Sale 1032 — The Nick Kirke Collection of Gem-Quality Used U.S. Stamps
Sale Date — Tuesday-Wednesday, 23-24 October, 2012
Category — 1894-98 Bureau Issues, Watermarked and Color Change (Scott 264-284)
1c Blue (264). Jumbo margins and precise centering, deep rich color on fresh paper, long and full perforations all around, neat machine cancel, Extremely Fine Gem, a superb stamp in every respect, with 2011 P.F. and 2009 P.S.E. certificates (Superb 98 Jumbo; SMQ $425.00 as 98, unpriced in higher grades), this is the only example to achieve this impressive grade with none higher
2c Carmine, Ty. I (265). Jumbo perfectly balanced margins, vivid color on fresh paper, neat machine cancel, Extremely Fine Gem, a superb stamp, with 2011 P.F. and 2007 P.S.E. certificates (Superb 98 Jumbo; SMQ $800.00 as 98, unpriced in higher grades), this is the only used example to be awarded this lofty grade with none higher, a statistic that has not changed in five years
2c Carmine, Ty. III (267). Mathematically balanced wide margins, vibrant color on crisp paper, neat machine cancel, Extremely Fine Gem, an astounding stamp which has been awarded the perfect grade of Gem 100, with 2011 P.F. and 2009 P.S.E. certificates (Gem 100; unpriced in SMQ above the grade of 98, SMQ $375.00 as 98), this is the only example to receive this desirable grade with none higher
2c Pink, Ty. III (267a). Vivid color in this unmistakable shade, balanced margins, crisp impression on fresh paper, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2011 P.F. and 2008 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $200.00), this single example has the highest grade awarded
4c Dark Brown (269). Beautifully balanced wide margins, rich color, mostly face-free strike of town datestamp, Extremely Fine Gem, rare in this superb condition, with 2011 P.F. and 2010 P.S.E. certificates (Superb 98; SMQ $950.00), this is one of only two stamps to achieve a 98 which is the highest grade awarded
5c Chocolate (270). Unusually choice centering with wide and balanced margins, rich color and proof-like impression, neat strike of circular datestamp cancel, Extremely Fine Gem, a superb stamp in every respect, ex Dauer, with 2010 P.F. and 2008 P.S.E. certificates (Superb 98; SMQ $880.00), only one example has graded higher (at 98J) and this is one of only two graded 98
6c Dull Brown (271). Perfectly centered with Jumbo margins, deep rich color on bright white paper, neat strike of Philadelphia oval cancelEXTREMELY FINE GEM. THIS OUTSTANDING EXAMPLE OF THE 6-CENT 1895 WATERMARKED BUREAU ISSUE HAS BEEN GRADED SUPERB 98 JUMBO BY P.S.E. NO OTHER USED EXAMPLE OF THIS ISSUE HAS EXCEEDED A 95 GRADE.
With 2011 P.F. and 2010 P.S.E. certificates (Superb 98 Jumbo; unpriced above the grade of 98, SMQ $1,050.00 as 98). This is the highest grade awarded for a 6c Watermarked stamp in any condition category. The next highest grade for a used stamp is 95.
6c Dull Brown, USIR Watermark (271a). Clear "I" watermark, better centering than usually seen on this difficult issue, rich color, oval grid cancel, completely soundVERY FINE. A RARE EXAMPLE OF THE 6-CENT 1895 "USIR" WATERMARK ERROR. ONLY 27 ARE KNOWN TO US.
The "USIR" (United States Internal Revenue) watermark error occurred when a supply of paper reserved for revenue stamp production was used for printing the 6c and 8c postage stamps. Our updated census of this issue, published at http://www.siegelauctions.com/dynamic/census/271a/271a.pdf , records only 24 used copies certified as genuine by the Philatelic Foundation, plus three uncertified copies. Fifteen of those certified do not specify which letter is present. The other twelve are split exactly equally between the "I" and "R" of the watermark. Many examples have perfs either close or touching the design.
