Sale 1362 — The El Dorado Collection of Superb United States Stamps
Sale Date — Tuesday-Thursday, 7-9 October, 2025
Category — 1869 Pictorial Issue (Scott 112-122)
1c Buff (112). Mint N.H., radiant color on crisp paper, clearly defined grill, gorgeous centering with wide margins
EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A STUNNING MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE ONE-CENT 1869 PICTORIAL ISSUE, GRADED XF-SUPERB 95 JUMBO BY P.S.E. — THIS IS THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED AND THE ONLY EXAMPLE TO ACHIEVE THIS GRADE.
With 2000 P.F. and 2009 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95 Jumbo; unpriced in SMQ in Mint N.H. condition, SMQ $5,500 as hinged). This is the highest grade awarded and the only example to achieve this grade. Only seven Mint N.H. stamps in total have even been graded, which is another testament to its rarity.
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1c Buff (112). Well-centered, spectacular bold green quartered cork cancel
EXTREMELY FINE AND RARE. THIS IS THE BOLDEST GREEN CANCEL WE HAVE ENCOUNTERED ON A ONE-CENT 1869 PICTORIAL.
A Power Search review reveals many Scott 112s with green cancels, but none are as clearly struck and in this bright color.
Ex Dr. Morris, "Golden Oak" and Morton. With 1986, 1994 and 2018 P.F. certificates. Scott value $860.
(Image Magnifier)1c Buff (112). Rich color, clear strike of circular datestamp cancel, well-proportioned margins, Extremely Fine, with 1998 and 2015 P.F. certificates (XF 90)
(Image Magnifier)1c Buff (112). Bright color nicely complemented by blue Circle of Heart-Shaped Wedges with circular datestamp cancel, Extremely Fine, with 2009 P.F. certificate, Scott value $185 with ordinary cancel
(Image Magnifier)1c Buff (112). Horizontal strip of three, unusually choice centering, natural straight edge at right, unobtrusive cork cancels, Extremely Fine, with 2001 P.F. certificate, Scott value $520 as pair and single
(Image Magnifier)1c Buff (112). Horizontal strip of three, cancelled by three strikes of Masonic Square and Compass fancy cancel (Skinner-Eno FR-M 3B), Very Fine and choice, ex Ishikawa, with 1993 P.F. certificate, Scott value $520 as pair and single with ordinary cancel
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1c Buff (112). Block of four, radiant color, quartered cork cancels, right pair faint vertical crease, few perf separations sensibly reinforced, Very Fine appearance and a rare used block, ex Ishikawa
(Image Magnifier)2c Yellow Brown (113 var). Mint N.H., pretty color in this sub-shade, long and full perforations, Very Fine, with 2006 P.F. certificate, Scott value $500 as hinged
(Image Magnifier)2c Brown (113). Bright shade, detailed impression, wide and balanced margins, cork cancel, Extremely Fine Gem, ex Kirke, with 2001 P.F. and 2005 and 2015 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95), 220 used examples have been graded and only seven grade higher
(Image Magnifier)2c Brown, Printed on Both Sides (113d). Back printed inverted in relation to the front, parts of two stamps printed at bottom, quartered cork cancel, completely sound
VERY FINE. THE ONLY RECORDED EXAMPLE OF THE 2-CENT 1869 PICTORIAL ISSUE PRINTED ON BOTH SIDES. ONE OF THE GREATEST RARITIES OF THE 1869 PICTORIAL ISSUE.
Engraved stamps printed on both sides usually have a poor impression on one side and a second, complete impression on the other. They probably occurred when a sheet was printed without proper moistening, which prevented the paper from picking up the ink in the recessed lines of the engraved plate. If the sheet was turned 180 degrees before being put on the press a second time, the two impressions will be inverted in relation to each other.
For the 1869 Pictorial Issue, only the 2c and 3c are known printed on both sides. Two examples of the 3c are known, including one which has a very light impression and another (ex "Natalee Grace") which has similar orientation and placement on back as the example offered here. This 2c stamp was first certified in 1979 after its discovery and first offered at auction in our 1984 Rarities of the World sale.
Illustrated in Jonathan W. Rose United States Postage Stamps of 1869 (p. 24). From our 1984 and 1995 Rarities sales and ex Bakwin. With 1979 and 2015 P.F. certificates.
(Image Magnifier)3c Ultramarine (114). Mint N.H., brilliant color on bright paper, beautifully centered with wide margins
EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 3-CENT 1869 PICTORIAL ISSUE, GRADED XF-SUPERB 95 BY THE PHILATELIC FOUNDATION.
With 2006 and 2013 P.F. certificates (both XF-Superb 95). Unpriced in Scott as Mint N.H.
