Sale 1315 — The Eugene L. Grace Collection of United States and Confederate States Stamps and Covers
Sale Date — Tuesday-Thursday, 12-14 March, 2024
Category — 1857-60 Issue
1c Blue, Ty. I (18). Plate 12, remarkably well-centered showing complete design at sides and virtually complete design at top and bottom (including the defining type characteristics), fresh and bright color, neat strike of "FREE" in oval cancellation
EXTREMELY FINE. A BEAUTIFUL USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1857 ONE-CENT TYPE I WITH A "FREE" CANCELLATION.
With 1986, 1995 and 2000 P.F. certificates.
1c Blue, Ty. I (18). Plate 12, horizontal pair, fresh color and crisp impression, well-struck New York grid duplex, Very Fine and choice, ex Curtis, with 2004 P.F. and 2014 P.S.E. certificates
1c Blue, Ty. Ia (19). Position 100L4 with full corner interpane margins showing guideline at right, deep rich color, tied by clearly struck "Sturgis Mich. Apr. 29" circular datestamp on small piece, full perfs all around, perfs just slightly in at right and bottom, but showing the complete design in the selvage including plumes at bottom
EXTREMELY FINE and REMARKABLE EXAMPLE OF THE ONE-CENT PERFORATED TYPE Ia WITH FULL CORNER SHEET MARGINs. A UNIQUE PIECE.
Type Ia stamps were produced from eighteen of the twenty bottom-row positions on Plate 4 (the other two are Type Ic). After perforations were introduced in mid-1857, sheets on hand printed from Plates 1 Late and 2 were fed through the new perforating machine, but the narrow spaces between stamps made perforating difficult to accomplish without cutting into the designs. Plate 4 was produced in early 1857 when the introduction of perforations was anticipated; thus, it was entered from a new six-relief transfer roll, and the spaces between stamps were enlarged to allow for perforations. Some Plate 4 sheets were issued in imperforate form (April to June 1857), while the greater portion was issued perforated beginning in July 1857, along with perforated sheets from Plates 1L and 2.
On most examples of Type Ia, Scott 19, there is no sheet margin and the bottom perfs cut into the design, removing the type characteristics (showing full design at bottom). The example offered here, with full corner sheet margins, is probably a unique case where the stamp is typically centered for the issue and yet all of the design characteristics are still present. As an added note to the rarity of this item, while the imperforate 1c 1851 stamps are encountered with sheet margins, the perforated 1c stamps are extremely rare in that form.
Ex "Sevenoaks" where this was featured as the sole item on the front cover of the Sale 831 catalog. With 2001 P.F. certificate.
1c Blue, Ty. II (20). Plate 2, rich color on bright paper, light strike of blue town circular datestamp, well-proportioned margins, fresh and Extremely Fine, perforated stamps from Plate 2 are seldom encountered with this choice centering, with 1993 P.F. and 2008 P.S.E. certificates (XF 90), only four grade higher (one at 90J, three at 95)
1c Blue, Ty. II (20). Deep rich color, neat Sep. 27 circular datestamp cancel, Very Fine and choice, with 1985 and 2014 P.F. certificates
1c Blue, Ty. III (21). Wide break at top and small break at bottom, deep rich Plate 4 color, well-centered, neat "New-York Oct. 14" datestamp
EXTREMELY FINE. A SUPERB EXAMPLE OF THE ONE-CENT PERFORATED TYPE III SHOWING CLEAR BREAKS AT BOTH TOP AND BOTTOM -- THE DEFINING CHARACTERISTICS OF THE TYPE.
Most examples of the perforated Type III have narrow margins, and it is often difficult to see breaks at both top and bottom. As this is the defining characteristic of the type, most examples are literally space-fillers. The example offered here, showing the complete design at sides and breaks at both top and bottom, should be considered a true condition rarity.
With 1973, 2000 and 2014 P.F. certificates (XF 90).
1c Blue, Ty. III (21). Position 75R4, deep rich color on bright paper, intact perfs at left, unobtrusive circular datestamp cancel
EXTREMELY FINE USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1857 ONE-CENT TYPE III, SCOTT 21.
