Sale 1362 — The El Dorado Collection of Superb United States Stamps
Sale Date — Tuesday-Thursday, 7-9 October, 2025
Category — 1870-71 National Bank Note Co. Grilled Issue (Scott 134-144)
2c Red Brown, H. Grill (135). Bright color, cancelled by bold strike of circle of Vs cancel, unusually choice centering, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2002 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95), only eight grade higher
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6c Carmine, H. Grill (137). Original gum, lightly hinged, well-centered, bright color with clear impression
EXTREMELY FINE. AN OUTSTANDING ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE 6-CENT 1870 NATIONAL BANK NOTE CO. GRILLED ISSUE. RARE IN SUCH CHOICE CONDITION.
With 1998 and 2010 P.F. certificates (VF-XF 85). By way of comparison P.S.E. has certified one at this grade with two higher but we have never offered any P.S.E.-graded example in our sales.
(Image Magnifier)6c Carmine, H. Grill (137). Gorgeous centering with wide and balanced margins all around, deep rich color, clear grill points, bold cork cancel
EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1870 6-CENT NATIONAL BANK NOTE COMPANY GRILLED ISSUE, GRADED XF-SUPERB 95 BY P.S.E.
Ex Curtis. With 2009 and 2015 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95). Only eight others share this grade and only one has graded higher (at 98).
(Image Magnifier)6c Carmine, H. Grill (137). Horizontal pair, rich color, each with bold strike of negative "14" in circle cancel, Extremely Fine, with 1983 P.F. certificate
(Image Magnifier)24c Purple, H. Grill (142). Fresh color in distinctive shade associated with 24c grilled issue, essentially perfect centering, clear grill, perfectly struck segmented cork cancel
EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB EXAMPLE OF THE 1870 24-CENT NATIONAL BANK NOTE COMPANY H GRILL. VERY DIFFICULT TO FIND WITH SUCH OUTSTANDING CENTERING.
Scott 142 is not known in unused condition. Therefore, anyone wishing to complete this set must obtain this stamp in used condition. The example offered here, with rich color, clear grill, superb centering and bold cancel, is a truly stunning example of this rarity in the finest condition attainable.
Ex Kirke. With 1999, 2005 and 2025 P.F. certificates (latter two XF-Superb 95). By way of comparison, the highest grades awarded by P.S.E. are one at 90J and two at 90.
(Image Magnifier)30c Black, H. Grill (143). Intense shade and impression, unusually clear grill points for this difficult issue, lightly struck cork cancel, beautiful centering with wide and balanced margins
EXTREMELY FINE. AN OUTSTANDING USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1870 30-CENT NATIONAL BANK NOTE COMPANY GRILLED ISSUE. THIS IS ONE OF THE MOST DIFFICULT DENOMINATIONS TO OBTAIN IN SOUND AND CENTERED CONDITION.
The 30c National Bank Note Co. Grilled Issue is normally seen with small margins, or is off-center. If one finds a centered copy, it more often than not turns out to have a small flaw. The stamp offered here is truly the exception to the rule.
With 2001 P.S.E. and 2002 and 2010 P.F. certificates (XF 90). By way of comparison, P.S.E. has certified three at this grade with none higher.
(Image Magnifier)1c Ultramarine, I. Grill (134A). Clear grill, rich color, cork cancel, well-balanced margins, Extremely Fine, a beautiful stamp, with 2012 P.S.E. certificate (XF 90), only four grade higher (two each at 95 and 95J) and two others share this desirable grade
(Image Magnifier)3c Green, I. Grill (136A). Clear grill, rich color, face-free New York Foreign Mail cancel, wide and balanced margins, Extremely Fine, with 2010 P.S.E. certificate (XF 90)
(Image Magnifier)6c Carmine, I. Grill, Double Grill (137A var). Showing clear grill at center which is easily discernible from the front of the stamp, second fainter but still easily seen grill is actually split with part at bottom right and part at bottom left, bright color nicely complemented by blue quartered cork cancel, unusually choice centering
EXTREMELY FINE. A BEAUTIFUL USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1870 6-CENT NATIONAL BANK NOTE COMPANY ISSUE WITH A DOUBLE I GRILL WITH ONE SPLIT.
We were curious how many examples of Scott 137A I Grill with double grills have been graded, so we queried P.S.E. They report four split grills for 137A have been graded, at 70, 75, 85, and the example offered here at 90.
With 2011 P.S.E. certificate noting the double grill but not the second grill split (XF 90). Only one grades higher (at 90J, offered in our 2020 Morton sale) and three others share this desirable grade. This is the only one at this grade with the double grill. SMQ value without premium for the grill variety.
(Image Magnifier)6c Carmine, I. Grill (137A). Unusually clear grill which is easily discernible from the front of the stamp, deep rich color, wonderful centering, bold strike of New York Foreign Mail Geometric cancel and also part of red datestamp at lower left
EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A BEAUTIFUL USED EXAMPLE OF THE SCARCE 1870 6-CENT I GRILL, SCOTT 137A. A VERY DIFFICULT ISSUE TO OBTAIN IN SUCH SUPERIOR CONDITION.
With 1989 P.F. and 2007 P.S.E. certificates (XF 90). Only one grades higher (at 90J, offered in our 2020 Morton sale) and three others share this desirable grade.
(Image Magnifier)7c Vermilion, I. Grill (138A). Clear grill points, vibrant color, cork cancel leaves design clearly visible, gorgeous centering with wide and balanced margins
EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A PHENOMENAL EXAMPLE OF THE 1870 7-CENT NATIONAL BANK NOTE COMPANY WITH I GRILL, GRADED XF-SUPERB 95 BY P.S.E.
With 1990 and 2007 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95). Only two grade higher (at 95J and 98) and none share this desirable grade.
(Image Magnifier)7c Vermilion, I. Grill (138A). Clear grill, rich color, bold strike of New York Foreign Mail Geometric cancel, choice centering
EXTREMELY FINE USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1870 7-CENT NATIONAL BANK NOTE COMPANY I GRILL.
With 2013 P.S.E. certificate (XF 90). Only four others share this grade with three higher (one each at 95, 95J and 98).
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