Sale 1122 — The Hanover Collection of Superb-Quality U.S. Stamps-Part One
Sale Date — Thursday, 7 April, 2016
Category — 1882 Special Printing and 1881-83 American Bank Note Co. Issues (Scott 205-211B)
5c Gray Brown, Special Printing (205C). Without gum as issued, deep rich color and proof-like impression, almost perfectly centeredEXTREMELY FINE GEM. ONE OF THE FINEST OF THE 21 RECORDED EXAMPLES OF THE 5-CENT GARFIELD 1882 SPECIAL PRINTING.
This elusive Special Printing was the subject of an informative article by William E. Mooz in the Chronicle, February 1992. His research provides strong evidence that the stamps recognized as Scott 205C are a small part of the 2,463 sold as Special Printings through the Third Asst. PMG, and that regular issues were used to fill the backlog of orders for the 5c Garfield.
Our census of Scott 205C (available at http://www.siegelauctions.com/dynamic/census/205C/205C.pdf ) illustrates the 21 recorded examples (only three have faults).
Census No. 205C-UNC-13. Ex "Vineyard" and "Laila". Signed in pencil "SA" (Spencer Anderson). With 1993 and 2004 P.F. and 2009 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $120,000.00). This is the highest grade awarded and it is shared by only one other.
5c Yellow Brown (205). Original gum, lightly hinged, mathematically perfect centering with Jumbo margins, detailed impression, long and full perforationsEXTREMELY FINE GEM. THIS MAGNIFICENT STAMP IS GRADED GEM 100 JUMBO BY P.S.E., WHICH IS THE HIGHEST GRADE POSSIBLE. IT IS THE ONLY EXAMPLE TO ACHIEVE THIS ULTIMATE GRADE.
With 2010 P.S.E. certificate (OGph, Gem 100 Jumbo; unpriced in SMQ above the grade of 100, SMQ $6,000.00 as 100). This is the highest grade possible on the grading chart and it is the only example in any category to receive it.
1c Gray Blue (206). Mint N.H., brilliant color on bright paper, choice centering with wide marginsEXTREMELY FINE MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 1881 ONE-CENT RE-ENGRAVED ISSUE, SCOTT 206.
With 1996 P.F. and 2005 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $2,000.00). This is the highest grade awarded and only seven others share it.
3c Blue Green (207). Mint N.H. with "No." of plate no. at bottom, bright color, perfectly centered with wide margins at top and bottom, pencil notation on back in ungummed part of selvage, Extremely Fine Gem, a superb stamp in every respect, with copy of 1984 P.F. certificate for strip of three and 1999 and 2007 P.F. certificates as singles
6c Rose (208). Original gum, very lightly hinged, bright color, perfectly centered with wide marginsEXTREMELY FINE GEM. THE 1882 RE-ENGRAVED 6-CENT ROSE IS ONE OF THE MOST DIFFICULT ISSUES TO OBTAIN IN SUCH SUPERB CONDITION. A REMARKABLE CONDITION RARITY.
Despite being the major Scott listing, the Rose shade is far rarer than the Brown Red sub-shade, Scott 208a. Power Search located only one Mint N.H. example offered in our sales since 1993, and that is off-center with perfs almost touching the design. We have offered no multiples with Mint N.H. stamps. The online records of the Philatelic Foundation contain only two in Mint N.H. condition, but we doubt they would even grade 90. For the collector who values centering, a hinged copy is all there is. The example offered here, with light hinging and perfect centering, is a true condition rarity.
With 2009 P.S.E. certificate (OGph, Superb 98; SMQ $7,000.00). This is the highest grade awarded and no others share it. P.S.E. has never graded a Mint N.H. copy. This is also the only graded example of this issue we have offered.
10c Brown (209). Mint N.H., rich color and proof-like impression, almost perfectly centered with unusually wide marginsEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 1882 10-CENT RE-ENGRAVED ISSUE IN THE HIGHEST ATTAINABLE CONDITION.
Ex "Scarsdale". With 2004 P.F. certificate.
2c Red Brown (210). Mint N.H., wonderful deep rich color on brilliant paper, choice centering with wide and balanced margins, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2005 P.F. certificate