With 1992 P.F. and 2015 P.S.E. certificates (VF-XF 85).
1c Blue, Ty. IIIa (22). Position 87R4, showing wide break at top, deep rich color and proof-like impression, unusually choice centering, light strike of circular datestamp
EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A PHENOMENAL USED EXAMPLE OF THE PERFORATED 1857 ONE-CENT TYPE IIIa, GRADED XF-SUPERB 95 BY P.S.E.
The layout of Plate 4 still left little room for perforations. Most examples of Type IIIa are poorly centered, especially top-to-bottom. The example offered here, showing clear and unmistakable characteristics of the type, is a condition rarity.
With 2000 P.F. and 2014 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95). Only two grade higher (at 95J). This is the only P.S.E.-graded example graded 95 from Plate 4 that we have offered.
1c Blue, Ty. IIIa (22). Plate 11, rich color, neat circular datestamp, Very Fine, small backstamp, with 1998 P.S.E. certficate
1c Blue, Ty. IV (23). Recut once at top, beautiful centering, with intact perforations at sides and showing part of adjoining stamps, face free strike of circular datestamp
EXTREMELY FINE USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1857 ONE-CENT TYPE IV, GRADED XF 90 BY P.S.E.
With 1993 P.F. and 2018 P.S.E. certificate (XF 90). Only four grade higher (all 95).
1c Blue, Ty. IV (23). Well-centered, intact perfs at sides with right interpane margin and centerline and large part of adjoining stamp at left, lightly cancelled by town datestamp, certificate mentions small sealed tear at bottom
EXTREMELY FINE APPEARING USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1857 ONE-CENT TYPE IV.
Ex Dr. Graves ("Argentum") where acquired by Mr. Grace in 1999. With 1999 P.F. certificate.
ADDENDA: PF CERTIFICATE STATES SMALL SEALED TEAR AT BOTTOM.
1c Blue, Ty. V (24). Mint N.H., rich color, fresh and Very Fine, with 1989 P.F. certificate, Scott value as hinged
1c Blue, Ty. V (24). Mint N.H. block of four with left selvage, intense shade, Very Fine and choice, with 1992 P.F. and 2007 P.S.E. certificates, Scott value as hinged
1c Blue, Ty. V (24). Radiant color, choice centering with wide margins, neat circular datestamp cancel, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2015 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95), only five grade higher (three at 95J, one each at 98 and 98J)
1c Blue, Ty. V (24). Horizontal strip of three, beautifully centered, two clear strikes of "STEAMBOAT" straightline handstamp, Extremely Fine, ex Dr. Morris, with 1996 P.F. certificate
3c Rose, Ty. I, Second Frameline at Left (25 var). Rich color, choice centering, circular datestamp cancel, Extremely Fine example of this unusual Scott-listed variety, with 1996 P.F. certificate
3c Dull Red, Ty. III (26). Radiant color, wonderful centering with unusually wide margins, neat strike of circular datestamp, Extremely Fine Gem, ex Bowman, with 2007 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98), only three have graded higher (all 98J) and only eleven others share this grade, these are low population numbers for a stamp that saw such wide distribution -- Luff notes over 150 million of all 3c perforated types were distributed to postmasters
5c Brick Red (27). Radiant color, neat strike of 1859 New Orleans circular datestamp, trace of red cancel at upper right, well-proportioned margins
EXTREMELY FINE. A BEAUTIFUL USED EXAMPLE OF THE 5-CENT 1857 BRICK RED, GRADED XF-90 BY THE P.F.
With 1991, 2004 and 2021 P.F. certificates (XF 90).
5c Red Brown (28). Lovely shade on bright paper, remarkably choice centering with intact perfs at top and bottom which show the outer projections of both adjoining stamps, face-free strike of circular datestamp leaves design clearly visible
EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A PHENOMENAL USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1857 5-CENT RED BROWN. THIS IS ONE OF THE MOST DIFFICULT ISSUES TO OBTAIN WITH SUCH WIDE MARGINS AND IN SUCH PRISTINE CONDITION. EASILY ONE OF THE FINEST IN EXISTENCE.
