Sale 1362 — The El Dorado Collection of Superb United States Stamps
Sale Date — Tuesday-Thursday, 7-9 October, 2025
Category — 1902-08 Issues (Scott 300-320Ad)
1c Blue Green (300). Mint N.H., rich color, beautifully centered with wide and balanced margins, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2012 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98), only two grade higher
(Image Magnifier)1c Blue Green (300). Wide margins and essentially perfectly centered, rich color, wavy-line machine cancel, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2009 and 2013 P.S.E. certificates (Superb 98), only eight grade higher and nine share this grade
(Image Magnifier)1c Blue Green, Booklet Pane of Six (300b). Position E, original gum, lightly hinged, Extremely Fine, with 2014 P.S.E. certificate (VF-XF 85; unpriced in SMQ)
(Image Magnifier)2c Carmine (301). Mint N.H., vivid color on bright paper, outstanding centering and margins, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2011 P.S.A.G. certificate (Superb 98), Scott value $37
(Image Magnifier)3c Bright Violet (302). Mint N.H., deep rich color and proof-like impression on bright paper, exceptional centering with wide and balanced margins
EXTREMELY FINE GEM MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 3-CENT 1902 ISSUE, GRADED SUPERB 98 BY P.S.E.
With 1998 (for pair), 2002 and 2005 P.S.E. certificates (Superb 98). Only three grade higher and six share this grade.
(Image Magnifier)3c Bright Violet (302). Deep rich color on white paper, outstanding centering, light wavy-line machine cancel, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2008 and 2014 P.S.E. certificates (Superb 98), this is the highest grade awarded and it is shared by only five others
(Image Magnifier)4c Brown (303). Mint N.H., brilliant color on post-office fresh paper, balanced margins, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2010 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95), only three grade higher
(Image Magnifier)4c Brown (303). Brilliant color, almost mathematically perfect centering with wide margins, bold Chicago oval cancel, Extremely Fine Gem, a superb stamp, with 2009 and 2013 P.S.E. certificates (Superb 98), this is one of only two used examples to achieve this lofty grade with none higher
(Image Magnifier)5c Blue (304). Mint N.H., wide margins and outstanding centering, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2008 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95), only eight grade higher
(Image Magnifier)5c Blue (304). Jumbo margins and choice centering, dark color, duplex cancel, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2008 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95 Jumbo), only eight grade higher and four share this grade
(Image Magnifier)6c Claret (305). Mint N.H., rich color and proof-like impression, outstanding centering and margins, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2007 and 2008 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95), only two grade higher (at 95J)
(Image Magnifier)8c Violet Black (306). Mint N.H., intense shade on bright paper, essentially perfect centering with wide and balanced margins
EXTREMELY FINE GEM MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 8-CENT 1902 ISSUE, GRADED SUPERB 98 BY P.S.E.
With 2013 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98). Only two grade higher (at 98J) and seven others share this lofty grade.
(Image Magnifier)8c Violet Black (306). Mint N.H., choice centering and margins, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2008 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95), only 13 grade higher
(Image Magnifier)8c Violet Black (306). Near perfect centering, bright shade on fresh paper, unobtrusive bars cancel, Extremely Fine Gem, ex Kirke, with 2011 P.F. and 2005 P.S.E. certificates (Superb 98), only three grade higher and only four share this grade
(Image Magnifier)10c Pale Red Brown (307). Mint N.H., rich color on fresh paper, gorgeous centering, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2005 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95), only two grade higher (at 95J and 98J), this is a very strong 95 and could possibly notch up a grade today
(Image Magnifier)10c Pale Red Brown (307). Near perfect centering, rich color, double-oval cancel, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2013 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98), only three used stamps grade higher and one shares this lofty grade
(Image Magnifier)13c Purple Black (308). Mint N.H., deep rich color, almost mathematically perfect centering with wide margins
EXTREMELY FINE GEM MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 13-CENT 1902 ISSUE, GRADED SUPERB 98 BY P.S.E.
With 2010 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98). Only seven grade higher.
(Image Magnifier)15c Olive Green (309). Mint N.H., rich color, outstanding centering and margins
EXTREMELY FINE GEM MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 15-CENT 1902 ISSUE.
With 2005 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95). Only three grade higher (highest grade is 98J) and four share this grade.
(Image Magnifier)15c Olive Green (309). Pretty shade, perfectly centered with Jumbo margins, unobtrusive cancel, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2014 P.S.A.G. and P.S.E. certificates (both Superb 98 Jumbo), this is the highest grade awarded to a used example and it is shared by only one other
(Image Magnifier)50c Orange (310). Mint N.H., precise centering with balanced margins, vibrant color on post-office fresh paper
EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 50-CENT 1902 ISSUE, GRADED XF-SUPERB 95 BY THE P.F.
