Sale 1032 — The Nick Kirke Collection of Gem-Quality Used U.S. Stamps
Sale Date — Tuesday-Wednesday, 23-24 October, 2012
Category — 5c-12c 1851-56 Issue (Scott 12-17)

EXTREMELY FINE GEM. THIS SPECTACULAR USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1855 10-CENT TYPE III HAS ACHIEVED THE PERFECT GRADE OF GEM 100. A TRULY SUPERB STAMP IN ALL RESPECTS.
The 10c Type III is defined by its incomplete bottom plumes and breaks in the circles at top. While the subjects on the 10c Plate 1 were spaced further apart than on other plates from the 1851-57 Issues, finding a true Gem 100 grade is still exceedingly difficult. There are no other used 100's recorded in the P.S.E. Population Report even for the Type II (Scott 14) which is of approximately equal availability to the Type III.
With 2010 P.F. and 2008 P.S.E. certificates (Gem 100; unpriced in SMQ above the grade of 98, SMQ $1,300.00 as 98). Only two other used Type III's share this grade (including the stamp offered in lot 3050) and none has graded higher