Sale 1368 — The Daniel J. Ryterband Collection: Superb Quality United States Stamps
Sale Date — Tuesday-Wednesday, 16-17 December, 2025
Category — 1894-98 Bureau Issues (Scott 246-284)
1c Ultramarine (246). Mint N.H., pretty pastel color on brilliant white paper, outstanding centering with wide margins, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2011 and 2012 P.F. certificate (latter XF-Superb 95 XQ), SCV $90
1c Blue (247). Mint N.H., deep rich color on post-office fresh paper, outstanding centering and margins, Extremely Fine Gem, a gorgeous stamp, with 2022 P.F. certificate (XF-Superb 95), SCV $200
2c Pink, Ty. I (248). Mint N.H., vivid color, outstanding centering with balanced Jumbo margins
EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A HUGE MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 1894 2-CENT TYPE I BUREAU ISSUE IN THE PINK SHADE.
With 2000 P.F. and 2021 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95 Jumbo). Only five grade higher and two share this grade.
2c Carmine Lake, Ty. I (249). Mint N.H., outstanding centering with wide margins, dark shade
EXTREMELY FINE GEM MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 1894 UNWATERMARKED 2-CENT TYPE I CARMINE LAKE, SCOTT 249—GRADED XF-SUPERB 95 BY BOTH P.F. AND P.S.E.
Ex Morton. With 2022 P.F. and 2011 P.S.E. certificates (both XF-Superb 95). Only four grade higher in the P.S.E. Population Report.
2c Carmine, Ty. I (250). Mint N.H., brilliant color on post-office fresh paper, Jumbo margins and precise centering
EXTREMELY FINE GEM MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 1894 UNWATERMARKED 2-CENT TYPE I CARMINE, SCOTT 250—GRADED XF-SUPERB 95 JUMBO BY P.S.E.
With 2009 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95 Jumbo). Only five grade higher and four share this grade.
2c Carmine, Ty. II (251). Original gum, h.r., wide margins and essentially perfect centering, rich color on fresh paper, Extremely Fine Gem, a superb stamp and probably one of the couple finest hinged examples extant, with 1999 P.F. and 2008 P.S.E. certificates (OGh, Superb 98), only one hinged stamps grades higher (at 98J) and no others share this grade, the highest Mint N.H. grade is 95 (two examples, one of which realized $7,500 hammer in our 2012 sale of the Merlin collection)
3c Purple (253). Mint N.H., brilliant color and proof-like impression showing every detail of the engraving, Jumbo margins and precise centering
EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB JUMBO MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE UNWATERMARKED 1894 3-CENT BUREAU ISSUE, GRADED XF-SUPERB 95 JUMBO BY P.S.E.
As collectors of the First Bureau Issue know, great difficulty was experienced in perforating the stamps, either due to poor equipment or improper operation. Choppy, ragged perfs and poor centering are so common on this issue that it is often possible to separate the 1894 unwatermarked stamps from the 1895 watermarked stamps by the appearance of the perforations alone. This example, with precise centering, Jumbo margins and perfectly formed perforations, is a true condition rarity.
With 1997 P.F. and 2017 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95 Jumbo). Only one stamp grades higher (at 98, realized $26,000 hammer in our 2025 sale of the "Vaquero" collection). No others share this 95J grade.
5c Chocolate (255). Mint N.H., deep rich color on bright paper, outstanding centering
EXTREMELY FINE GEM MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 1894 5-CENT UNWATERMARKED BUREAU ISSUE, GRADED XF-SUPERB 95 BY THE PHILATELIC FOUNDATION.
With 2020 P.F. certificate (XF-Superb 95). By way of comparison, only three grade higher at P.S.E. (highest is 98). SCV $375.
6c Dull Brown (256). Mint N.H., bright color on crisp paper, wide margins and choice centering
EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 1894 6-CENT UNWATERMARKED BUREAU ISSUE, GRADED XF-SUPERB 95 BY P.S.E.
With 2021 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95). Only four grade higher (two each at 95J and 98).