The 1902-03 Regular Issue was a great improvement over the Bureau's first efforts in 1894 and 1895. Perforations tend to be cleaner, and centering better, but the large plate layout and perforation method still resulted in a large number of poorly centered stamps. Furthermore, stamps issued in choice condition seldom stayed that way, because the boom in stamp collecting that began with the Roosevelt administration caused hordes of hinge-bearing philatelists to mount stamps over and over again. For this reason, today's collectors have grown accustomed to paying many multiples of Scott value for Extremely Fine stamps in Mint Never-Hinged state. Anyone who has pursued this set can testify that the 50c is rarely encountered in such condition. Apart from the $2.00 and $5.00 values, it is more elusive than any other value of the set in superb Mint N.H. condition. This example probably ranks among the ten highest-quality examples in existence.
With 2006 P.F. certificate (XF-Superb 95). Scott value $1,200.
(Image Magnifier)$1.00 Black (311). Mint N.H., intense shade and detailed impression on crisp paper, wide and balanced margins
EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A STUNNING MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE $1.00 1902 ISSUE, GRADED XF-SUPERB 95 BY P.S.E.
With 2010 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95). Only three grade higher and ten share this lofty grade.
(Image Magnifier)$1.00 Black (311). Essentially perfect centering with wide and balanced margins, intense shade on bright paper, light cancel, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2008 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98), only two used stamps grade higher
(Image Magnifier)$2.00 Dark Blue (312). Mint N.H., bright color and attractive centering
VERY FINE MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE $2.00 1902 ISSUE.
With 1999 P.F. certificate.
(Image Magnifier)$2.00 Dark Blue (312). Bright color and paper, face-free strike of duplex cancel, choice centering, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2012 P.S.A.G. and 2014 P.S.E. certificates (both XF-Superb 95), only two grade higher in the P.S.E. Population Report and five share this lofty grade
(Image Magnifier)$5.00 Dark Green (313). Original gum, lightly hinged, rich color on bright paper, well-centered
VERY FINE AND CHOICE LIGHTLY HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE $5.00 1902 ISSUE.
With 1985 P.F. and 2005 P.S.E. certificates.
(Image Magnifier)$5.00 Dark Green (313). Well-centered with balanced margins, intense color, Wall Street Station N.Y. double-oval cancel, Extremely Fine, a choice used example of this top value, with 1998 and 2007 P.F. certificates (XF 90)
(Image Magnifier)$5.00 Dark Green (313). Horizontal strip of three, rich color, unobtrusive strikes of New York oval cancel, Very Fine, the $5.00 1902 Issue is surprisingly difficult to find in sound used condition, especially in multiples, with 2012 P.S.E. certificate, Scott value $2,250 as three singles
(Image Magnifier)4c Brown, Imperforate, Schermack Ty. III (314A). Perfectly centered with full Schermack perforations on both sides (equidistant from the flag pole finials), deep rich color and proof-like impression, wavy-line machine cancel
EXTREMELY FINE GEM. THIS IS WITHOUT QUESTION THE FINEST USED EXAMPLE OF THE RARE 4-CENT 1908 IMPERFORATE, SCOTT 314A. ONLY 32 USED SINGLES ARE AVAILABLE TO COLLECTORS. THIS MAGNIFICENT STAMP IS GRADED XF-SUPERB 95 BY THE PHILATELIC FOUNDATION. ONE OF THE KEY CONDITION RARITIES OF 20TH CENTURY UNITED STATES PHILATELY.
With the rising popularity of vending and affixing machines, the Bureau of Engraving and Printing received numerous requests from manufacturers for supplies of imperforate stamps, which could then be privately perforated to conform to each firm's machine. In May 1908, a supply of 25 sheets (400 stamps per sheet) of the 4c 1902 Issue, without perforations, was delivered to the Schermack Mailing Machine Co. in Detroit. The entire supply was cut into coils with Schermack Type III perforations, designed for the firm's patented affixing machine and delivered to the Winfield Printing Co. for use on mass mailings of advertising material. Approximately 6,000 were used on a mailing for Hamilton Carhartt Manufacturer, and almost all of the 4,000 balance were used on a mailing for Burroughs Adding Machine Co.
Our census of Scott 314A, available at https://siegelauctions.com/census/us/scott/314A, incorporates the records of The Philatelic Foundation, the Levi records (which represents over 40 years of auction sales) and our own computerized sales history. The census reveals a startling fact—there are only 32 used singles (two on piece), two used strips of three (one in the Miller collection at The New York Public Library), a used pair and four covers (one of which bears a strip of three), for a total of 46 used stamps. Almost half of the used examples have faults. Very few show the Schermack perforations on both sides and those that do tend not be well-centered top to bottom. This is the finest recorded used example—its only true rival is the stamp on the cover we sold in the 2018 Gross U.S. Treasures sale for $130,000 hammer (Sale 1188, lot 103).
