Sale 1351 — The Vaquero Collection of Gem-Quality 19th and 20th Century United States Stamps
Sale Date — Thursday, 15 May, 2025
Category — 1894-98 Watermarked Bureau Issues (Scott 264-284)
1c Blue (264). Mint N.H. with left part imprint selvage, rich color on bright paper, mathematically perfect centering with Jumbo margins
EXTREMELY FINE GEM. THIS MAGNIFICENT MINT NEVER-HINGED STAMP IS GRADE GEM 100 JUMBO BY P.S.E. — THIS IS THE HIGHEST GRADE POSSIBLE ON THE GRADING CHART AND IT IS THE ONLY EXAMPLE TO ACHIEVE THIS PERFECT GRADE.
With 2017 P.S.E. certificate (Gem 100 Jumbo). This is the highest grade possible on the grading chart and it is shared by no others.
1c Blue (264). Mint N.H. top imprint and plate no. 439 block of six, rich color on bright paper, well-balanced margins, Extremely Fine, a beautiful Mint N.H. plate block, ex "Whitpain" and Field, with 2022 P.F. certificate
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". 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. II (266). Mint N.H. with plate no. 132 at right, vivid color and proof-like impression, gorgeous centering with Jumbo margins
EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB EXAMPLE OF THE 2-CENT 1895 TYPE II WATERMARKED BUREAU ISSUE.
Ex Whitman. With 1998 P.F. and 2008 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95 Jumbo). Only seven grade higher (all at 98) and no others share this Jumbo grade.
2c Carmine, Ty. III (267). Mint N.H., mathematically perfect centering, vibrant color and detailed impression on bright white paper
EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SPECTACULAR MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 2-CENT 1895 TYPE III WATERMARKED ISSUE, WITH THE PERFECT GRADE OF GEM 100 FROM P.S.E.
With 2012 P.S.E. certificate (Gem 100). This is the highest grade awarded by P.S.E. to a Scott 267 in any condition. Only two other Mint N.H. stamps have achieved this grade.
2c Pink, Ty. III (267a). Mint N.H., radiant color, outstanding centering with balanced margins, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2021 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95), only one Mint N.H. stamp grades higher (at 98) and only five others share this lofty grade
3c Purple (268). Mint N.H. with wide top plate no. 103 selvage, deep rich color and proof-like impression, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2011 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95), only two grade higher (both 98)
4c Dark Brown (269). Mint N.H., intense color and proof-like impression, essentially perfect centering with wide and balanced margins
EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 1895 4-CENT WATERMARKED BUREAU ISSUE IN THE FINEST CONDITION ATTAINABLE. THIS REMARKABLE STAMP IS GRADED SUPERB 98 BY P.S.E. — THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED.
With 2002 P.F. and 2009 and 2019 P.S.E. certificates (Superb 98). This is the highest grade awarded to a Mint N.H. stamp and it is shared by only three others.
5c Chocolate (270). Mint N.H. with extra wide top plate no. 164 selvage, lovely warm shade, perfectly centered
EXTREMELY FINE GEM. THIS PHENOMENAL STAMP IS GRADED SUPERB 98 BY P.S.E. — THIS IS THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED.
With 2010 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98). This is the highest grade awarded and it is shared by five others. This is the only example in this grade we have offered since 2009, when we offered one with bottom plate number selvage.
6c Dull Brown (271). Mint N.H., pretty shade, unusually choice centering
EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 1895 6-CENT WATERMARKED BUREAU ISSUE.
With 1984 P.F. certificate as block of nine and 2013 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95). Only two Mint N.H. stamps grade higher (at 95J).
6c Dull Brown, USIR Watermark (271a). Showing distinct complete letter "I" of watermark, deep rich color, outstanding centering, light wavy-line machine cancel
EXTREMELY FINE. EASILY ONE OF THE FINEST USED EXAMPLES OF THE RARE 1895 6-CENT WITH "USIR" WATERMARK.
The "USIR" (United States Internal Revenue) watermark error occurred when a supply of paper reserved for revenue stamp production was used for printing the 6c and 8c postage stamps. Unlike its more common 8c counterpart, the 6c is an extremely rare stamp. Our census of this issue, available at https://siegelauctions.com/census/us/Scott/271a, records only 30 used singles plus two multiples with the variety showing between stamps. About half have faults and the majority of those certified do not specify which letter is present. The identified examples are split approximately equally between the "I" and "R" of the watermark. Many examples have perfs either close or touching the design. This sound example with balanced margins and a lightly applied cancel is a great rarity.