15c Dark Blue (259). Original gum, lightly hinged, wide and beautifully balanced margins, intense shade on bright paper, Extremely Fine Gem, ex Morton, with 2009 P.S.E. certificate (OGph, XF-Superb 95), only three unused stamps in any gum condition grade higher
$1.00 Black (261). Original gum, lightly hinged, exceptionally wide margins and nearly perfectly centered, beautiful impression on bright white paper
EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SIMPLY WONDERFUL LIGHTLY HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 1894 UNWATERMARKED ONE-DOLLAR TYPE I FIRST BUREAU ISSUE, GRADED XF-SUPERB 95 BY BOTH P.F. AND P.S.E.
With 1985 and 2022 P.F. certificates (XF-Superb 95). With 2008 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95).
$1.00 Black, Ty. II (261A). Original gum, lightly hinged, intense shade and impression, choice centering with well-proportioned margins
EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A BEAUTIFUL ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE TYPE II 1894 UNWATERMARKED BUREAU ISSUE, GRADED XF-SUPERB 95 BY THE PHILATELIC FOUNDATION.
With 1995, 2001 and 2008 P.F. certificates (XF-Superb 95). SCV $2,200.
$2.00 Bright Blue (262). Original gum, exceptional centering and margins, bright color
EXTREMELY FINE GEM ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE 1894 $2.00 UNWATERMARKED BUREAU ISSUE, GRADED XF-SUPERB 95 BY THE PHILATELIC FOUNDATION.
With 2021 P.F. certificate (XF-Superb 95). SCV $2,750.
$5.00 Dark Green (263). Original gum, Jumbo margins and choice centering, deep color and proof-like impression
EXTREMELY FINE GEM ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE 1894 $5.00 UNWATERMARKED BUREAU ISSUE, GRADED XF 90 JUMBO BY P.S.E.
The 1894 Unwatermarked issue was the first U.S. postage issue to be printed by the Bureau of Engraving & Printing, after the contract with American Bank Note Co. expired. The first stamps printed by the Bureau are notoriously difficult to find well-centered, as production was marred by initial problems as they geared up to meet the needs of the public for stamps. The designs through the $1.00 were kept the same from the 1890 ABN Co. issue, with the addition of corner triangles to distinguish the printings. The use of the same designs is another indication of the time pressure that may have caused some of the initial production problems. The $5.00 is one of the two or three most difficult denominations to find in this choice condition.
With 2017 P.F. certificate showing selvage at right which has been detached and accompanies (XF 90 Jumbo). With 2017 (with selvage) and 2022 (without selvage) P.S.E. certificates (both OGph, XF 90 Jumbo). SCV $4,000.
1c Blue (264). Mint N.H., rich color and bright paper, beautifully balanced margins, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2013 P.F. certificate (XF-Superb 95)
2c Carmine, Ty. I (265). Mint N.H., near perfect centering, vivid color on bright paper
EXTREMELY FINE GEM MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 1895 2-CENT TYPE I WATERMARKED BUREAU ISSUE, GRADED SUPERB 98 BY P.S.E. — ONLY ONE GRADES HIGHER.
Ex "Sacramento" and "Vaquero". With 2015 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98). Only one grades higher (at 100J, offered in our 2019 Gems sale) and only two others share this lofty grade.
2c Carmine, Ty. III (267). Mint N.H., vivid color and precise centering, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2007 and 2021 P.S.E. certificates showing top plate number selvage which is detached but accompanies (XF-Superb 95)
3c Purple (268). Mint N.H., detailed impression, choice centering, post-office fresh and Extremely Fine, with 2000 and 2007 P.F. certificate (XF 90), SCV $115
4c Dark Brown (269). Mint N.H., deep shade, essentially perfectly centered, Extremely Fine Gem, a beautiful stamp, ex "Golden Oak", with 2014 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95), only five grade higher
5c Chocolate (270). Mint N.H., bright pastel shade, well-proportioned margins, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2010 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95)
6c Dull Brown (271). Mint N.H., balanced margins and near perfect centering, proof-like impression on post-office fresh paper
EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 1895 6-CENT WATERMARKED BUREAU ISSUE, GRADED XF-SUPERB 95 BY P.S.E.
Ex "Sacramento". With 2009 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95). Only two Mint N.H. stamps grade higher (at 95J).
