Sale 1367 — United States Stamps
Sale Date — Tuesday-Thursday, 9-11 December, 2025
Category — 1861-69 Issues (Scott 20-132)
1c-10c 1861 Issue, Face-Free Cancels (63, 65, 68, 73). Four used stamps, each with choice centering, rich colors and a neat face-free cancel, Extremely Fine and attractive group, from the Nathanael Greene collection, No. 63 with 1992 P.S.E. certificate, No. 68 with 2022 P.S.E. certificate, No. 73 with 2023 P.S.E. certificate (VF-XF 85; SMQ $160, we believe this is undergraded)
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1c Dark Blue (63b). Deep rich color and proof-like impression on bright paper, face-free strike of red circular datestamp
EXTREMELY FINE EXAMPLE OF THIS DISTINCTIVE SHADE WITH A FACE-FREE RED CANCEL.
Since 2003, we have offered only 12 different used examples of the 1c 1861 Dark Blue that we described as Extremely Fine. The example offered here is the only one with a face-free cancel, and one of two with a red cancel.
From the Nathanael Greene collection. Ex Gorham. With 2014 P.F. certificates, for both on-cover and for this stamp off-cover. SCV $915.
3c Pink (64). Brilliant color, attractive margins and centering, segmented grid cancel, Very Fine, from the Nathanael Greene collection, with 2001 and 2024 P.F. certificates
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12c Black (69). Original gum, lightly hinged, outstanding centering and wide margins, finely detailed impression on fresh bright paper
EXTREMELY FINE GEM EXAMPLE OF THE 12-CENT 1861 ISSUE. ONE OF THE FRESHEST AND BEST CENTERED WE HAVE EVER ENCOUNTERED.
Knowledgeable collectors recognize and appreciate the great rarity of well-centered, original-gum classics. In particular, the 1861-66 Issue is one of the most challenging. Stamps of this issue outside the 3c, even for denominations with modest Scott values in original-gum condition, are extremely elusive in grades of Very Fine or better.
From the Nathanael Greene collection. Ex Dr. Puliafito and Wingate. With 1999 (for a pair) and 2018 P.F. certificates. SCV $1,900.
24c Red Lilac (70). Deep rich color and proof-like impression on bright paper, mostly face-free strikes of cork cancel, choice centering, fresh and Extremely Fine, from the Nathanael Greene collection, with 2007 P.S.E. certificate (XF 90), SCV $300
24c Brown Lilac (70a). Choice centering and margins, pretty pastel color complemented by blue "REGISTERED" cancel, struck in such a way that the nature of the cancel is obvious, but Washington's face is unobscured, Extremely Fine and attractive, from the Nathanael Greene collection, with 2017 P.F. certificate (VF-XF 85), probably undergraded, SCV $350
(Image Magnifier)5c Red Brown (75). Dark shade and crisp impression, choice centering, neat face-free target cancel, Extremely Fine, from the Nathanael Greene collection, with 2000 and 2024 P.S.E. certificates (VF-XF 85), SCV $425
(Image Magnifier)10c Green, E. Grill (89). Well-centered and deep rich color, clear grill, segmented cork cancel struck to miss nearly all of Washington's face, Very Fine and choice, a Power Search review yielded very few face-free cancels on the 10c E Grill, this is a desirable example, from the Nathanael Greene collection, with 1998 P.F. and 2019 P.S.E. certificates
(Image Magnifier)12c Black, E. Grill (90). Excellent centering with wide and balanced margins, completely face-free strike of circle of wedges cancel, Extremely Fine, a lovely stamp with a face-free cancel, we have offered used examples of Scott 90 graded Extremely Fine more than 100 times since 1993, but only four have face-free cancels, from the Nathanael Greene collection, with 2024 P.S.A.G. certificate (XF 90), SCV $425
(Image Magnifier)12c Black, E. Grill (90). Wide margins and well-centered, face-free cork cancel leaves design completely clear, well-defined grill, Extremely Fine, unusually choice for this and we do not feel the grade does it justice — at a minimum it certainly does not capture the desirability of the face-free cancel — we have offered used examples of Scott 90 graded Extremely Fine more than 100 times since 1993, but only four have face-free cancels, from the Nathanael Greene collection, with 2002 and 2024 P.F. certificates (VF-XF 85), SCV $425
(Image Magnifier)10c Dark Green, F. Grill, Very Thin Paper (96 var). Original gum, lightly hinged, rich color on bright paper and very sharp impression characteristic of this paper, clearly-defined grill
VERY FINE AND RARE ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE 1868 10-CENT F GRILL ON VERY THIN PAPER.