Census No. 271a-CAN-05. With 1994 and 2010 P.F. certificates. With 2010 P.S.E. certificate (Fine 70; SMQ $6,750.00)
8c Violet Brown (272). Deep rich color and proof-like impression, mathematically perfect centering with wide margins, neat strike of cancel, Extremely Fine Gem, a phenomenal stamp, with 2010 P.F. and 2008 P.S.E. certificates (Gem 100; unpriced in SMQ above the grade of 98, SMQ $380.00 as 98), this is the highest grade awarded and one of only two to achieve this grade
8c Violet Brown, USIR Watermark (272a). Showing clear "R" of "USIR" watermark, choice centering with well-proportioned margins, deep rich color, light cancel, Extremely Fine, a beautiful example of this error, the "USIR" (United States Internal Revenue) watermark error occurred when a supply of paper reserved for revenue stamp production was used for printing the 6c and 8c postage stamps, there are approximately 75 known of the 8c, but many are either off-center or have flaws, with 2002 and 2006 P.F. certificates (XF 90) and 2007 P.S.E. certificate (VF-XF 85; SMQ $1,100.00)
10c Dark Green (273). Flawless centering with wide margins, deep rich color on fresh paper, light strike of target cancel enhances the appearance, Extremely Fine Gem, very difficult to find in this superior quality, with 2008 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98; SMQ $720.00), only three other used examples share this grade and none has graded higher
15c Indigo (274). Beautifully centered with wide margins, intense shade and impression, unobtrusive strike of registry oval cancel, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2011 P.F. (as Indigo) and 2005 P.S.E. (as Dark Blue) certificates (Superb 98; SMQ $1,450.00), only one has graded higher (at 98J) and only one other shares this grade
50c Orange (275). Vivid color, essentially perfect centering with wide margins, neat strike of "Lynn Mass." double oval cancelEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB USED EXAMPLE OF THE 50-CENT 1895 WATERMARKED BUREAU ISSUE GRADED SUPERB 98 BY P.S.E.
With 2011 P.F. and 2008 P.S.E. certificates (Superb 98; SMQ $2,000.00). This is the highest grade awarded and this stamp is the only example to achieve it
50c Red Orange (275a). Fiery color, crisp impression, beautiful centering with well-balanced margins, light New York registry oval cancel, Extremely Fine Gem, a lovely and fresh stamp, with 2004 P.F. certificate as No. 275, with 2003 and 2005 P.S.E. certificates as 275a (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $900.00), this is the highest grade awarded and only two others share this grade
$1.00 Black, Ty. I (276). Perfectly centered with wide margins, intense shade on bright white paper, unobtrusive cancel leaves design clearly visibleEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A MAGNIFICENT USED EXAMPLE OF THE $1.00 TYPE I WATERMARKED 1895 BUREAU ISSUE, WHICH HAS BEEN AWARDED THE GRADE OF SUPERB 98 BY P.S.E. -- EASILY ONE OF THE FINEST COPIES IN EXISTENCE.
The dollar-value Bureaus 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 Type I 1895 Issue offered here is extraordinary not only for its precise centering and wide margins, but the lightly-struck cancel leaves the entire design visible.
With 2011 P.F. and 2007 P.S.E. certificates (Superb 98; SMQ $2,500.00). This is the highest grade awarded and only one other shares this lofty grade -- a statistic that has not changed in four years
$1.00 Black, Ty. II (276A). Wide margins and choice centering, detailed impression on crisp paper, light face-free cancel leaves entire design visible, Extremely Fine Gem, a superb stamp in every respect, with 2000 P.F. and 2005 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $1,350.00), this is the highest grade awarded and only five others share this grade, neither the unwatermarked nor watermarked $1.00 Ty. II 1894-95 Bureau Issues has achieved a grade higher than 95
$2.00 Bright Blue (277). Gorgeous color, precise centering with wide margins, fresh paper, lightly cancelledEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SPECTACULAR USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1895 $2.00 WATERMARKED ISSUE.
The $2.00 Watermarked issue (Scott 277) was issued in significantly greater quantities than its unwatermarked counterpart (10,027 of Scott 262 versus 31,720 of Scott 277). However, the watermarked $2.00 is almost as difficult to find in superbly centered used condition with an attractive cancel. The P.S.E. Population Report lists seven examples graded XF-90 or above of No. 262 and only eight of No. 277.
With 2011 P.F. and 2007 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $2,650.00). Only one has graded higher (at 98) and only three others share this grade.
$2.00 Dark Blue (277a). Precise centering, proof-like impression on bright white paper, deep rich color easily discernible from the standard Blue, neat registry oval cancel, Extremely Fine Gem, a beautiful stamp, with 2002 P.F. and 2005 P.S.E. certificates (XF 90; SMQ $1,000.00), this is the highest grade awarded to the Dark Blue No. 277a and only three others share this grade (the next highest grade is a 50), this shade only comes on the watermarked issue
$5.00 Dark Green (278). Choice margins and precise centering, deep rich color on fresh paper, unusually light registry oval cancelEXTREMELY FINE GEM. THE 1895 BUREAU DOLLAR VALUES ARE EXCEEDINGLY DIFFICULT TO FIND IN THIS ULTRA-HIGH GRADE, ESPECIALLY WITH A LIGHT CANCELLATION. THIS SPECTACULAR STAMP HAS BEEN GRADED SUPERB 98 BY P.S.E. -- THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED.
The $5.00 stamps were generally used on heavy parcels or high-value registered covers that were usually discarded, and the high-denomination stamps were typically heavily cancelled. The stamp offered here, cancelled by a registry oval, with perfect centering and in pristine condition, is truly remarkable.
