Sale 1163 — The Clipper City Collection of Superb U.S. Stamps
Sale Date — Tuesday, 19 September, 2017
Category — 1867-68 Grilled Issue (Scott 79-101)


VERY FINE. A CHOICE SOUND USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1867 2-CENT D GRILL.
This is a surprisingly difficult issue to obtain in sound and centered condition.
Ex Bowman. With 1996 and 2015 P.F. certificates (VF 80)

FRESH AND VERY FINE EXAMPLE OF THE 1868 3-CENT Z GRILL.
Ex Curtis. With 2007 and 2014 P.F. certificates

EXTREMELY FINE USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1868 12-CENT Z GRILL.
Although the 12c is the most common of the Z Grills, it is still extremely scarce compared to other regular-production grilled issues and is very rarely found in sound, centered condition.
With 2006 and 2015 P.F. certificates (VF-XF 85)



EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1868 10-CENT E GRILL. A DIFFICULT STAMP TO FIND WITH SUCH JUMBO MARGINS. THIS IS EASILY ONE OF THE FINEST IN EXISTENCE.
Ex "Natalee Grace". With 2002 P.F. and 2009 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95 Jumbo; SMQ $4,750.00). Only two have been graded higher (both 98J) and only one other shares this grade.





EXTREMELY FINE. A RARE WELL-CENTERED EXAMPLE OF THE 1868 5-CENT F GRILL ON THIN PAPER.
The National Bank Note Co. undoubtedly made various attempts to improve grilling quality and efficiency through modifications in the process. Based on surviving stamps, it appears that one modification involved the use of very thin paper, which probably allowed two or more sheets to be grilled in one pass through the grilling device. The 1c (F), 2c (E and F), 3c (E and F), 5c (F), 10c (F), 12c (F) and 15c (F) are found on this very thin paper. They are scarce, particularly the 5c-15c values.
Ex Merlin. With 2000, 2005 and 2006 P.F. certificates (XF 90). With 1999 and 2007 P.S.E. certificates (XF 90; SMQ $2,350.00 with no premium for the paper variety)



EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A BEAUTIFUL USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1868 15-CENT F GRILL.
Ex Merlin and Curtis. With 2007 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $3,250.00), only two have been graded higher

EXTREMELY FINE GEM. THE 30-CENT 1868 F GRILL IS EXTREMELY RARE WITH SUCH WIDE MARGINS. A PHENOMENAL STAMP.
The 30c 1861-68 Issue stamps -- Scott 71 (to a lesser extent) and Scott 100 -- rank as two of the most difficult classic U.S. stamps to find in such pristine condition. Due to narrow spacing of the plate, the 30c 1861-68's are usually found with tight margins, especially at sides. Brookman notes "Superb copies are almost non-existent".
Ex Haas, Dr. Morris and Bowman. With 1982, 1992 and 2015 P.F. certificates (XF 90)

EXTREMELY FINE. A BEAUTIFUL USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1868 90-CENT F GRILL.
The 90c stamps used to make grilled issues were printed on a thick stock of paper. It is likely that sheets remaining from the pre-grill period were used and that the thinner paper introduced in 1868 was not used for the 90c value. Two characteristics of 90c F Grill stamps are poorly punched perforations and generally poor centering.
Ex Merlin. With 2008 P.S.E. certificate (XF 90; SMQ $4,850.00). Only three have graded higher and only three others share this grade.