Sale 1034 — The Merlin Collection of Superb United States Stamps
Sale Date — Wednesday-Thursday, 28-29 November, 2012
Category — 1851-56 Issue (Scott 10-17)

EXTREMELY FINE GEM. AN EXCEPTIONALLY BEAUTIFUL USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1855 10-CENT TYPE III. THIS STAMP HAS BEEN AWARDED THE PERFECT GRADE OF GEM 100 BY P.S.E.
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 2003 and 2004 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 (both offered in our recent Kirke sale).