(Image Magnifier)3c Ultramarine (114). Jumbo margins with right interpane margin showing entire arrow at top, light strike of blue circle of wedges cancel, Extremely Fine Gem, a gorgeous stamp, with 1989 and 2002 P.F. certificates
(Image Magnifier)3c Ultramarine (114). Cancelled by central strike of green quartered cork cancel, Very Fine and choice, scarce with the green cancel, with 2012 P.S.E. certificate
(Image Magnifier)3c Ultramarine (114). Three used singles, including one with captured "National Bank N" of imprint at top, one with blue negative 5-Point Star in Pentagon fancy cancel, last on piece and tied by Heart with Negative Cross fancy cancel and "Guilford Ct. Jan. 24" circular datestamp, first with small corner crease at top left, Very Fine group, with 2008-2013 P.F. certificates
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6c Ultramarine (115). Original gum, lightly hinged, deep shade and impression on bright paper, gorgeous centering
EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A STUNNING ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE 6-CENT 1869 PICTORIAL ISSUE, GRADED XF-SUPERB 95 BY THE PHILATELIC FOUNDATION.
Ex "Hanover". With 2007 P.F. certificate (XF-Superb 95). This is the only example to achieve this grade at the P.F.; P.S.E. has graded five at this grade with none higher. Scott value $2,750.
(Image Magnifier)6c Ultramarine (115). Original gum, h.r., brilliant color on bright paper, well-balanced margins
EXTREMELY FINE ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE 6-CENT 1869 PICTORIAL ISSUE.
With 2002 P.F. and 2005 and 2010 P.S.E. certificates (OGh, VF-XF 85).
(Image Magnifier)6c Ultramarine (115). Jumbo margins with right interpane margin showing full arrow at top, part of circular datestamp and cork cancels, sharp impression, Extremely Fine, with 1986, 2002 and 2009 P.F. certificates, Scott value $225
(Image Magnifier)6c Ultramarine (115). Rich color, cancelled by clear strike of "ST. JOHN N.B./SHIP LETTER" two-line handstamp, small corner crease at top left, light horizontal crease along bottom of the grill, still Very Fine strike of this rare marking, only one example is known on a cover, which realized $12,000 hammer in our 2009 Rarities sale, ex Eubanks, with 2009 P.F. certificate
(Image Magnifier)6c Ultramarine (115). Rich color, bold strike of Star fancy cancel, Very Fine, ex Wunsch, with 1987 P.F. certificate, Scott value $225 with ordinary cancel
(Image Magnifier)10c Yellow (116). Original gum, vibrant color as fresh as the day it was printed, unusually choice centering with well-balanced margins
EXTREMELY FINE. A GORGEOUS ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE 10-CENT 1869 PICTORIAL ISSUE. THIS IS A VERY DIFFICULT ISSUE TO OBTAIN IN THIS SUPERIOR CONDITION.
With 2004 P.F. and 2008 P.S.E. certificates (OGph, XF 90). Nine grade higher and four others share this grade, but this is misleading as it is extremely difficult to obtain in the higher grades. The last time we offered one in this grade was in 2011, and we have only offered one higher than a 90 since 2011 (90J in 2017).
(Image Magnifier)10c Yellow (116). Vibrant color on bright paper, unobtrusive strike of quartered cork cancel and red "Paid All" circular datestamp, choice centering with wide margins, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2015 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95), only five grade higher (three at 95J and two at 98)
(Image Magnifier)10c Yellow (116). Rich color, well-struck "N. York Steamship Nov. 20" circular datestamp, wide margins, Extremely Fine, ex Senchuk and "Golden Oak", with 2009 P.S.E. certificate (XF 90)
(Image Magnifier)10c Yellow (116). Vibrant color, clear strike of "10" in circle handstamp cancel, choice centering, Extremely Fine, with 1992 and 2007 P.F. certificates (XF 90)
(Image Magnifier)10c Yellow (116). Brilliant color, bold strike of red segmented cork cancel, Extremely Fine, with 1987, 1989 and 2008 P.F. certificates
(Image Magnifier)10c Yellow (116). Vibrant color, Japanese Yokohama "X" cancel, Very Fine and choice, with 2012 P.F. certificate
(Image Magnifier)10c Yellow (116). Bright color nicely complemented by blue numeral "10" in serrated circle cancel, Very Fine and choice, with 2016 P.F. certificate
(Image Magnifier)10c Yellow (116). Lovely color, clear strike of Hollow Circle in 5-Point Star fancy cancel and also red circular datestamp cancel, Very Fine and choice
(Image Magnifier)10c Yellow (116). Bright color, bold strike of red target cancel, Very Fine, with 1989 and 2010 P.F. certificates
(Image Magnifier)12c Green (117). Original gum, lightly hinged, deep rich color and proof-like impression, choice centering with balanced margins
EXTREMELY FINE. A BEAUTIFUL ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE 12-CENT 1869 PICTORIAL ISSUE.
With 2009 P.F. and 2010 P.S.E. certificates (OGph, XF 90).
(Image Magnifier)12c Green (117). Rich color and proof-like impression, bold strike of "leaf" cancel and also part of red datestamp at right, perfectly centered with unusually wide and balanced margins
EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A STUNNING USED EXAMPLE OF THE 12-CENT 1869 PICTORIAL ISSUE, GRADED SUPERB 98 BY P.S.E.
