The Hanover Collection of Superb-Quality United States Stamps continued...

EXTREMELY FINE GEM. AN EXCEEDINGLY RARE SOUND FOUR-MARGIN EXAMPLE OF THE ONE-CENT 1851 TYPE I, POSITION 7R1E, WHICH IS THE ONLY ONE OF THE 1,000 POSITIONS USED TO PRINT IMPERFORATE ONE-CENT STAMPS THAT SHOWS THE COMPLETE DESIGN. THIS IS WITHOUT QUESTION ONE OF THE FINEST IN EXISTENCE, AND IT IS ONE OF TWO GRADED XF 90 JUMBO BY P.S.E. -- THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED.

The published census compiled by Jerome S. Wagshal contains 90 unduplicated records of Scott 5. There have been one or two additions to the Wagshal census, and there are probably no more than a few examples existing outside of the census population. Therefore, the 1c 1851 Type I is the rarest of all United States stamps regularly issued prior to the 1868 Grills.

Because of the significance attached to the outer portions of the 1c 1851 design, rare types that have been carefully cut apart, so as not to impinge on any part of the design, are extremely desirable. The narrow spacing between stamps in the sheet and the users' indifference to the outlying ornamentation during separation are factors that contributed to the great rarity of four-margin copies. The example offered here comes from a strip of three, Positions 6-8R1E, that was removed from a cover. Examples of Position 7R1E (Scott 5) with large side and bottom margins, where there was very little space between it and the adjoining stamps, are true rarities. In fact, using the census data, it is clear that this stamp is among the two or three finest sound off-cover examples known. The ex-Newbury strip on cover and the ex-Vogel single on cover are among the finest examples of Position 7R1E on cover.

Wagshal Census 5-COV-82. Ex Jacobs, Krug and Kapiloff as part of a strip on cover. With 2008 P.S.E. certificate (XF 90 Jumbo; SMQ $525,000.00). This is the highest grade awarded and one other shares it (cancelled in red, ex Merlin). Scott Catalog notes "Values for No. 5 are for examples with margins touching or cutting slightly into the design, or for examples with four margins and minor faults. Very few examples with the design untouched exist, and these sell for much more than the values shown" (Image)

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EXTREMELY FINE GEM. THIS IS WITHOUT QUESTION ONE OF THE FINEST ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLES OF THE 1851 ONE-CENT TYPE II. THIS STAMP IS GRADED GEM 100 BY BOTH THE P.F. AND P.S.E.

As the gaps between positions visible on this remarkable single demonstrate, the spacing between stamps left very little room for separation. Most examples have margins either just clear or touching, or into the design. The relative paucity of large multiples in sound condition also contributes to its scarcity with such wide margins.

With 2002 and 2006 P.F. and 2014 P.S.E. certificates (OGph, Gem 100; SMQ $19,000.00). Only one has graded higher and one other shares this grade. This is the highest grade for an original-gum example we have offered in any of our sales. (Image)

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EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A MAGNIFICENT ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE 1851 IMPERFORATE ONE-CENT TYPE IIIA. SUPERB IN EVERY RESPECT.

Stamps printed from Plate 4 were issued in April-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.

The Type IIIa from Plate 4 with original gum is extremely rare. We have offered only a handful in similar condition over the past 15 years. A look at the P.S.E. Population Report also gives an indication of its rarity in better condition -- only one has graded higher than 50 (graded 90 and offered in our 2015 European Connoisseur's Collection, realized $17,500 hammer)

Ex "Scarsdale". With 2002 P.F. certificate (Image)

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EXTREMELY FINE GEM. THIS MAGNIFICENT MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 1851 ONE-CENT TYPE IV IS GRADED GEM 100 JUMBO BY P.S.E., WHICH IS THE HIGHEST GRADE ATTAINABLE. THE ESSENCE OF PERFECTION.

Many collectors have a tendency to discount how difficult it is to find imperforate classics in such superb condition. The assumption is that there are multiples which can be split to "make" perfect singles. However, to produce the gem offered here, one would have to find a block of nine with no hinging in the surrounding stamps. For all of the imperforate issues (Scott 1-17), only four stamps in total have achieved this ultimate grade in Mint N.H. condition -- two of Scott 9 and two of Scott 11.

