Sale 1219 — The Edward Morton Collection of Outstanding Quality U.S. Stamps
Sale Date — Wednesday-Thursday, 8-9 April, 2020
Category — 1875 Re-Issue of 1869 Pictorial Issue (Scott 123-133a)
3c Blue, Re-Issue (125). Bright shade and proof-like impression, remarkably well-centered, natural straight edge at left, used with 2c Brown, Re-Issue (124), rich color, both stamps tied by "New York A Mar. 18 4 PM" 1884 duplex datestamp and "A" oval grid on piece of 4c Green entire (U255), stamps lifted and hinged in place, the piece itself has an internal scuff and tear that has been mended with archival tape, not affecting the stamps which are soundVERY FINE. AN EXTREMELY RARE DATED PIECE BEARING THE 3-CENT 1869 PICTORIAL RE-ISSUE. ONLY ONE COVER IS KNOWN TO EXIST.
The 3c 1869 Re-Issue is extremely rare in used condition. Our census of Scott 125 in used condition, available at http://siegelauctions.com/census/us/scott/125, contains only 16 copies, including this example on piece and one on the Caspary cover, which realized $115,000 hammer in a 2016 Spink auction. Although at least one other off-cover stamp shows an earlier date (same New York duplex dated "Mar 10"), this piece is the only example known to us that has a clearly-defined year date. It is arguably the EDU of the 3c 1869 Re-Issue.
Census No. 125-CAN-PCE-14. Ex Coulter and Collier. With 1975 P.F. certificate. Scott Catalogue notes "Very few authenticated sound used copies of No. 125 are recorded. The used value is for an attractive fine to very fine example with minimal faults" (our emphasis)