With 2011 P.F. and 2006 P.S.E. certificates (Superb 98; SMQ $10,700.00). This is the highest grade awarded and it is shared by only two other stamps
1c Deep Green (279). Essentially perfect centering with Jumbo margins, bright color, neat machine cancel, Extremely Fine Gem, a huge and striking stamp, with 2011 P.F. and 2007 P.S.E. certificates (Superb 98 Jumbo; SMQ $320.00 as 98, unpriced in higher grade), only one example has exceeded a 98J grade and only two others share this grade
1c Deep Green, Vertical Watermark (279a). Full letter "S" of watermark in clear vertical orientation, exceptional centering with wide margins, vivid color on bright paper, Extremely Fine Gem, a superb example of this variety which was produced in error, with 2007 P.F. (XF 90) and 2011 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95; unpriced in SMQ), this is the only used example of Scott 279a listed in the P.S.E. Population Report, extrapolating from the Scott Retail value of this stamp, which is 15-times that of the regular Horizontal Watermark issue ($7.50 for Scott 279a versus $0.50 for Scott 279), the SMQ value of this stamp were it listed would logically be a large multiple of the $95.00 listed for a Scott 279 graded 95
2c Red, Ty. IV (279B). Bright color, wide margins with perfect centering, face-free cancel, Extremely Fine Gem, a superb stamp, with 2011 P.F. and 2007 P.S.E. certificates (Superb 98; SMQ $475.00), this is sole example graded 98 and the highest graded stamp for Scott 279B in any condition category
2c Carmine, Ty. IV (279Bf). Bright color, wide margins with almost mathematically perfect centering, neat machine cancel, Extremely Fine Gem, a superb stamp, with 2011 P.F. (as Scott 279Bf var. Reddish Carmine) and 2009 P.S.E. certificates (Superb 98; SMQ $575.00), this is sole example graded 98 and the highest graded stamp for Scott 279Bf in any condition category
4c Rose Brown, Lilac Brown, Orange Brown (280, 280a, 280b). Each with wide and beautifully balanced margins, neat cancels, the first particularly lightly struck, Extremely Fine Gems, all with 2011 P.F. certificates and 2008-2009 P.S.E. certificates, No. 280 XF-Superb 95, No. 280a XF 90, No. 280b XF-Superb 95, total SMQ $725.00, 95 is the highest grade awarded for both 280 and 280b
5c Dark Blue (281). Deep rich color and sharp proof-like impression, exceptional well-centered, light completely face-free cancel, Extremely Fine Gem, a superb stamp in every respect, with 2011 P.F. and 2008 P.S.E. certificates (Superb 98; SMQ $725.00), this is the highest grade awarded and only two others share this grade
6c Lake (282). Outstanding rich color, well proportioned margins, neat strike of registry oval cancel, Extremely Fine Gem, this issue is exceedingly difficult to find in superb used condition, with 2011 P.F. (as Lake) and 2007 P.S.E. (as Claret) certificates (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $350.00), this is the only example to achieve this grade with none higher, there is not even another example graded higher than 85J for either Scott 282 or 282a
10c Brown, Ty. I (282C). Gorgeous centering with unusually wide and balanced margins for this difficult issue, rich color and detailed impression, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2011 P.F. and 2007 P.S.E. certificates (Superb 98; SMQ $1,300.00), this is the highest grade awarded and only two others share this grade
10c Orange Brown, Ty. II (283). Incredibly wide and perfectly balanced margins, bright color with a striking purple 5-point Star within Star cancel, bright paperEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A TRULY RARE STAMP COMBINING PERFECT CENTERING, VIVID COLOR AND A SPECTACULAR FANCY CANCEL.
With 2008 P.S.E. certificate as a "blue" star which it is not (Superb 98; SMQ $960.00 as ordinary cancel), this is the highest graded example and one of only two 98's in the P.S.E. Population Report. We are confident in saying that we have encountered no other used example of this issue that is the equal to this spectacular stamp
10c Orange Brown, Ty. II, Vertical Watermark (283a). Beautifully centered with wide margins, vivid color, circular cancel, Extremely Fine Gem example of this overlooked watermark variety, seldom offered and impossible to find in superb used condition, with 2011 P.F. and 2009 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $450.00), we do not know why this issue is priced at only 1.5x the normal Horizontal Watermark issue in SMQ, as there are five stamps of Scott 283 that grade 95 or better and only this single example of 283a at 95, Scott Retail for 283a is also double that for 283
15c Olive Green (284). Brilliant color on bright white paper, choice centering with wide margins, neat strike of oval cancel, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2011 P.F. and 2007 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $375.00), only one has graded higher (at 98) and only two others share this grade