In our experience, the Very Thin Paper variety comes in a distinct shade on semi-translucent paper. The example offered here is only the fourth original-gum single contained in Power Search. We have also offered at least one block of four which qualifies, in our 1998 sale of the Zoellner collection.
From the Nathanael Greene collection. With 2023 P.F. certificate.
12c Black, F. Grill, Very Thin Paper (97 var). Attractive centering and margins, face-free black and red cancels, Very Fine and choice, from the Nathanael Greene collection, with 2010 P.S.E. certificate
(Image Magnifier)15c Black, F. Grill, Very Thin Paper (98 var). Choice centering with balanced margins, detailed impression of the Thin Paper variety, well-defined circle of wedges cancel which misses all of Lincoln's facial features
EXTREMELY FINE USED 1868 15-CENT F GRILL ON VERY THIN PAPER, WITH A DEFINED AND ESSENTIALLY FACE-FREE CANCEL.
We have offered 11 unduplicated used examples of Scott 98 at a 90 grade or above, without regard to paper, and only three at 90 or above on thin paper. Very few of these have cancels that are both defined (not a blotchy cork) and essentially face-free. This choice example meets both of those criteria.
From the Nathanael Greene collection. With 2022 P.F. certificate (XF 90 XQ). The "XQ" stands for "Extraordinary Quality", though we feel this is undergraded even at that. Scott prices the Very Thin Paper variety at a 70% premium over the normal paper. SCV $475.
(Image Magnifier)30c Orange, F. Grill (100). Vibrant color on bright paper, clearly defined grill which is visible from the front of the stamp, outstanding centering and margins particularly for this difficult grill, well-struck rosette cancel
EXTREMELY FINE. THE 30-CENT 1868 F GRILL IS EXTREMELY RARE WITH CHOICE CENTERING.
The 30c 1861-68 Issue stamps—Scott 71 (to a lesser extent) and Scott 100 —rank as two of the most difficult classic U.S. stamps to find in such pristine condition. Due to narrow spacing of the plate, the 30c 1861-68s are usually found with tight margins and only Fine centering. Brookman notes "Superb copies are almost non-existent".
From the Nathanael Greene collection. With 2018 P.S.E. certificate (XF 90). Only two grade higher (at 95). SCV $1,000.
(Image Magnifier)90c Blue, F. Grill (101). Detailed impression on crisp paper, clear grill, face-free strike of cancel, unusually choice centering for this issue with balanced margins
EXTREMELY FINE. A BEAUTIFUL USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1868 90-CENT F GRILL WITH A FACE-FREE CANCEL.
A review using Power Search reveals how seldom one sees an Extremely Fine Scott 101 with a face-free cancel. We have described more than 50 stamps as Extremely Fine since 1993, but only five have face-free or essentially face-free cancels. This is an exceptional example graded XF 90 by the P.F.
From the Nathanael Greene collection. Ex Gorham. With 1991 and 2022 P.S.E. certificates (ungraded). With 2001 and 2022 P.F. certificates (latter XF 90). SCV $2,700.
1c Buff (112). Original gum, exceptionally well-centered with rich color
EXTREMELY FINE GEM ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE ONE-CENT 1869 PICTORIAL ISSUE, GRADED XF-SUPERB 95 BY P.S.E ONLY TWO HINGED STAMPS GRADE HIGHER.
From the Nathanael Greene collection. With 1992 and 2006 P.F. certificates (XF 90 — we commented that this was undergraded when we last offered it with only this certificate). With 2023 P.S.E. certificate (OGph, XF-Superb 95 — the correct grade in our opinion). Only two hinged stamps grade higher (at 95J and 98) and only one shares this grade. There is also one Mint N.H. graded 95J by P.S.E. (realized $13,500 hammer in our 2025 sale of the "El Dorado" collection, Sale 1362).
2c Brown (113). Original gum, lightly hinged, deep rich color and proof-like impression, wide and balanced margins and near perfect centering
EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE 2-CENT 1869 PICTORIAL ISSUE.
From the Nathanael Greene collection. Ex "Alan". With 2012 P.S.E. certificate (OGph, XF-Superb 95). Only four grade higher (highest is 98) and only three others share this grade.
