Sale 1367 — United States Stamps
Sale Date — Tuesday-Thursday, 9-11 December, 2025
Category — 1845-60 Issues (Scott 9X1-39)
New York N.Y., 5c Washington, Essays, Proofs and Trial Color Proofs (9X1-E, 9X1P, 9X1TC). 14 items mounted on an album page, a few are vignette-only large die essays from the 9X1-E dual design, also trial color proofs in five different colors including one larger size, a couple plate proofs from the sheet of nine as well as a forgery, finally a letter signed by N.Y. Postmaster Robert H. Morris, Very Fine group, two certificates accompany, from the Nathanael Greene collection
New York N.Y., 5c Black, Without Signature (9X1e). Full margins to barely touched at lower left, face-free part strike of red "PAID" in arc cancel, Fine, from the Nathanael Greene collection, with 2024 P.S.E. certificate
(Image Magnifier)5c Deep Red Brown (1 var). With stitch watermark at bottom, exceptionally deep rich color and proof-like early impression, large to huge margins, light face-free strike of red New York datestamp with numeral "12" date
EXTREMELY FINE GEM USED EXAMPLE OF THE 5-CENT 1847 ISSUE IN THE DEEP RED BROWN SHADE—a magnificent early impression FROM THE FIRST PRINTING.
In recent years we have been specifying the state of the impression of 5c 1847s: early, intermediate, worn-plate and cleaned-plate. The 5c plate underwent significant wear due to the nature of inks used, and stamps can vary dramatically based not only on color but also on impression. The plate was also cleaned and some positions were re-entered. The grading services do not take impression into account when assigning numerical grades, but when it comes to eye appeal, we believe impression is of equal importance to margin size. This 5c stamp is in a Deep Red Brown shade from an early impression during the first printing. Its large even margins and light red datestamp cancel enhance its superb condition.
From the Nathanael Greene collection. Ex Gorham. With 2004 and 2022 P.F. certificates. SCV $425 is irrelevant.
5c Orange Brown (1b). Remarkably bright shade and distinctive impression from the cleaned plate, showing "soft" background lines and restored detail in vignette, large margins all around including part of adjoining stamp at bottom, neat blue Troy N.Y. circular datestamp which is struck in a position that leaves Franklin's head unobscured
EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A BEAUTIFUL EXAMPLE OF THE 5-CENT 1847 ISSUE in the ORANGE BROWN shade, WITH AN ESSENTIALLY FACE-FREE CANCEL AND FROM THE CLEANED PLATE — THIS 1850 PRINTING AND SHADE ARE UNLIKE THE 1849 ORANGE BROWN IMPRESSIONS FROM THE WORN PLATE. THIS GEM IS GRADED XF-SUPERB 95 XQ BY THE PHILATELIC FOUNDATION.
As discussed in lot 3, the 1847 5c plate underwent significant wear during its life due to the inks used to print the stamps. The plate was cleaned in 1850, restoring much of the detail that had been lost over time. This Extremely Fine Gem example of the 1850 Orange Brown shade from the cleaned plate is unlike the earlier Orange Brown shade or impressions from the worn plate. The unobtrusive cancel, which avoids Franklin's face, adds to the tremendous eye appeal of this stamp.
From the Nathanael Greene collection. Ex Koppersmith, Saadi and Gross. With 1986, 1991 and 2020 P.F. certificates (XF-Superb 95 XQ). The "XQ" stands for "Extraordinary Quality". Only three examples grade higher at the P.F. (two at 98 and one at 98J, we have never offered them). By way of comparison, 95 is the is the highest grade awarded by P.S.E.
1c Blue, Ty. II, Plate 3 (7). Positions 84/94L3, vertical pair from the 9th and 10th rows, original gum, large even margins, marvelous intense Prussian Blue shade, early impression showing numerous fine cracks and other plate marks for these two positions, bright and fresh paper
EXTREMELY FINE GEM PAIR. THIS MAGNIFICENT PAIR IS ONE OF THE FINEST PIECES EXTANT FROM THE SHORT-LIVED 1851 ONE-CENT PLATE 3. HOWEVER, FOR MANY YEARS THIS PAIR WAS MISATTRIBUTED TO PLATE 2. IN 1998 JEROME S. WAGSHAL CORRECTLY IDENTIFIED THE PLATE POSITIONS AS 84L AND 94L ON PLATE 3.
According to Ashbrook and Neinken, Plate 3 is believed to have been made in March or April 1856, possibly to replace the defective Plate 2 and/or to meet the increased demand for stamps concurrent with the April 1855 change in postal regulations requiring prepayment of postage. For an unknown reason—possibly a severe defect that arose in the plate—very few stamps were printed from the new Plate 3 before it was retired. All positions on Plate 3 are Type II and were entered from the same T-A-B Relief roller used for Plates 1 and 2. Plate 3 stamps bear a close resemblance to those from Plate 2. Surviving Plate 3 examples are rare, and unused examples or multiples of any kind are exceedingly rare.
