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

Search for comparables at SiegelAuctions.com

EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1894 50-CENT UNWATERMARKED BUREAU ISSUE WHICH HAS BEEN GRADED XF-SUPERB 95 JUMBO BY P.S.E. THIS IS THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED.

With 2011 P.F. and 2008 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95 Jumbo, unpriced above the grade of 95, SMQ $1,500.00 as 95). This is the only example to achieve this grade, which is the highest awarded. The P.S.E. Population Report lists only three used stamps graded better than 90 -- one each at 90J and 95, and this example at 95J (Image)

Search for comparables at SiegelAuctions.com

EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A NOTEWORTHY USED STAMP, AS THE 1894 FIRST BUREAU ISSUE $1.00 STAMPS ARE NOTORIOUS FOR HAVING SMALL MARGINS AND POOR CENTERING, AS WELL AS HEAVY CANCELS. THIS REMARKABLE EXCEPTION TO THE RULE HAS BEEN GRADED SUPERB 98 BY P.S.E.

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 there are no stamps graded 100, only one has graded 98J, the example offered in the Natalee Grace collection (Sale 1027, lot 138), though it also has a heavier cancel. Only this example along with one other have graded 98. 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.

With 2011 P.F. and 2007 P.S.E. certificates (Superb 98, SMQ $8,400.00). (Image)

Search for comparables at SiegelAuctions.com

EXTREMEY FINE USED EXAMPLE OF THE $1.00 TYPE II 1894 UNWATERMARKED BUREAU ISSUE. A DIFFICULT STAMP TO FIND IN SUCH CHOICE CONDITION.

With 1993 and 2003 P.F. certificates. With 2005 P.S.E. certificate (XF 90, SMQ $2,100.00). Only two have graded higher (at 95) (Image)

Search for comparables at SiegelAuctions.com

EXTREMELY FINE GEM. THIS SUPERB STAMP IS ONE OF THE FINEST USED EXAMPLES OF THE 1894 $2.00 UNWATERMARKED BUREAU ISSUE IN EXISTENCE. AN EXCEEDINGLY RARE STAMP TO FIND WITH PERFECT CENTERING AND A LIGHT CANCEL.

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 heavily cancelled and many were 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 1979 P.F. and 2008 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95, SMQ $10,000.00). This is the highest grade awarded and only two others have achieved this grade (Image)

Search for comparables at SiegelAuctions.com

VERY FINE AND CHOICE. A LOVELY USED EXAMPLE OF THE $5.00 1894 UNWATERMARKED BUREAU ISSUE.

A Power Search review revealed very few examples that combine both choice centering and a light cancel.

With 1988 P.F. and 2010 P.S.E. certificates (VF 80, SMQ $2,400.00) (Image)

Search for comparables at SiegelAuctions.com

VERY FINE AND CHOICE. A RARE JUMBO-MARGINED EXAMPLE OF THE 1894 $5.00 UNWATERMARKED BUREAU ISSUE.

With 2005 and 2007 P.F. certificates (VF 80 Jumbo). With 2007 P.S.E. certificate (VF 80 Jumbo, SMQ $2,400.00 as 80, $3,700.00 as 85). Only three have graded higher. (Image)

Search for comparables at SiegelAuctions.com