Ex "Natalee Grace". With 2007, 2009 and 2013 P.S.E. certificates (all three Superb 98). Only one grades higher (brought $8,000 in 2020).
(Image Magnifier)12c Green (117). Deep rich color, choice centering, clear strike of Philadelphia Foreign Mail purple bars cancel, fresh and Extremely Fine, with 1988 and 2010 P.F. certificates (XF 90)
(Image Magnifier)15c Brown & Blue, Ty. I (118). Original gum, lightly hinged, nearly perfect centering with wide margins, bright colors, strong grill impression
EXTREMELY FINE GEM. THE 15-CENT 1869 TYPE I IS VERY RARE IN THIS CHOICE ORIGINAL-GUM CONDITION. A SPECTACULAR STAMP AND CERTAINLY ONE OF THE FINEST KNOWN.
The 15c Type I comes from the first 1869 printing; in May 1869 the 15c went to press using the second frame plate, which produced Type II. In a condition census, both Type I and II would show similar numbers known in the top tier of original-gum condition — probably 8 to 10 of each. However, Type I is generally a rarer stamp and carries a much higher Scott Catalogue value.
Ex Buck. With 1980 and 2007 P.F. certificates (VF-XF 85). By way of comparison, P.S.E. has graded only six with original gum, including two at 80, one at 85 and one at 95 (we have never offered the latter).
(Image Magnifier)15c Brown & Blue, Ty. I, Without Grill (118a). Original gum, deep rich colors and proof-like impressions, unusually wide margins
VERY FINE AND CHOICE. A WONDERFUL ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE RARE 15-CENT TYPE I 1869 PICTORIAL ISSUE WITHOUT GRILL. THIS IS SURELY ONE OF THE FINEST IN EXISTENCE.
Our survey of The Philatelic Foundation records found approximately 25 examples certified as genuine, of which about half have faults.
With 2010 P.F. certificate.
(Image Magnifier)15c Brown & Blue, Ty. I (118). Choice balanced margins, attractive colors and impression, bold circle of wedges cancel and bit of red datestamp at bottom left
EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A BEAUTIFUL USED EXAMPLE OF THE 15-CENT TYPE I 1869 PICTORIAL ISSUE, GRADED XF-SUPERB 95 BY P.S.E.
With 2009 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95). Only four grade higher (one at 95J, one at 98 and two at 98J).
(Image Magnifier)15c Brown & Blue, Ty. II (119). Deep rich colors, unusually choice centering with wide margins, bold strike of circle of wedges cancel, Extremely Fine Gem, with 1986 P.F. and 2012 P.S.A.G. certificates (XF-Superb 95)
(Image Magnifier)15c Brown & Blue, Ty. II (119). Bright colors, cancelled solely by strikes of red New York foreign-mail datestamp, Very Fine and choice, scarce cancelled solely in red, with 2001 P.F. certificate
(Image Magnifier)24c Green & Violet (120). Original gum, clear grill, fresh colors, well-balanced margins for this difficult issue
VERY FINE AND CHOICE ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE 24-CENT 1869 PICTORIAL ISSUE. SCARCE IN SOUND AND CENTERED CONDITION.
With 1984, 1997 and 2006 P.F. certificates (VF 80). By way of comparison, only eight have graded higher in the P.S.E. Population Report (two grade above an 85, at 90 and 95).
(Image Magnifier)30c Ultramarine & Carmine (121). Original gum, single hinge mark, lovely colors and unusually choice centering, long and full perforations all around
EXTREMELY FINE. A BEAUTIFUL ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE 30-CENT 1869 PICTORIAL ISSUE. A DIFFICULT ISSUE TO OBTAIN IN SUCH CHOICE CONDITION.
The rarity of centered original-gum examples of the 30c 1869 with grill is somewhat obscured by the availability of off-center copies of the 30c with and without grill. If the scope were narrowed to Scott 121 only, and only grades of Very Fine or Extremely Fine were considered, we estimate that fewer than 15 examples would be counted.
With 2005 and 2012 P.F. and 2012 P.S.A.G. certificates (last ogPH, XF 90).
(Image Magnifier)30c Blue & Carmine (121). Well-centered, rich colors, clear circle of wedges cancel, Very Fine, ex Dr. Morris, with 1982 and 1996 P.F. certificates
(Image Magnifier)30c Ultramarine & Carmine (121). Rich colors, cancelled solely by deep red "leaf" cancel, fresh and Very Fine, an attractive stamp, with 2008 P.F. certificate
(Image Magnifier)90c Carmine & Black (122). Bright colors, clear strike of thin-bar crossroads cancel leaves entire design clearly visible
VERY FINE AND CHOICE USED EXAMPLE OF THE 90-CENT 1869 PICTORIAL ISSUE.
Most examples of this issue are heavily cancelled, off-center or both. This is a very desirable example of this issue. With 1995 and 2010 P.F. certificates.
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