Power Search™ Results
30 Selected Lots, Page 1 of 3
General/Issue
Date
8c Violet Brown, Trans-Mississippi (289). Mint N.H. bottom imprint and plate no. 643 block of six, exceptionally rich color and proof-like impression, each stamp almost perfectly centeredEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB PLATE BLOCK OF THE 8-CENT TRANS-MISSISSIPPI -- ARGUABLY THE FINEST EXTANT.
The 1893 Columbian Issue, comprising 16 different denominations, created a backlash from collectors, who resented paying $16.34 for a complete set (the equivalent of $504 in today's dollars). For the 1898 Trans-Mississippi Exposition, held in Omaha Nebraska, the number of stamps was reduced to nine denominations up to $2.00. The $3.80 cost for the set, while still expensive ($127 in today's dollars), was at least more manageable.
The collectors' early preference for plate blocks of four is the reason why Trans-Mississippi plate blocks of six are so rare. This 8c certainly ranks among the finest we have ever handled.
Ex Drucker. With 2002 P.F. certificate.
8c Trans-Mississippi (289). Mint N.H. top right corner imprint and plate no. 609 block of eight, containing the plate block of six and an additional pair, wonderful depth of color and crisp impressionFINE AND RARE MINT NEVER-HINGED TOP PLATE BLOCK OF EIGHT OF THE 8-CENT TRANS-MISSISSIPPI ISSUE.
This issue is listed and collected as a top or bottom plate block of four or six. Top plate blocks of six in Mint N.H. condition are very rare -- we have offered only two others since 2005. This plate block of eight is the largest Mint N.H. plate number multiple listed in Power Search.
8c Trans-Mississippi (289). Mint N.H. right pane of 50 with imprint and plate no. 643 blocks of six at top and bottom, arrow selvage at right and half-arrows guideline at left, stamps Mint N.H., just a single h.r. in the gummed selvage at right not affecting either plate block, absolutely fresh and pristineFINE-VERY FINE. AN EXTREMELY RARE MINT NEVER-HINGED PANE OF 50 OF THE 8-CENT TRANS-MISSISSIPPI ISSUE. THIS IS THE FIRST WE HAVE OFFERED IN MORE THAN 30 YEARS.
Scott value $27,340.00 as two Mint N.H. plate blocks and singles
8c Trans-Mississippi (289). Mint N.H. top right corner imprint and plate no. 609 block of eight, containing the plate block of six and an additional pair, wonderful depth of color and crisp impressionFINE AND RARE MINT NEVER-HINGED TOP PLATE BLOCK OF EIGHT OF THE 8-CENT TRANS-MISSISSIPPI ISSUE.
This issue is listed and collected as a top or bottom plate block of four or six. Top plate blocks of six in Mint N.H. condition are very rare -- we have offered only two others since 2005. This plate block of eight is the largest Mint N.H. plate number multiple listed in Power Search.
An extraordinary Mint Never-Hinged 8¢ Trans-Mississippi wide top plate blockDESCRIPTION
8¢ Trans-Mississippi (289), Mint N.H. wide top "BUREAU, ENGRAVING & PRINTING" imprint and plate number 609 block of four, gorgeous centering throughout with wide margins on each stamp, deep rich color and detailed impression
PROVENANCE
James H. Gray, Jr., Shreves Philatelic Galleries, 9/30/2005, lot 6, to William H. Gross
CONDITION NOTES
Extremely Fine Gem
SCOTT CATALOGUE VALUE (2019)
$3,400.00
HISTORY AND COMMENTARY
The 8¢ Trans-Mississippi is one of the most difficult denominations of the set to obtain in such superb condition. We have offered only one Mint N.H. top plate number block of six since keeping computerized records. Of the plate blocks of four we have offered, several have issues such as gum wrinkles, or have poor centering. This example is the finest we have ever offered.
8c Trans-Mississippi (289). Mint N.H. wide top imprint and plate no. 609 block of four, rich color, nice margins and centering, right pair with vertical bend which slightly disturbs the gum, small gum wrinkle bottom right stamp -- both of these appear natural, Very Fine centering, with 2013 P.S.E. certificate (F 75; plate blocks unpriced in SMQ)
8c Trans-Mississippi (289). Mint N.H. horizontal block of nine with left selvage, rich color, Fine-Very Fine, an attractive multiple, Scott Retail as singles
8c Trans-Mississippi (289). Mint N.H. top imprint and plate no. 609 block of four, deep rich color, well-centered, light natural gum bend left pair, Very Fine and choice
8c Trans-Mississippi (289). Mint N.H. top imprint and plate no. 609 block of four with wide selvage, deep rich color, centered to bottom, Very Good
8c Trans-Mississippi (289). Mint N.H. horizontal block of nine with left selvage, rich color, fresh and Fine large multiple, Scott Retail as singles