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

EXTREMELY FINE GEM. THIS SPECTACULAR EXAMPLE OF THE RARE 1851 ONE-CENT TYPE Ib FROM PLATE ONE EARLY HAS ACHIEVED THE GRADE OF SUPERB 98 FROM P.S.E. THIS IS THE ONLY EXAMPLE TO RECEIVE THIS EXALTED GRADE, WHICH IS THE HIGHEST AWARDED.

Type Ib was produced only as an imperforate stamp from Plate 1 Early. Six positions on Plate 1E furnished stamps qualifying as Type Ib -- Positions 3-6R and 8-9R -- distinguished by the complete design at top and nearly complete design at bottom. When first entered on the plate, these six positions (as well as 7R1E) had the complete design at top and bottom. However, unlike 7R, small portions of the bottoms were ironed out when the entries were made below them. These top-row positions usually have an ample top margin, but frequently the margins are close or cutting into the sides or bottom. A Type Ib stamp with large margins all around is a great rarity, particularly in sound condition.

With 1975 and 1985 P.F. certificates, the former as a rejoined pair with Position 4R1E. With 2011 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98, unpriced in SMQ above the grade of 95, SMQ $32,300.00 as 95). This is the highest grade awarded and no other examples have achieved this grade. (Image)

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EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SPECTACULAR EXAMPLE OF THE IMPERFORATE 1851 ONE-CENT TYPE Ia WITH A LIGHT CANCEL AND MARGINS THAT ALLOW THE FULL TYPE CHARACTERISITICS TO BE SEEN.

Stamps printed from Plate 4 were issued in April, May and briefly in June 1857 before perforations were introduced. The relatively small number of imperforate Plate 4 stamps issued during this period explains the rarity and desirability of any of the imperforate stamp types produced from this plate (Ia, Ic, II, III and IIIa). The extremely rare Type Ia, showing the full design at bottom, was furnished only by 18 of the 200 subjects on Plate 4 (the remaining two bottom-row positions were sub-type Ic).

Ex Stephen Brown and from our 1989 Rarities of the World sale. With 2010 P.F. and 2008 P.S.E. certificates (XF 90 Jumbo, SMQ $27,500.00 as 90, $50,000.00 as 95). (Image)

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EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB USED EXAMPLE OF THE IMPERFORATE 1851 ONE-CENT TYPE II FROM PLATE ONE EARLY. ESPECIALLY DESIRABLE WITH THE VIVID RED CANCEL.

With 2001 P.F. and 2003 P.S.E. certificates (Superb 98 Jumbo, SMQ $1,850.00 as 98, unpriced in higher grades). The P.S.E. Population Report does not break down the 1c 1851's by plate. We are quite sure that the more desirable and scarcer Plate 1E stamps are much rarer in high grades than their Type II counterparts from other plates. (Image)

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EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB USED EXAMPLE OF THE IMPERFORATE 1851 ONE-CENT TYPE II FROM PLATE ONE EARLY. ESPECIALLY DESIRABLE WITH THE FACE-FREE BLUE CANCEL.

In addition to the three inverted transfer positions, there are eight major double transfer positions on Plate 1 Early: 24L, 25L, 27L, 61L, 12R, 15R, 22R and 65R.

With 2010 P.F. and 2007 P.S.E. certificates (Superb 98, SMQ $1,850.00). The P.S.E. Population Report does not break down the 1c 1851's by plate. We are quite sure that the more desirable and scarcer Plate 1E stamps are much rarer in high grades than their Type II counterparts from Plate 2. (Image)

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EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A STUNNING AND MASSIVE STAMP, WHICH HAS RECEIVED THE ULTIMATE GRADE FROM P.S.E. -- GEM 100 JUMBO.

With 1969 and 2010 P.F. certificates as a strip of three, this being the middle stamp. With 2011 P.S.E. certificate (Gem 100 Jumbo, unpriced in SMQ above the grade of 98, SMQ $1,850.00 as 98). This is the highest grade possible and one of only three to achieve this grade. In addition, only one has been graded 100, which is an excellent indication of how rare this stamp is in such perfect condition. (Image)

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EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A STUNNING USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1851 IMPERFORATE ONE-CENT TYPE III WHICH HAS BEEN GRADED XF-SUPERB 95 BY P.S.E.

Type III is defined as having breaks in the outer lines at both top and bottom. Many Type III stamps have breaks that were created or enlarged by plate wear. Since the wear occurred over a period of time, the majority of stamps of this type (both unused and used) has small breaks in at least one line. This stamp is notable for its wide breaks, particularly at the bottom which often shows a very small break for this type.

With 2010 P.F. and 2005 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95, SMQ $10,500.00). Only four have graded higher. (Image)

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EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1851 IMPERFORATE ONE-CENT TYPE IIIa, WHICH HAS BEEN GRADED SUPERB 98 BY P.S.E.

Type IIIa is defined as having a break in outer lines at either top or bottom. The stamp offered here, with huge top and bottom margins, is an outstanding example of the type as it clearly shows the bottom line complete and the top line with a wide break.

With 2010 P.F. and 2007 P.S.E. certificates (Superb 98, SMQ $9,800.00). Only one has graded higher (at 98J) and only three others share this grade. (Image)

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EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB EXAMPLE OF THE ONE-CENT 1851 TYPE IV, WHICH HAS BEEN AWARDED THE PERFECT GRADE OF GEM 100 JUMBO BY P.S.E.

With 2010 P.F. and 2008 P.S.E. certificates (Gem 100 Jumbo, unpriced in SMQ above the grade of 98, SMQ $1,200.00 as 98). Only seven other examples have been awarded this highest of grades. (Image)

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