Sale 1297 — United States Stamps
Sale Date — Tuesday-Thursday, 31 October-2 November, 2023
Category — 1847 Issue and 1875 Reproducion (Scott 1-4)
5c Red Brown (1). Block of four, original gum, worn-plate impression, large margins to clear including part of adjoining stamps at left, somewhat heavily creased and defective, slightly oxidized
VERY FINE OVERALL APPEARANCE. A RARE ORIGINAL-GUM BLOCK OF FOUR OF THE 5-CENT 1847 ISSUE.
The 1847 Issue is much scarcer in unused condition than other issues, because the stamps were demonetized in 1851. They could be exchanged for the new issue, but once the exchange period ended, the stamps would have no postage value. Considering the purchasing power of five or ten cents in 1851, it is not surprising that the stamps were either used or exchanged, rather than left for future generations of collectors.
We have identified 17 unused blocks of the 5c 1847 Issue. Excluded from this tally is what might be an unused block in the Webster Knight collection at Brown University and a block of 30 which has been rumored to exist for years (if it does exist, then it becomes the largest recorded multiple).
Ex Curtis. With 1987 P.F. and 2023 P.S.E. certificates. Scott value $50,000.
5c Brown (1). Huge margins all around including part of adjoining stamp at top, intermediate impression, bold vivid red grid cancel, Extremely Fine Gem, ex Hansen, with 2001 P.F. and 2008 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95)
5c Red Brown (1). Large to huge margins including large portion of adjoining stamp at bottom, worn-plate impression, red grid cancel, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2020 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95)
5c Red Brown (1). Rich color and intermediate impression, red grid cancel, fresh and Very Fine, with 1996 P.F. certificate
5c Red Brown (1). Full to ample margins, worn-plate impression, red grid cancel and bit of manuscript at top, Very Fine
5c Orange Brown (1b). Vivid color, worn-plate impression, full to huge margins including part of adjoining stamp at top, blue grid cancel, fresh and Extremely Fine, with 2023 P.S.E. certificate (XF 90)
5c Red Orange (1c). Large margins to clear at left worn-plate impression, bold strikes of black square grid cancel, short horizontal crease above the left "5"
VERY FINE APPEARING USED EXAMPLE OF THE 5-CENT 1847 ISSUE IN THE SCARCE RED ORANGE SHADE.
With 2002 Wade Saadi certificate stating this is Red Orange and a possible demonetized use. With 2023 P.F. certificate.
5c Red Brown, 10c Black (1-2). First bright color and large margins, red grid cancel, 10c large margins to just touched at upper right, red grid cancel, Very Fine
10c Black (2). Intense shade and proof-like impression, large margins, red square grid cancel
EXTREMELY FINE GEM USED EXAMPLE OF THE 10-CENT 1847 ISSUE.
Ex Hansen. With 2001 P.F. and 2009 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95).
10c Black (2). Large even margins, intense shade, red grid cancel, fresh and Extremely Fine, with 1989 and 2022 P.F. certificates (XF 90)
10c Black (2). Full margins three sides, bottom margin angled to clear of design at center, tied by manuscript cancel and also by ink smear of blue "Wilmington & Raleigh Railroad Jan. 21" route agent's circular datestamp on piece of cover, blurry red transit datestamp below, Very Fine and rare, the USPCS census records 10 covers with the 5c 1847 and this railroad datestamp but no 10c covers are recorded
10c Black (2). Full margins to just clear at bottom, neat red grid cancel, line of manuscript at top on back barely shows thru a bit, appears Fine
5c Red Brown, 10c Black Reproductions (3, 4). Without gum as issued, both with ample to full margins and a small thin spot, appear Very Fine
5c Red Brown, Reproduction (3). Without gum as issued, large even margins, rich color, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2018 P.F. certificate (XF-Superb 95)
5c Red Brown, Reproduction (3). Without gum as issued, large and even margins, rich color, fresh and Extremely Fine, with 1986 and 2012 P.F. certificates
5c Red Brown, Reproduction (3). Without gum as issued, deep rich color, full margins to clear, Very Fine and choice with 2009 P.F. certificate
10c Black, Reproduction (4). Without gum as issued, large to huge margins all around, bright shade and detailed impression
EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB EXAMPLE OF THE 10-CENT REPRODUCTION OF THE 1847 ISSUE.
Ex "Beverly Hills" and Morton. With 1981 P.F. and 2009 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95). Only three grade higher.
10c Black, Reproduction (4). Without gum as issued, large margins to full, intense shade and impression, Very Fine and choice
10c Black, Reproduction (4). Without gum as issued, intense shade, ample margins, Very Fine, with 2019 P.S.A.G. certificate