Sale 1227 — Outstanding United States Stamps and Gold Coins
Sale Date — Monday-Friday, 19-23 October, 2020
Category — Air Post












EXTREMELY FINE GEM. THIS STUNNING MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF SCOTT C5 HAS ACHIEVED THE PERFECT P.S.E. GRADE OF GEM 100 -- THE HIGHEST AWARDED.
The first two series of United States Air Post issues, Scott C1-C6, are among the most recognizable U.S. stamps. They were printed in relatively small quantities compared to later issues -- Scott C5 saw just over 5.3 million stamps issued, versus over 42 million for Scott C7. C5 is also one of the most difficult of the series to obtain in such a high grade, based on Population Report numbers.
With 2020 P.S.E. certificate (Gem 100; SMQ $3,900.00). This is the highest grade awarded and it is shared by only one other. Despite the other example realizing $8,500 hammer in our Sale 1166, the SMQ value then and now is the same


















VERY FINE AND CHOICE. A BEAUTIFUL MINT NEVER-HINGED SET OF PLATE BLOCKS OF THE GRAF ZEPPELIN ISSUE.
These are particularly desirable from the top and bottom positions


VERY FINE. A BEAUTIFUL AND SCARCE SET OF MINT NEVER-HINGED PLATE BLOCKS OF THE GRAF ZEPPELIN ISSUE FROM THE PREMIUM TOP POSITIONS.
These are particularly desirable from the top positions. Most sets are either sides or a mix of tops and bottoms
























EXTREMELY FINE GEM. THIS GORGEOUS STAMP IS GRADED GEM 100 BY P.S.E. -- A TRULY BEAUTIFUL STAMP.
P.S.E. has graded more than 1,200 original gum Scott C15's. Out of all of these stamps only three grade Gem 100 (one other hinged and one Mint N.H.), and only one grades Gem 100 Jumbo (Mint N.H.). For a collector who values centering above all else this stamp should not be overlooked.
P.S.E. encapsulated (OGph, Gem 100; SMQ $1,750.00).







VERY FINE. A RARE TETE-BECHE PAIR OF THE BUFFALO BALLOON STAMP WITH TYPES I AND II.
The Buffalo Balloon stamp, designed by John F. B. Lillard and engraved by John H. Snively, was printed by Wheeler Brothers Printers in Nashville, Tenn. The stamps were intended for use on a balloon flight from Nashville to Gallatin Tenn., which took place on June 18, 1877. Of the 300 that were printed, only 23 were used.
Approximately one dozen tete-beche pairs have been certified as genuine by The Philatelic Foundation. The Schoendorf pamphlet lists nine, which are mostly a combination of Types II and III. Type I is the earliest state, with no discernible printing flaws.