 95 (Image)

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EXTREMELY FINE. A RARE SOUND AND CENTERED USED EXAMPLE OF THE 12-CENT 1869 PICTORIAL RE-ISSUE.

The 12c 1869 Pictorial Re-issue is the second rarest of the set in used condition, after the 3c. 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. This stamp ranks among a small handful as the finest extant.

With 2002 P.F. and 2005 P.S.E. certificates (XF 90, SMQ $7,500.00). Only one example has been graded higher (at 95, ex Tahoe) and this is one of only two 90's contained in the P.S.E. Population Report (Image)

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EXTREMELY FINE. AN OUTSTANDING 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 2010 P.F. and 2008 P.S.E. certificates (XF 90, SMQ $2,450.00). Only one has graded higher and only four others share this grade (Image)

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EXTREMELY FINE GEM. AN OUTSTANDING USED EXAMPLE OF THE 24-CENT 1869 PICTORIAL RE-ISSUE.

With 2001 and 2006 P.F. certificates (XF-Superb 95). With 2007 P.S.E. certificate (XF 90, SMQ $3,500.00). SMQ estimates that approximately 70 used examples are known. As a P.S.E. grade of 90, only four have graded higher. The highest grade in the P.S.E. Population Report is 95, which is the grade awarded to this stamp by the P.F. (Image)

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EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB USED EXAMPLE OF THE 30-CENT 1869 PICTORIAL RE-ISSUE WHICH HAS BEEN GRADED SUPERB 98 BY P.S.E. THIS IS THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED.

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

With 2010 P.F. and 2008 P.S.E. certificates (Superb 98, SMQ $23,000.00). Only one other shares this grade, and none has graded higher. (Image)

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EXTREMELY FINE GEM. AN OUTSTANDING AND RARE USED EXAMPLE OF THE 90-CENT 1869 PICTORIAL RE-ISSUE, COMBINING ALL ELEMENTS OF CENTERING, WIDE MARGINS, COLOR AND A CLEAR CANCEL.

SMQ estimates that approximately 40 used copies exist. Most are either off-center or have small faults.

Ex Twigg-Smith. With 1980, 2001 P.F. and 2005 P.S.E. certificates (XF 90, SMQ $10,500.00). Only two examples have been graded higher (at 95) and this is the only stamp to achieve this grade (Image)

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