8c Violet Brown (272). Mint N.H., deep color on bright paper, gorgeous centering, Extremely Fine Gem, ex Morton, with 1990, 2001 and 2014 P.F. certificates (XF-Superb 95), SCV $210
10c Dark Green (273). Mint N.H., wide and balanced margins, deep rich color on crisp white paper
EXTREMELY FINE GEM MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 1895 10-CENT WATERMARKED BUREAU ISSUE, GRADED XF-SUPERB 95 BY P.S.E.
Ex "Sacramento". With 2007 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95). Only three grade higher (at 95J and 98).
15c Dark Blue (274). Mint N.H., exceptional depth of color, Jumbo margins and precise centering
EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A HUGE AND SUPERB MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 1895 15-CENT WATERMARKED BUREAU ISSUE, SCOTT 274, GRADED XF-SUPERB 95 JUMBO BY P.S.E.
With 2010 and 2021 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95 Jumbo). Only one grades higher (at 100, we have never offered it) and one other shares this grade. The last time we sold the other 95J it realized $9,500 hammer ("Vaquero" Sale 1351, lot 1087).
$1.00 Black, Ty. I (276). Original gum, lightly hinged, choice centering with well-balanced margins, intense impression, Extremely Fine, a beautiful stamp, with 2001 P.F. and 2022 P.S.E. certificates (XF 90)
$2.00 Bright Blue (277). Mint N.H., wide margins and choice centering, rich color and proof-like impression on bright paper
EXTREMELY FINE. A BEAUTIFUL MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE $2.00 1895 WATERMARKED BUREAU ISSUE, graded xf 90 by p.s.e.
As an indication of rarity, we have offered approximately 27 unduplicated Mint N.H. examples of Scott 277 since keeping computerized records in 1993. Very few qualify as Extremely Fine and only three we have offered grade XF 90 or better.
Ex Field. With 2015 P.S.E. certificate (XF 90). Only two grade higher (at 95) and none share this desirable grade.
$5.00 Dark Green (278). Original gum, very lightly hinged, rich color on bright paper, exceptionally choice centering with wide margins
EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A BEAUTIFUL LIGHTLY HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE $5.00 1895 WATERMARKED BUREAU ISSUE, GRADED XF-SUPERB 95 BY P.S.E.
Ex "Sacramento". With 2009 P.S.E. certificate (OGph, XF-Superb 95). Only five grade higher and four share this desirable grade.
1c Deep Green (279). Mint N.H., Jumbo margins and choice centering, Extremely Fine, with 2012 P.F. and 2008 P.S.E. certificates (both XF 90 Jumbo)
4c Rose Brown (280). Mint N.H., deep rich color, precise centering with balanced margins, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2000 and 2006 P.F. certificates (XF-Superb 95), with 2024 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95), only three grade higher at P.S.E. (at 98)
5c Dark Blue (281). Mint N.H., deep rich color and proof-like impression on bright paper, beautiful centering, Extremely Fine Gem, ex Grace, with 1987 and 2016 P.F. certificates (XF-Superb 95), with 2024 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95), only eight grade higher in the P.S.E. Population Report (highest is 98J)
10c Brown, Ty. I (282C). Mint N.H., radiant color on bright paper, exceptionally choice centering for this issue
EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A BEAUTIFUL MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 1898 10-CENT BROWN TYPE I ISSUE, GRADED XF-SUPERB 95 BY THE P.F.
In 1898, the 10c stamp was changed from Green (Scott 273) to Brown, to avoid confusion, because the 1c denomination (Scott 279) needed to be changed to Green to meet the Universal Postal Union color scheme. The 5c and 15c denomination colors were also changed.
With 2019 P.F. certificate (XF-Superb 95). By way of comparison, P.S.E. has graded only five examples of Scott 282C at 95, with just four higher. SCV $525.
10c Orange Brown, Ty. II (283). Mint N.H., brilliant color, choice centering with well-balanced margins, fresh and Extremely Fine, with 2013 P.F. and 2024 P.S.E. certificates (both XF 90)
15c Olive Green (284). Mint N.H., exceptional deep color and detailed impression, outstanding centering with balanced margins
EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 1898 15-CENT OLIVE GREEN, GRADED XF-SUPERB 95 BY P.S.E.
With 2021 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95). Only one grades higher (at 98, realized $13,500 hammer in our 2012 sale of the Merlin collection).