Sale 1034 — The Merlin Collection of Superb United States Stamps
Sale Date — Wednesday-Thursday, 28-29 November, 2012
Category — 1857-60 Issue and 1875 Reprint (Scott 18-47)
Lot
Symbol
Photo/Description
Cat./Est. Value
Realized
71
5c Orange Brown, Reprint (42). Without gum as issued, rich color on bright paper, detailed impression, gorgeous centeringEXTREMELY FINE GEM EXAMPLE OF THE 5-CENT 1857 REPRINT. THIS STUNNING STAMP HAS BEEN GRADED XF-SUPERB 95 BY P.S.E., WHICH IS THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED.
As collectors of high-grade stamps know only too well, the 5c 1857 Reprint (878 sold) is notorious for its typically tight margins and poor centering. Before seeing this stamp, we doubted that any example could achieve the coveted XF-Superb 95 grade.
Ex Whitman. With 2011 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $12,600.00). This is the highest grade awarded and the only example to achieve this grade. The next-highest grade is a 90 (one stamp) which was offered in our Sale 967.
1,400
8,000