Due to the narrow spacing between stamps on the plate, the perforations often touch or go into the outer portion of the design on one or more sides. The intact perforations at top and bottom beautifully demonstrate this lack of spacing. The example offered here, with perfect centering and unusually wide margins, is a true condition rarity.
With 2017 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95). Only two grade higher (both 98) and only five others share this grade.
5c Brown (29). Rich color on bright paper, neat strike of large Boston "Paid" grid cancel, gorgeous centering with design clear of outer projections on all four sides
EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1859 5-CENT TYPE I BROWN, WHICH IS GRADED XF-SUPERB 95 BY P.S.E. -- ONLY TWO GRADE HIGHER.
With 2001 P.F. certificate as on cover (the cover accompanies this lot). With 2015 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95). Only two grade higher (both at 98).
5c Orange Brown, Ty. II (30). Beautifully centered with wide margins all around, natural straddle-pane margin at right including guideline and part of adjoining stamp across the gutter, deep rich color, well-struck red grid cancel, Extremely Fine Gem, a stamp with great visual appeal, with 2001 P.F. certificate
5c Brown, Ty. II (30A). Beautiful centering with enormous side margins, pretty shade, bold strike of red grid cancel, Extremely Fine, ex Saadi and Myerson, with 1987, 1989 and 2014 P.F. certificates (XF 90 XQ), with 2021 P.S.E. certificate (VF-XF 85 Jumbo; unpriced in SMQ, $475 as 85, $825 as 90)
5c Brown, Ty. II (30A). Horizontal strip of three, rich color nicely complemented by blue grid cancels, left stamp small thin spot, Fine-Very Fine appearance, with 1993 P.F. certificate
10c Green, Ty. I (31). Rich color on bright paper, neat strike of San Francisco circular datestamp, Very Fine and choice, with 1982 and 2010 P.F. certificates
10c Green, Ty. II (32). Extraordinarily wide margins (nearly Jumbo for this issue) and almost perfectly centered, deep rich color, New York circular datestamp
EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A BEAUTIFUL USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1857 10-CENT PERFORATED TYPE II.
With 1983 P.F. and 2009 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95). Only two grade higher (at 98).
10c Green, Ty. III (33). Choice centering with extremely wide and balanced margins, rich color on bright paper, neat 1858 circular datestamp
EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A BEAUTIFUL USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1857 10-CENT TYPE III.
We have rarely seen 10c 1857 Issue stamps with margins as wide as the example offered here. With 2014 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95). Only three grade higher (two at 95J, one at 98).
10c Green, Ty. III (33). Horizontal pair, both stamps have choice centering, bright color, neat strikes of San Francisco circular datestamp, fresh and Extremely Fine, with 2009 P.F. certificate
10c Green, Ty. IV (34). Position 74L1, deep rich color, choice centering, face free cancels, reperfed at left (not noted as such on certificates)
EXTREMELY FINE APPEARING USED EXAMPLE OF THE 10-CENT 1857 TYPE IV.
With 1955 and 2004 P.F. certificates.
10c Green, Ty. V (35). Position 60R2, absolutely enormous margins with captured "n, Carpenter & Co. BANK NOTE E" portion of imprint at right which is completely clear of the perforations, rich color, neat strike of New York circular datestamp
EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SPECTACULAR USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1859 10-CENT TYPE V WITH A SIGNIFICANT PORTION OF THE IMPRINT CAPTURED AT RIGHT AND WITH ENORMOUS MARGINS ON ALL OTHER SIDES.
Ex "Natalee Grace". With 2009 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95 Jumbo). We submitted this stamp for grading in 2009 to see how P.S.E. factored the captured imprint into the equation. William A. Litle included a note at the time stating that "Grading this one is completely subjective." Agreed. This is the finest example with captured imprint we have ever encountered, and for a stamp like this SMQ is not an accurate guide. The highest grade awarded is a 98.