2c Brown (113). Outstanding centering with balanced margins, deep rich color, very light cork cancel, Extremely Fine Gem, a beautiful stamp, from the Nathanael Greene collection, ex Kirke, Morton and Lanza, with 2003 (as a strip of three), 2015 and 2020 P.F. certificates (XF-Superb 95), with 2023 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95), only seven grade higher
2c Brown, Double Grill (113 var). Bright shade, light strike of cork cancel, wide margins, Extremely Fine Gem, from the Nathanael Greene collection, with 2021 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $900 as normal, without premium for the double grill)
6c Ultramarine (115). Bright color, choice centering, face-free cancel, fresh and Extremely Fine, from the Nathanael Greene Collection, with 2019 P.S.E. certificate (XF 90)
(Image Magnifier)12c Green (117). Deep rich color and remarkably detailed impression, vignette-free strike of quartered cork cancel, Jumbo margins, Extremely Fine Gem, a superb stamp in every respect, from the Nathanael Greene collection, 2005 P.F. and P.S.E. certificates (latter XF-Superb 95 Jumbo) no longer accompany, with 2009 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95 Jumbo)
(Image Magnifier)15c Brown & Blue, Ty. II (119). Wide and balanced margins, rich colors, unobtrusive target cancel leaves entire design clearly visible, Extremely Fine, an attractive stamp, from the Nathanael Greene collection, ex "Sacramento", with 2009 P.S.E. certificate (XF 90), while this stamp's centering matches the XF 90 P.S.E. grade, the mostly vignette-free cancel adds an element that is not captured by the grade
24c Green & Violet (120). Unused (no gum), bright colors, wide well-balanced margins all around, trivial natural wood fiber inclusion at bottom not mentioned on either certificate
VERY FINE AND CHOICE UNUSED EXAMPLE OF THE 24-CENT 1869 PICTORIAL ISSUE. RARE WITH SUCH WIDE MARGINS.
From the Nathanael Greene collection. With 2002 and 2024 P.F. certificates.
(Image Magnifier)30c Ultramarine & Carmine (121). Brilliant colors, cancelled solely by red circle of wedges which is clearly struck but avoids masking the Eagle and shield designs, wide margins
EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A BEAUTIFUL USED EXAMPLE OF THE 30-CENT 1869 PICTORIAL ISSUE, CANCELLED IN RED AND GRADED XF-SUPERB 95 BY P.S.A.G.
A review using Power Search found 13 different examples of the 30c 1869 graded 95 (plus one 95J) and of these only four are cancelled in red. This example, with a red cancel that leaves the Eagle and Shield designs unobstructed, is quite beautiful.
From the Nathanael Greene collection. Ex Morton. With 1991, 2005 P.F. and 2023 P.S.E. certificates (all ungraded). With 2020 P.S.A.G. certificate (XF-Superb 95). SCV $700.
2c Brown, Re-Issue (124). Well-balanced margins, rich color and detailed impression on fresh paper, light but clear cancel
EXTREMELY FINE. A BEAUTIFUL USED EXAMPLE OF THE 2-CENT 1869 PICTORIAL RE-ISSUE. RARE IN SUCH CHOICE CONDITION.
From the Nathanael Greene collection. Ex Kirke, Morton and Lanza. With 1998, 2005, 2006 and 2020 P.F. certificates (latter two XF 90). With 2007 and 2023 P.S.E. certificate (both XF 90). Only four grade higher (two at 95 and two at 95J), and three others share this grade.
24c Green & Violet, Re-Issue (130). Choice centering with well-balanced margins, deep rich colors and proof-like impressions, unobtrusive strike of circular datestamp leaves the entire design completely visible, neat small contemporary manuscript on back
EXTREMELY FINE. A BEAUTIFUL USED EXAMPLE OF THE 24-CENT 1869 PICTORIAL RE-ISSUE WITH A CIRCULAR DATESTAMP CANCEL.
The majority of used examples of Scott 130 are cancelled with registry ovals, often quite heavily. A Power Search review lists 13 used examples graded 85 or higher offered in our auctions since 1993. Of that small population, only two have circular datestamp cancels, including the lightly struck example offered here and one other graded 85, more strongly struck.
From the Nathanael Greene collection. Ex Saadi. With 1990, 1999 P.F. and 2017 P.S.E. certificates (VF-XF 85)
90c Carmine & Black, Re-Issue (132). Bright colors, face-free cork cancel at right leaves entire design clearly visible
FRESH AND VERY FINE. A SCARCE USED EXAMPLE OF THE 90-CENT 1869 PICTORIAL RE-ISSUE.
SMQ estimated at one time that approximately 40 used copies exist, but our estimate is higher than that. However, most are either off center or have small faults.
From the Nathanael Greene collection. With 2008 P.S.E. and 2018 P.F. certificates (latter VF 80).