With 2015 P.S.E. certificate (Gem 100 Jumbo; unpriced in SMQ in Mint N.H. condition). Scott 9 is priced at $11,000.00 for a hinged stamp graded 100. This does not take into consideration any multiplier for Mint N.H. condition or for the higher grade. Scott Retail as hinged (Image)

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EXTREMELY FINE GEM. AN ABSOLUTELY PHENOMENAL MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 1851 3-CENT DULL RED TYPE I IMPERFORATE, WHICH IS GRADED GEM 100 JUMBO BY P.S.E. -- THIS IS THE HIGHEST GRADE POSSIBLE.

As our comments in the previous lot make clear, it is virtually impossible to find multiples that can be split to make such a perfect Mint N.H. single. The presence of the sheet margin also gives this stamp significant eye appeal.

With 2011 P.S.E. certificate (Mint N.H. Gem 100 Jumbo; unpriced in SMQ above the grade of 100 or as Mint NH; SMQ $5,0000.00 as a hinged stamp graded 100). This is the highest grade possible on the grading chart. For all of the imperforate issues (Scott 1-17), only four stamps in total have achieved this ultimate grade in Mint N.H. condition -- two of Scott 9 and two of Scott 11. Scott Retail as hinged (Image)

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EXTREMELY FINE GEM. EASILY ONE OF THE FINEST ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLES OF THE 5-CENT 1856 ISSUE. THIS IS ONE OF THE MOST DIFFICULT FACE-DIFFERENT DESIGNS TO OBTAIN IN SUCH SUPERB CONDITION.

The 5c stamp was issued in 1856, five years after the 1c, 3c and 12c values and one year after the 10c were issued. It was typically used to pay the 5c shore-to-ship rate for mail sent overseas and also in multiples for the 10c transcontinental or 15c U.S.-French treaty rates.

With the exception of some rare types of the 1c and 10c, such as Scott Nos. 5 and 16, the 5c stamp is the most difficult denomination to obtain with four margins in sound and original-gum condition. As the stamp offered here demonstrates, the spacing between stamps was very narrow. We measured the gap between the stamp and the portion of the adjoining design, and the space is only 1.2 millimeter wide. This left little margin for error when separating the stamps, and it explains why so few examples are known with four margins. When other factors such as gum, color and impression are taken into consideration, the rarity and beauty of the stamp offered here may be fully appreciated.

Ex "Scarsdale". With 2000 and 2006 P.F. certificates. (Image)

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EXTREMELY FINE GEM. THIS STAMP IS ONE OF THE FINEST ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLES OF THE 10-CENT TYPE II 1855 ISSUE IN EXISTENCE. A MAGNIFICENT CLASSIC STAMP IN ALL RESPECTS -- FRESHNESS OF GUM, SIZE OF MARGINS, COLOR, IMPRESSION AND OVERALL APPEAL.

The prepaid transcontinental rate was raised from 6c to 10c in April 1855, which prompted the Post Office Department to add a 10c value to the current series. Toppan, Carpenter, Casilear & Company produced one plate of 200 subjects for the imperforate issue, which was also used when perforations were introduced in 1857. Although the subjects were spaced further apart than they had been on the 1c, 3c and 12c plates, there were still variations in the designs. Four design types are recorded for the first plate (Plate 1): Type I with the full bottom shell (from the bottom row only); Type II with the top part of the design nearly complete; Type III with the design at top incomplete; and Type IV with recut lines at top and/or bottom.

Although the wider spacing on the 10c plate provided more room for separation, this stamp has remarkably huge margins all around, each of which goes well beyond the mid-point between stamps.

Ex "Connoisseur", Dr. Morris and "Scarsdale". With 2010 P.S.E. certificate (OGph, Superb 98; SMQ $35,000.00). Only one has graded higher and only one other shares this grade. This is the highest grade we have offered in our auctions. (Image)

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EXTREMELY FINE GEM PAIR. A SUPERB ORIGINAL-GUM HORIZONTAL PAIR OF THE 12-CENT 1851 ISSUE WITH COLOSSAL MARGINS AND EXTRAORDINARY FRESHNESS.

As this pair amply demonstrates, the spacing between stamps on the plate is very narrow. Most examples (unused and used) have either narrow margins or are cutting into the framelines. This pair, with full original gum and with such large margins, is a remarkable rarity. In fact, we feel confident saying that this is the finest original-gum pair of this stamp extant.

A 2000 P.F. certificate no longer accompanies. With 2012 P.S.E. certificate (OGph, Superb 98 Jumbo; unpriced in SMQ as a pair, SMQ $65,000.00 as a single. Only one single and this pair have achieved the grade of 98 Jumbo, which is the highest awarded. (Image)

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