EXTREMELY FINE. A SUPERB MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THIS RARE ROTARY-PRESS WASTE ISSUE. AN EXCEEDINGLY DIFFICULT STAMP TO FIND IN SUCH CONDITION. THIS IS THE FINEST WE HAVE EVER OFFERED.
At the beginning or end of a coil-stamp print run from the 170-subject rotary plates, some leading or trailing paper was left over that was too short for rolling into 500-stamp rolls. In 1919, the Bureau devised a plan to salvage this waste by converting the stamps from coil stamps into sheet stamps. This was accomplished by cutting the sheets into panes and putting the panes through the flat-plate perforator in use at the time, giving the stamps perforations on all sides.
Since Scott 539 was put through two different perforating machines of differing gauges at different times, most of the stamps are off-center. The stamp offered here is a true condition rarity by virtue of its centering, margins and Mint N.H. state.
Ex "Piedmont", "Scarsdale" and "Hanover". With 1968, 1988, 2000 and 2007 P.F. certificates (VF-XF 85). By way of comparison, the highest grade in P.S.E.'s Population Report is 80 (one example).
EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 2-CENT ROTARY WASTE ISSUE, SCOTT 546, WHICH IS GRADED SUPERB 98 BY P.S.E. THIS IS THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED AND ONLY ONE OTHER SHARES IT.
According to Johl (p. 228), Scott 546 was printed on a rotary press and was perforated 11 on all sides, unlike waste issues such as Scott 539, which was perforated 11 on one side and 10 on the other. Collectors and dealers at the time were generally unaware that rotary press stamps had been issued in sheet form with the same perforations as flat plate stamps, so this issue was overlooked and most were either used or destroyed.
Ex "Hanover". With 2011 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98; SMQ $5,250.00). This is the highest grade awarded and only one other shares this desirable grade.
EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE $2.00 CARMINE & BLACK, GRADED SUPERB 98 BY P.S.E.
Ex "Hanover". With 2011 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98; SMQ $2,350.00). Only one grades higher.
EXTREMELY FINE GEM. AN EXCEPTIONAL MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 5-CENT PILGRIM ISSUE, AWARDED THE PERFECT GRADE OF GEM 100 BY P.S.E.
With 2011 P.S.E. certificate (Gem 100; SMQ $4,500.00). Only one grades higher and four others share this grade