United States Stamps continued...

EXTREMELY FINE GEM. THIS SUPERB MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 2-CENT PANAMA-PACIFIC ISSUE IN THE CARMINE LAKE COLOR IS GRADED XF-SUPERB 95 BY P.S.E. -- THIS IS THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED AND THE ONLY EXAMPLE TO ACHIEVE THIS GRADE. THIS IS WITHOUT QUESTION THE FINEST WE HAVE EVER ENCOUNTERED.

In our opinion the Carmine Lake shade is almost as scarce as the Lake, Scott 398b. This is only the fifth copy we have offered since keeping computerized records, and this is the second in Mint N.H. condition (the other was centered strongly to right). The online records of the P.F. contain seven, including two Mint N.H. (one centered strongly to two sides), two with original gum and four with either disturbed gum or regummed.

With 2007 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $5,500.00). This is the highest grade awarded and the only example to achieve this grade. (Image)

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EXTREMELY FINE GEM. THIS GORGEOUS STAMP IS GRADED GEM 100 BY P.S.E. -- THIS IS THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED AND THE ONLY EXAMPLE TO ACHIEVE IT.

Ex "Hanover". With 2012 P.S.E. certificate (Gem 100; SMQ $1,350.00 is hopelessly low). This is the highest grade awarded and the only example to achieve this grade. The SMQ value is absurdly low -- a mere $400 more than a 98, of which there are 11 recorded examples (Image)

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EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A STUNNING MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 2-CENT PERF 10 PANAMA-PACIFIC ISSUE, WHICH IS GRADED SUPERB 98 BY P.S.E.

P.S.E. Encapsulated (Superb 98; SMQ $2,350.00). Only two have graded higher (one at 98J, one at 100) and only five others share this grade. The much higher priced Scott 404, with far fewer stamps issued, has ten graded 98 or higher (Image)

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EXTREMELY FINE GEM. THIS IS WITHOUT QUESTION ONE OF THE FINEST MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLES OF THE 5-CENT PERF 10 PANAMA-PACIFIC ISSUE. THIS MAGNIFICENT STAMP IS GRADED SUPERB 98 JUMBO BY P.S.E. -- THIS IS THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED.

With 2008 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98 Jumbo; SMQ $3,850.00 in no way reflects its true rarity -- the SMQ value for a 98 is only $250.00 less than this). This is the highest grade awarded and it is shared by only two others. This is the first time we have offered Scott 403 in this grade in one of our auctions. (Image)

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EXTREMELY FINE GEM. THIS MAGNIFICENT STAMP IS GRADED SUPERB 98 BY P.S.E. -- ONLY ONE IS GRADED HIGHER.

Long before numerical grading, the rarity of 10c Panama-Pacific Perf 10 stamps in superb condition (hinged or not) was well-established. The 10-gauge perfs on this issue are almost always uneven or shortened from separation. Centering is rarely above Fine. Finally, the Orange ink on many examples has darkened. This stamp is the exception on all counts.

With 2009 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98; SMQ $8,250.00). Only one Mint N.H. example has graded higher (at 100, which realized $35,000 hammer in our Sale 1075 in 2014) (Image)

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