Sale 1122 — The Hanover Collection of Superb-Quality U.S. Stamps-Part One
Sale Date — Thursday, 7 April, 2016
Category — 1897-1903 Change of Colors (Scott 279-284)
2c Rose Carmine, Ty. IV (279Bc). Mint N.H., vibrant color, choice centering with wide margins, long and full perforationsEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A GORGEOUS MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 1898 2-CENT TYPE IV IN THE ROSE CARMINE SHADE. A DIFFICULT ISSUE TO FIND IN SUCH SUPERB CONDITION.
The Type IV Rose Carmine offered here should not be confused with its more common brethren. 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."
Ex Gorham. With 1999 and 2006 P.F. certificates (XF-Superb 95). This is the highest grade awarded by the P.F. and none share it. By way of comparison, only one has graded higher at P.S.E. and only one shares this grade.
4c Lilac Brown (280a). Mint N.H., pretty shade, wide marginsEXTREMELY FINE. THIS GORGEOUS STAMP IS GRADED SUPERB 98 BY P.S.E. -- THIS IS THE HIGHEST GRADE ON RECORD AND THE ONLY EXAMPLE TO ACHIEVE IT.
With 2010 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98; SMQ $3,500.00). This is the highest grade awarded and the only example to achieve this grade.
5c Dark Blue (281). Mint N.H., intense shade and impression, beautiful centering with unusually wide margins, Extremely Fine Gem, a superb stamp in every respect, ex "Scarsdale", with 1986 and 2000 P.F. and 2004 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $1,250.00), only four have graded higher (one 98J and three 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 IS GRADED GEM 100 BY P.S.E. -- THIS IS BY FAR THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED AND THE ONLY STAMP TO ACHIEVE IT.
With 2008 P.S.E. certificate (Gem 100; SMQ $9,100.00). As an indication of how rare the 6c 1898 is in higher grades, the next-highest grade awarded is a 95, and only three stamps in any condition (used, hinged etc.) have graded higher than a 95 (two used, both 98 and the 100 graded stamp offered here)
10c Brown, Ty. I (282C). Mint N.H. with bottom selvage, radiant color, perfectly centered with Jumbo marginsEXTREMELY FINE. A BEAUTIFUL MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 1898 10-CENT BROWN TYPE I ISSUE. THIS STAMP IS GRADED XF-SUPERB 95 BY P.S.E. -- ONLY ONE IS GRADED HIGHER AND NO OTHERS SHARE THIS GRADE.
The 10c was changed from Green (Scott No. 273) to Brown because the 1c denomination (Scott No. 279) was changed to Green to meet the UPU color scheme.
With 2009 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95 Jumbo; SMQ $7,000.00). Only one has graded higher (at 98) and none share this grade. This is the highest graded example in Mint N.H. condition we have ever offered in one of our auctions.
10c Orange Brown, Ty. II (283). Mint N.H. with wide top selvage, radiant color, perfectly centered with wide marginsEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A MAGNIFICENT MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 10-CENT TYPE II 1898 ISSUE. THIS AMAZING STAMP IS GRADED SUPERB 98 BY P.S.E. -- THIS IS THE HIGHEST GRADE ON RECORD, SHARED BY ONLY ONE OTHER STAMP.
With 2012 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98; SMQ $14,000.00). This is the highest graded and one of only two to achieve this grade. The next-highest is a single copy at 95. The other 98 was offered in our 2007 Rarities sale where it realized $15,500 versus $15,200 SMQ at the time. The other example does not have the sheet selvage.
15c Olive Green (284). Mint N.H., intense shade and detailed impression, well-centered with wide and balanced marginsEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 1898 15-CENT OLIVE GREEN. THIS STAMP IS GRADED XF-SUPERB 95 BY P.S.E. -- ONLY ONE HAS GRADED HIGHER.
Ex Dr. Killien. With 1995 P.F. and 2006 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $4,500.00). Only one has graded higher (at 98, realized $13,500 hammer in our Merlin sale) and only three others share this grade. This is the first in this grade we have offered.