Sale 951 — The Tahoe Collection of Superb Used U.S. Stamps
Sale Date — Wednesday, 27 February, 2008
Category — Trans-Mississippi Issue
10c Trans-Mississippi (290). Perfectly centered with wide and balanced margins, deep rich color, sharp proof-like impression, neat machine cancel, Extremely Fine Gem, a superb stamp in every respect and surprisingly difficult to find in such choice condition, with 2003 P.F. and 2008 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $380.00), this is the highest grade awarded to date, and only five others share this grade
$1.00 Trans-Mississippi (292). Perfectly centered with unusually wide and balanced margins on all sides, deep shade and proof-like impressions which shows every nuance of the detailed engraving, clear and unobtrusive strike of "Baltimore Md. Reg." oval registry cancel, full perforations all aroundEXTREMELY FINE GEM. WITHOUT QUESTION ONE OF THE FINEST USED EXAMPLES OF THE $1.00 TRANS-MISSISSIPPI ISSUE IN EXISTENCE. THIS STAMP HAS BEEN AWARDED THE LOFTY GRADE OF SUPERB 98 BY P.S.E. -- THIS IS THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED TO DATE, AND THIS STAMP IS THE ONLY EXAMPLE TO ACHIEVE THIS GRADE.
The dollar-value Trans-Mississippi stamps are rarely found with centering that would qualify for a high numerical grade, but in used condition they are further handicapped by heavy registry cancels, which almost invariably knock points off the final grade. The $1.00 offered here is extraordinary not only for its precise centering and wide margins, but the clearly-struck cancel leaves the entire design visible.
With 2007 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98; SMQ $7,800.00). This is the highest grade awarded to date, and this is the only stamp to achieve this grade.