Census no. 314A-CAN-11. Ex Max Simon and from our 1980 Rarities sale. Signed "O.K./K.K.," apparently by Karl Koslowski. With 1952, 1990, 2002 and 2015 P.F. certificates (the last graded XF-Superb 95). Scott value $45,000.
(Image Magnifier)1c Blue Green, Imperforate (314). Mint N.H., huge margins with part imprint at left and parts of adjoining stamps on other sides, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2008 P.S.E. certificate (Gem 100)
(Image Magnifier)5c Blue, Imperforate (315). Mint N.H., large even margins, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2009 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95), Scott value $600
(Image Magnifier)5c Blue, Imperforate (315). Mint N.H. top left corner sheet margin block of four, massive corner margins measuring 26mm at top and 23mm at left, large other two sides, rich color
EXTREMELY FINE GEM CORNER MARGIN BLOCK OF THE 5-CENT 1908 IMPERFORATE.
With 1997 P.F. certificate.
(Image Magnifier)1c Blue Green, Coil (318). Pair, original gum, lightly hinged, deep rich color and detailed impression, gorgeous centering for this difficult issue
EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A GORGEOUS ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE ONE-CENT HORIZONTAL COIL, SCOTT 318.
This issue is difficult to obtain as a pair with both stamps having such choice centering.
With 1990 P.S.E. and 1960, 1989 and 2004 P.F. certificates.
(Image Magnifier)2c Carmine, Ty. I (319). Mint N.H., precise centering with balanced margins, brilliant color, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2005 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98), only eight grade higher and five share this grade
(Image Magnifier)2c Carmine, Ty. I (319). Jumbo margins and near perfect centering, light wavy-line machine cancel, Extremely Fine Gem, ex Kirke, with 2002 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98 Jumbo), only one grades higher and five share this grade
(Image Magnifier)2c Carmine, Ty. I, Booklet Pane of Six (319g). Mint N.H., Very Fine, with 2008 P.S.E. certificate
(Image Magnifier)2c Scarlet, Ty. I, Booklet Pane of Six (319p). Position 15F, Mint N.H., intense color, choice centering, Extremely Fine, a beautiful Mint N.H. pane, ex "Vineyard", with 1990 and 2004 P.F. certificates
(Image Magnifier)2c Lake, Ty. II (319F). Mint N.H., vivid color and exceptional centering
EXTREMELY FINE GEM MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 1908 2-CENT LAKE TYPE II, GRADED SUPERB 98 JUMBO BY THE P.F.
With 1997 and 2006 P.F. certificates (Superb 98 Jumbo). By way of comparison, P.S.E. lists only one example at 98J (offered in Sale 1251, lot 1264, realized $3,500 hammer) and none higher. Scott value $25.
(Image Magnifier)2c Carmine, Ty. II (319Fi). Mint N.H., choice centering, Extremely Fine, with 2008 P.S.E. certificate as the old No. 319i (XF 90)
(Image Magnifier)2c Carmine Rose, Ty. II (319Fj). Mint N.H., Very Fine, with 2003 P.S.E. certificate as the old No. 319j
(Image Magnifier)2c Lake, Ty. II, Booklet Pane of Six (319Fq). Position A, Mint N.H., Extremely Fine, with 2014 P.S.E. certificate
(Image Magnifier)2c Lake Ty. II, Booklet Pane of Six (319Fq). Position E, Mint N.H., dark color and proof-like impression, wide margins, Extremely Fine, a beautiful pane, with 2002 P.F. certificate as the old No. 319q
(Image Magnifier)2c Carmine, Ty. I, Imperforate (320). Mint N.H., massive margins all around, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2013 P.S.E. certificate (Gem 100 Jumbo)
(Image Magnifier)2c Scarlet, Ty. I, Imperforate (320b). Mint N.H., massive margins including right sheet margin with part imprint, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2015 P.S.E. certificate (Gem 100)
(Image Magnifier)2c Carmine Rose, Ty. I, Imperforate (320c). Mint N.H. pair with horizontal guide line, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2008 P.S.E. certificate, Scott value as singles
(Image Magnifier)2c Carmine, Ty. II, Schermack Ty. III (320Ad; formerly 320d). Full Schermack Ty. III perforations as with all known examples, wavy-line machine cancel, Very Fine, rare with few known used, the Scott Catalogue notes that "No. 320Ad was issued imperforate, but all examples were privately perforated with large oblong perforations at the sides (Schermack Type III)", in this respect it is similar to its more famous and expensive counterparts, Scott 314A and 482A, with 2012 P.S.E. certificate, unpriced used off cover
(Image Magnifier)