10c Green, Ty. V (35). Choice centering, tied by "Jamaica Plain Ms. Oct. 17" circular datestamp on small piece to Montreal, Canada, also with red "UNITED STATES" in oval exchange office handstamp, Extremely Fine, with 1995 P.F. certificate
10c Green, Ty. V (35). Vertical strip of three, gorgeous centering throughout, "New Orleans La. Nov. 23, 1859" circular datestamps, Extremely Fine Gem, a beautiful strip, with 2004 P.F. certificate, Scott value as pair and single
12c Black, Plate 1 (36). Detailed impression with intact perfs at left showing significant portion of adjoining stamp, neat strike of circular datestamp
EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB USED EXAMPLE OF THE 12-CENT 1857 ISSUE FROM PLATE 1.
With 2015 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95). Only three grade higher (at 98) and 12 others share this grade.
12c Black, Plate 1 (36). Horizontal pair, perfs intact on three sides and showing part of four adjoining stamps and interpane margin with guide line at left, bold strikes of circular datestamp cancels, Very Fine, an attractive multiple, with 1981 and 1999 P.F. certificates
12c Black, Plate 3 (36B). Intense shade and proof-like impression, centrally-struck blue circular datestamp, unusually choice centering with wide and balanced margins
EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1859 12-CENT FROM PLATE 3 GRADED XF-SUPERB 95 BY P.S.E.
Ex Bowman and Helton. With 1997 P.F. and 2008 and 2018 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95). Only one has graded higher (at 98, offered in our "Natalee Grace" sale)
12c Black, Plate 3 (36B). Detailed impression, wide margins, red and black grid cancels, Very Fine and choice, a pretty stamp, with 1998 P.F. certificate
24c Gray Lilac (37). Deep rich color and bright paper, gorgeous centering, neat strike of San Francisco circular datestamp
EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1860 24-CENT GRAY LILAC, GRADED XF-SUPERB 95 BY P.S.E.
Ex Saadi. With 1986 P.F. and 2015 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95). Only six grade higher (all at 98).
24c Gray Lilac (37). Horizontal pair, bright shade nicely complemented by bold red grid cancels
EXTREMELY FINE. A BEAUTIFUL PAIR OF THE 24-CENT 1860 ISSUE, CANCELLED SOLELY BY RED GRIDS.
Ex Saadi. With 2014 P.F. certificate.
30c Orange (38). Gorgeous centering with unusually wide margins, radiant color as fresh as the day it was printed, neat strike of red grid cancel
EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB USED EXAMPLE OF THE 30-CENT 1860 ISSUE, which is EXCEEDINGLY DIFFICULT TO FIND IN SUCH exceptional CONDITION. THIS MARVELOUS STAMP IS EASILY ONE OF THE FINEST IN EXISTENCE. IT IS GRADED SUPERB 98 JUMBO BY P.S.E. -- THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED AND THE ONLY EXAMPLE TO ACHIEVE IT.
The narrow space between subjects on the plate makes it almost impossible for the perforations to clear the design on all four sides. The example offered here, with extra wide margins at sides and perfs clear at top and bottom, is a true condition rarity.
Ex Senchuk and Merlin. With 2009 and 2019 P.S.E. certificates (Superb 98 Jumbo). This is the highest grade awarded to a Scott 38 in any category (unused or used), and it is the only example to achieve this grade.
30c Orange (38). Horizontal pair, with right interpane margin with guide line, grid cancels, Very Fine, with 1995 P.F. certificate
90c Blue (39). Choice centering with wide margins all around, deep rich color and sharp impression, clear strike of black grid cancel
EXTREMELY FINE USED EXAMPLE OF THE SHORT-LIVED 90-CENT 1860 -- THE FIRST UNITED STATES 90-CENT ISSUE.
The 90c stamp was issued in 1860, along with the 24c and 30c values, all of which were needed to prepay high international letter rates established by various postal treaties. The basic 24c and 30c rates to England, France and Germany created a volume of mail franked with those values. However, the 90c saw much more limited use, partly due to the rates in effect, but more because of the American Civil War. When supplies of current postage stamps were declared invalid in the South and ultimately demonetized by the Federal government, the 90c had been in use for only one year. For this reason, genuinely cancelled copies are scarce, and covers bearing the 90c are extremely rare.
Ex Twigg-Smith. With 2001 P.F. and 2019 P.S.E. certificates (VF-XF 85). Only three used examples grade higher (two at 90, one at 95). SCV $10,000