This superb pair was described as a Plate 2 impression in auctions of the collections formed by Caspary, Hetherington and Klein, and it was certified as a Plate 2 pair by The Philatelic Foundation in 1957. It was offered in a 1998 Shreve sale, described again as a Plate 2 printing, and was acquired by Jerry Wagshal, who successfully plated the pair to Positions 84/94L3. Thus, after four decades of misidentification, the true identity of this pair was revealed.
From the Nathanael Greene collection. Ex Caspary, Hetherington, Klein, Wagshal and Ambassador Middendorf. With 1957 and 1988 P.F. certificates (as Plate 2). With 2010 and 2020 P.F. certificates (as Plate 3). Listed but unpriced in Scott as a pair.
10c Green, Ty. III (15). Position 41L1, huge margins all around, light strike of circular datestamp, bright paper, Extremely Fine Gem, from the Nathanael Greene collection, ex Kingsley, Curtis and Grace, with 2006 and 2024 P.S.E. certificates (Superb 98), only ten grade higher and only seven others share this desirable grade
10c Green, Ty. IV (16). Position 76L1, recut at bottom, large and even margins, pretty color, unobtrusive face-free cancel leaves the entire design clearly visible
EXTREMELY FINE USED EXAMPLE OF THE 10-CENT 1855 TYPE IV WITH A FACE-FREE CANCEL. A BEAUTIFUL STAMP.
A review using Power Search reveals how seldom one sees an Extremely Fine 10c Type IV with a face-free cancel. With well over 100 sound stamps described as Extremely Fine in our auctions, we noted only a tiny fraction cancelled in the face-free manner of the example offered here.
From the Nathanael Greene collection. With 2022 P.S.E. certificate.
12c Black (17). Large even margins, bright shade and crisp impression, face-free grid cancel, Extremely Fine Gem, a beautiful stamp with a face-free cancel, which is rarely seen on this issue as a Power Search review will confirm, from the Nathanael Greene collection, with 2004 and 2021 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95)
1c Blue, Ty. II (20). Position 9L4 from the top row of Plate 4, intense shade on bright paper, perfs essentially clear of complete design at top (the important characteristic of top row stamps from Plate 4), face-free circular datestamp cancel, Very Fine and choice, a premium position pair, from the Nathanael Greene collection, ex Myerson and Gorham, with 2000 and 2022 P.F. certificates (VF-XF 85)
1c Blue, Ty. IIIa (22). Plate 11, B Relief from the bottom row with intact bottom selvage, beautifully centered with margins clear of design on all sides, dark color on brilliant white paper, well-struck blue Batavia N.Y. circular datestamp
EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1857 ONE-CENT TYPE IIIa PERFORATED ISSUE CANCELLED IN BLUE. A TRUE CONDITION RARITY, GRADED XF-SUPERB 95 BY P.S.E. AND 95 XQ BY THE PHILATELIC FOUNDATION.
Plates 11 and 12 were probably made in June 1860, with less than six months left in Toppan Carpenter's contract. The earliest known use from either plate is January 1861, a relatively short time before the stamps were demonetized. As illustrations of stamps from Plates 11 and 12 in the Neinken book show, the centering and impressions of stamps from these plates were rather poor ("Poor perforating was the rule rather than the exception" — Neinken book, p. 473). The stamp offered here, with bright color, balanced margins and a clear blue cancel, is truly remarkable.
From the Nathanael Greene collection. Ex Dr. Hinrichs and Morton. With 1994, 2003 and 2025 P.F. certificates (XF-Superb 95 XQ). The "XQ" stands for "Extraordinary Quality". This is the highest grade awarded by the P.F. With 2016 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95). Only two examples grade higher at P.S.E. (at 95J, ex "Natalee Grace" and ex Kirke — both have black cancels).
3c Dull Red, Ty. III (26). Mint N.H., choice centering and margins, Extremely Fine, from the Nathanael Greene collection, with 2025 P.S.E. certificate (XF 90)
(Image Magnifier)3c Dull Red, Ty. IV (26A). Mathematically perfect centering with unusually wide margins, deep rich color on bright paper, clear strike of circular datestamp
EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A STUNNING USED EXAMPLE OF THE 3-CENT 1857 TYPE IV IN THE FINEST CONDITION ATTAINABLE. THIS BEAUTIFUL STAMP IS GRADED GEM 100 BY P.S.E. — THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED AND THE ONLY EXAMPLE TO ACHIEVE THIS GRADE.
The ready availability of 3c 1851-57 stamps gives collectors the false impression that superb examples, even of a better type, are easily obtainable. Yet with grading past its 20th year, this is the sole example of a 3c Type IV stamp to achieve this Gem 100 grade.
From the Nathanael Greene collection. With 2019 and 2022 P.F. certificates. With 2013 P.S.E. certificate (Gem 100). This is the highest grade awarded and the only example to achieve it. The next highest are two each at 98 and 95J.
