Sale 1032 — The Nick Kirke Collection of Gem-Quality Used U.S. Stamps
Sale Date — Tuesday-Wednesday, 23-24 October, 2012
Category — 1870-71 National Bank Note Co. Issue, Ungrilled (Scott 145-155)





EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SPECTACULAR USED EXAMPLE OF THE 6-CENT 1870 NATIONAL BANK NOTE COMPANY ISSUE WHICH HAS ACHIEVED THE ULTIMATE GRADE OF GEM 100 JUMBO FROM P.S.E.
With 2010 P.F. and 2004 P.S.E. certificates (Gem 100 Jumbo; unpriced in SMQ above the grade of 98, SMQ $1,000.00 as 98). This is the only example to achieve this perfect grade. The next highest used example in the P.S.E. Population Report is a 95J.

EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1870 7-CENT UNGRILLED NATIONAL BANK NOTE COMPANY ISSUE, WHICH HAS BEEN GRADED SUPERB 98 JUMBO BY P.S.E.
With 1987 P.F. and 2007 P.S.E. certificates (Superb 98 Jumbo; unpriced in SMQ above the grade of 98, SMQ $1,525.00 as 98). Only one stamp has graded higher and only one other shares this grade. Among the small handful of superb graded examples, the NYFM cancel makes this a particularly desirable example





EXTREMELY FINE GEM. THIS HUGE-MARGINED EXAMPLE OF THE 1870 24-CENT UNGRILLED NATIONAL BANK NOTE COMPANY ISSUE HAS BEEN GRADED XF-SUPERB 95 JUMBO BY P.S.E. THIS IS THE ONLY EXAMPLE AT THIS GRADE, WHICH IS THE HIGHEST AWARDED.
The 24c Bank Note Issue has always been a difficult stamp to find in the highest grades. There often seems to be a tradeoff between centering and color, with many stamps fading over years of handling. There are no examples graded 98 for either the grilled or ungrilled issue, and the highest grade awarded to a grilled stamp is 90. There are 15 examples of the ungrilled issue that have graded 95 but this is the sole example to crack the 95 Jumbo grade.
With 2010 P.F., 1992 and 2008 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95 Jumbo; unpriced in SMQ above the grade of 95, SMQ $1,200.00 as 95).








EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A STRIKING USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1870 30-CENT UNGRILLED NATIONAL BANK NOTE COMPANY ISSUE IN THE FRESHEST STATE OF PRESERVATION. THIS STAMP HAS BEEN GRADED SUPERB 98 BY P.S.E., WHICH IS THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED.
With 2010 P.F. and 2007 P.S.E. certificates (Superb 98; SMQ $5,200.00). Since this stamp was submitted to P.S.E. five years ago, it has remained the highest graded example with no equals.

EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A STUNNING JUMBO-MARGINED EXAMPLE OF THE 1870 30-CENT UNGRILLED NATIONAL BANK NOTE COMPANY ISSUE WITH A NEW YORK FOREIGN MAIL CANCELLATION.
With 2001 P.F. and 2008 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95 Jumbo; SMQ $1,950.00 as 95, $5,200.00 as 98). Only the stamp offered in the previous lot has graded higher and this is one of only three to achieve the 95J grade.

EXTREMELY FINE GEM. THIS SUPERB USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1870 90-CENT UNGRILLED NATIONAL BANK NOTE COMPANY ISSUE IS THE FIRST TO BE AWARDED THE GRADE OF SUPERB 98 -- WHICH IS THE HIGHEST AWARDED BY P.S.E..
This stunning stamp exhibits all of the Ashbrook three C's -- exceptional color, beautiful cancel, and choice centering. It has remained the sole example of either the Grilled or Ungrilled National Bank Note Co. Issue to achieve a 98 grade since it was submitted to P.S.E. seven years ago.
With 2004 P.F. and 2005 P.S.E. certificates (Superb 98; SMQ $6,300.00)

EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A BEAUTIFUL USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1870 90-CENT UNGRILLED NATIONAL BANK NOTE COMPANY ISSUE.
With 2010 P.F. and P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $2,500.00). Only the example offered in the previous lot has graded higher and only five others share this grade