Sale 1032 — The Nick Kirke Collection of Gem-Quality Used U.S. Stamps
Sale Date — Tuesday-Wednesday, 23-24 October, 2012
Category — 1870-71 National Bank Note Co. Issue, Ungrilled (Scott 145-155)
24c Purple (153). Jumbo margins and choice centering, rich color on bright paper, cork cancelsEXTREMELY FINE GEM. THIS HUGE-MARGINED EXAMPLE OF THE 1870 24-CENT UNGRILLED NATIONAL BANK NOTE COMPANY ISSUE HAS BEEN GRADED XF-SUPERB 95 JUMBO BY P.S.E. THIS IS THE ONLY EXAMPLE AT THIS GRADE, WHICH IS THE HIGHEST AWARDED.
The 24c Bank Note Issue has always been a difficult stamp to find in the highest grades. There often seems to be a tradeoff between centering and color, with many stamps fading over years of handling. There are no examples graded 98 for either the grilled or ungrilled issue, and the highest grade awarded to a grilled stamp is 90. There are 15 examples of the ungrilled issue that have graded 95 but this is the sole example to crack the 95 Jumbo grade.
With 2010 P.F., 1992 and 2008 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95 Jumbo; unpriced in SMQ above the grade of 95, SMQ $1,200.00 as 95).