5c Brown (29). Choice centering and balanced margins, rich color, face-free strike of circular datestamp cancel, Extremely Fine and attractive, from the Nathanael Greene collection, with 2021 P.S.E. certificate (XF 90), SCV $325
(Image Magnifier)5c Orange Brown, Ty. II (30). Beautifully centered, deep rich color on fresh paper, light but clear red cancel struck at lower right leaving entire design unobscured
EXTREMELY FINE. A BEAUTIFUL USED EXAMPLE OF THE 5-CENT TYPE II ORANGE BROWN WITH A COMPLETELY FACE-FREE RED CANCEL.
The Orange Brown is much scarcer used than unused. Examples in this choice sound used condition are rare, especially with a face-free cancel. A Power Search review confirms this. Only five examples described as Extremely Fine in our auctions since 1993 have had face-free cancels.
From the Nathanael Greene collection. Ex Kirke. With 2002 and 2019 P.F. certificates (XF 90 XQ). The "XQ" stands for "Extraordinary Quality". With 1998 and 2005 P.S.E. certificates (XF 90). Only five examples grade higher at P.S.E. (all at 95).
(Image Magnifier)5c Brown, Ty. II (30A). Vertical strip of three, rich color, intact perfs at top, tied by "New Orleans La. 12 Feb." (1861) Confederate State circular datestamps on blue piece, also tied by red New York "Paid" datestamp, Very Fine-Extremely Fine, multiples are rare with such choice centering, particularly desirable as it is a Confederate use of U.S. stamps, the center stamp has an essentially face-free cancel as well, from the Nathanael Greene collection, ex Saadi, with 1991 P.F. certificate
12c Black, Plate 1 (36). Horizontal pair, crisp shade and detailed impression, light strike of blue circular datestamp at bottom leaves entire design clearly visible, choice centering, Extremely Fine, a beautiful pair with a face-free blue cancel, ex Hansen and Gorham, from the Nathanael Greene collection, with 1984, 2008 and 2022 P.F. certificates, SCV $720
30c Orange (38). Original gum, lightly hinged, vivid color, Very Fine, from the Nathanael Greene collection, ex Hall, with 1981 P.F. certificate
(Image Magnifier)90c Blue (39). Original gum, lightly hinged, exceptional balanced margins and precise centering, deep rich color and proof-like impression
EXTREMELY FINE GEM. EASILY ONE OF THE FEW FINEST ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLES OF THE 90-CENT 1860 ISSUE WE HAVE ENCOUNTERED. THIS ISSUE IS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO OBTAIN IN ORIGINAL-GUM CONDITION AND IS VERY RARELY SEEN IN THAT STATE WITH SUCH PRECISE CENTERING — GRADED XF-SUPERB 95 BY P.S.E.
The 90c stamp was issued in 1860, along with the 24c and 30c values, all of which were needed to prepay high international letter rates established by various postal treaties. When supplies of current postage stamps were declared invalid in the South and ultimately demonetized by the Federal government, the 90c had been in use for only one year. Most unused examples come from supplies recovered from Southern post offices. The vast majority have no gum or poor centering — this is an extraordinary exception to the rule. This stamp's centering and margin width are virtually unimprovable, and if anything this XF-Superb 95 grade may be one level too low.
From the Nathanael Greene collection. With 2021 P.S.E. certificate (OGph, XF-Superb 95). Only five other original-gum stamps have achieved a 95 grade in the P.S.E. Population Report — the highest awarded.
(Image Magnifier)90c Blue (39). Deep rich color, unusually choice centering with wide and balanced margins, red grid cancel which is completely face-free, leaving the beautiful youthful Washington vignette unobscured
EXTREMELY FINE. An EXCEPTIONAL USED EXAMPLE OF THE 90-CENT 1860 ISSUE, WITH GORGEOUS CENTERING, RICH COLOR AND A FACE-FREE RED GRID CANCEL, GRADED XF 90 BY THE PHILATELIC FOUNDATION.
The 90c stamp was issued in 1860, along with the 24c and 30c values, all of which were needed to prepay high international letter rates established by various postal treaties. The basic 24c and 30c rates to England, France and Germany created a volume of mail franked with those values. However, the 90c saw much more limited use, partly due to the rates in effect, but more because of the American Civil War. When supplies of current postage stamps were declared invalid in the South and ultimately demonetized by the Federal government, the 90c had been in use for only one year. For this reason, genuinely cancelled copies are scarce, and covers bearing the 90c are extremely rare.
The P.S.E. Population report for Scott 39 used has a total of eight in grades of 85 (six) or 90 (two), the highest grades reported. The P.F. has five in 85 or 90 with potential overlap. Power Search located eight different in 85 or 90 grades, including the stamp offered here. Suffice to say that this rare used classic issue has an extremely low population of high-grade examples.
From the Nathanael Greene collection. Ex Gorham. With 1988, 2001 and 2022 P.F. certificates (XF 90). SCV $10,500.
(Image Magnifier)