Sale 967 — Important and Superb United States Stamps
Sale Date — Tuesday-Friday, 16-19 December, 2008
Category — 1897-1903 Change of Colors (Scott 279-284)
1c Deep Green (279). Mint N.H., wide margins and precise centering, magnificent color and impression, Extremely Fine Gem, simply phenomenal, with 2008 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98; SMQ $1,750.00)
2c Rose Carmine, Ty. IV (279Bc). Mint N.H., radiant color as fresh as the day it was printed, crisp paper, perfectly centered with unusually wide margins all around, long and full perforationsEXTREMELY FINE GEM. THIS MAGNIFICENT MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 1898 2-CENT TYPE IV ROSE CARMINE HAS BEEN GRADED GEM 100 BY P.S.E. -- THIS IS BY FAR THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED TO DATE. A SUPERB STAMP IN EVERY RESPECT AND WITHOUT QUESTION THE FINEST IN EXISTENCE.
The Rose Carmine shade (offered here) should not be confused with its more common brethren in the more readily available shades. According to Brookman, "The really scarce shade of the 1898 2c is the Rose Carmine. It is a shade not too unlike the Pink of the 1861 Series except that it is considerably darker."
With 2007 P.S.E. certificate (Gem 100; unpriced in SMQ above the grade of 98, SMQ $33,000.00 as 98)
6c Lake (282). Mint N.H. with selvage at top, brilliant color, sharp proof-like impression on bright paper, long and full perforations all around, mathematically perfect centeringEXTREMELY FINE GEM. THIS SUPERB STAMP HAS BEEN AWARDED THE GRADE OF GEM 100 BY P.S.E. -- THIS IS BY FAR THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED TO DATE AND IT IS THE ONLY EXAMPLE TO ACHIEVE THIS GRADE.
With 2008 P.S.E. certificate (Gem 100; unpriced in SMQ above the grade of 98, SMQ $5,600.00 as 98). As an indication of how rare the 6c 1898 is in higher grades, the next-highest grade awarded to date is a 95, and no stamp in any condition (used, hinged etc.) has graded higher than a 95 to date, with the exception of the stamp offered here.
4c Rose Brown (280). Mint N.H., wider margins than typically seen, well-centered and with bright color, Extremely Fine, with 1998 P.F. and 2004 P.S.E. certificates (XF 90; SMQ $340.00)
5c Dark Blue (281). Mint N.H., magnificent wide margins of near Jumbo proportions and with impeccable centering, wonderful depth of color on crisp white paper, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2008 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $1,200.00), particularly pleasing and desirable example of the 5c 1898 Issue
10c Orange Brown, Ty. II (283). Original gum, barely hinged, excellent color, Very Fine and choice, with 2008 P.S.E. certificate (OGph, VF-XF 85; SMQ $225.00)
15c Olive Green (284). Original gum, lightly hinged, incredibly wide margins of Jumbo proportions, perfectly centered as well, rich color and fine impression, Extremely Fine Gem, matchless quality, with 2008 P.S.E. certificate (OGph, Superb 98; SMQ $1,400.00), according to the P.S.E. Population Report this is the only example to have achieved this lofty grade with none higher
15c Olive Green (284). Mint N.H. with part imprint selvage at bottom, beautiful color, Very Fine and choice, with 2008 P.S.E. certificate (VF-XF 85; SMQ $970.00)
15c Olive Green (284). Block of four, original gum, lightly hinged, rich color, Fine-Very Fine, with 2008 P.F. certificate