The Hanover Collection, Part 2: 20th Century and Back of Book Issues continued...

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EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 1915 $1.00 PERF 10 ON DOUBLE-LINE WATERMARKED PAPER, SCOTT 460. THIS STAMP IS GRADED SUPERB 98 BY P.S.E.

The change from 12-gauge to 10-gauge perforations occurred after single-line watermarked paper was introduced. However, unlike the other denominations, the $1.00 was never printed on the new single-line watermark paper. The 50c and $1.00 denominations were originally printed in plates of 200 subjects, and the Bureau still had stocks of the double-line watermark paper in this size on hand. The other denominations were printed in sheets of 400. The Bureau continued to use up their stocks of this paper, but the stamps were perforated on the newly-outfitted Perf 10 perforating machines.

With 2007 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98; SMQ $13,750.00). Only one has graded higher (at 98J) and four others share this desirable grade. (Image)

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EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A STUNNING MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 1915 2-CENT PALE CARMINE RED PERF 11 ON SINGLE-LINE WATERMARKED PAPER, SCOTT 461. THIS WAS THE FIRST ISSUE TO BE PERFORATED 11, AND ONLY A LIMITED QUANTITY WAS PRODUCED. THIS MARVELOUS EXAMPLE IS GRADED SUPERB 98 BY P.S.E., WHICH IS THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED.

The Bureau switched from 12-gauge to 10-gauge perforations to address criticism that the stamps separated too easily. However, the Perf 10 stamps had the opposite effect, often causing users to tear their stamps. Facing public criticism, Third Assistant Postmaster General Dockery experimented with this Perf 11 issue. In June 1915 90,000 stamps with the trial perforation were issued and deemed satisfactory. However, due to the frugality of wartime conditions the Bureau did not change to the new Perf 11 wheels until all of the old Perf 10 wheels had worn out. The change was not started until almost two years later. By this time the Bureau was using unwatermarked paper -- this is the only perf 11 stamp printed on single-line watermarked paper.

With 2015 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98; SMQ $6,000.00). This is the highest grade awarded and only one other shares this grade. This is also the first time we have offered this grade in one of our auctions. (Image)

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