Census no. 271a-CAN-19. Ex Gorham. With 2002 P.F. and 2022 P.S.E. certificates (XF 90). This is the highest grade awarded and it is shared by only one other.
8c Violet Brown (272). Mint N.H., deep rich color and proof-like impression on bright paper, superior centering with wide and balanced margins, long and full perforations
EXTREMELY FINE GEM. AM ABSOLUTELY STUNNING MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 1895 8-CENT WATERMARKED BUREAU ISSUE, GRADED SUPERB 98 BY P.S.E.
Ex Zoellner. With 1984 and 1998 P.F. and 2021 P.S.E. certificates (Superb 98). Only one grades higher (at 98J) and three others share this desirable grade. As an indicator of its scarcity in higher grades, we have never offered the 98J, this is the first time we have offered one graded 98, and the last time we offered one graded 95J was in 2013.
8c Violet Brown, USIR Watermark (272a). Clear "R" of watermark, wide and nicely balanced margins, rich color, light cancel
EXTREMELY FINE. THIS IS EASILY ONE OF THE FINEST USED EXAMPLES OF THE 8-CENT 1895 WATERMARKED ISSUE WITH USIR WATERMARK IN EXISTENCE. THIS STAMP IS GRADED XF-SUPERB 95 JUMBO BY P.S.E.
This variety occurred when a supply of paper reserved for revenue stamp production was used for printing the 6c and 8c postage stamps. There are approximately 75 known of the 8c, but many are either off-center or have flaws.
Ex Gorham. With 2003 P.S.E. and 2004 P.F. and 2022 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95 Jumbo). This is the highest grade awarded and only one other shares it (the other shows the "I").
10c Dark Green (273). Mint N.H., intense shade on bright paper which gives this a stunning appearance, perfectly centered
EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A MAGNIFICENT MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 1895 10-CENT WATERMARKED BUREAU ISSUE. AN EXTREMELY DIFFICULT STAMP TO FIND IN SUCH SUPERB CONDITION AND A TRUE CONDITION RARITY.
Ex "Scarsdale" and "Hanover". With 1984 and 1999 P.F. certificates. With 2004 and 2025 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95). Only three grade higher in the P.S.E. Population Report (one 95J and two at 98).
10c Dark Green, Imperforate (273P5; formerly 273a). Horizontal pair, original gum, lightly hinged, huge margins, Extremely Fine, the 1895 imperforate stamps are now listed with plate proofs
15c Dark Blue (274). Mint N.H. with part imprint selvage at bottom, incredibly deep rich color on bright paper, proof-like impression, choice centering with Jumbo margins
EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 1895 15-CENT WATERMARKED BUREAU ISSUE GRADED XF-SUPERB 95 JUMBO BY P.S.E.
Ex Whitman. With 1996 P.F. certificate. With 2008 and 2025 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.
50c Orange (275). Mint N.H. with wide top plate no. 75 selvage, vibrant color, well-proportioned margins, Extremely Fine, ex Dr. Killien and "Golden Oak", with 1998 P.F. and 2006 P.S.E. certificates (VF 80), in our opinion this is undergraded
$1.00 Black, Ty. I (276). Mint N.H., intense shade on bright paper, sharp proof-like impression, choice centering with wide margins
EXTREMELY FINE GEM. AN ABSOLUTELY PHENOMENAL MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 1895 $1.00 TYPE I WATERMARKED BUREAU ISSUE, GRADED XF-SUPERB 95 BY P.S.E. — THIS IS THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED AND IT IS THE ONLY EXAMPLE TO ACHIEVE THIS GRADE.
With 2009 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95). This is the highest grade awarded to a Mint N.H. example and it is the only example at this grade. The next-highest grade is a 90 (three at that grade).
$1.00 Black, Ty. I, II (276-276A). Wide selvage bottom imprint and plate no. 76 strip of three, left stamp Ty. I, other two stamps Ty. II, all three stamps Mint N.H., previously hinged in selvage where perf separations sensibly reinforced, intense shade and impression
VERY FINE. A RARE IMPRINT AND PLATE NUMBER STRIP OF THREE OF THE $1.00 TYPE II 1895 WATERMARKED BUREAU ISSUE.
The plate of the $1.00 1894-95 Bureau Issue consisted of fifteen vertical rows of Type I and five vertical rows of Type II, which accounts for the scarcity of Type II compared with Type I. There are only ten positions on the plate which yield combination pairs—between the fifth and sixth rows of the right pane.
Mint N.H. examples of Scott 276A are scarce. We have offered perhaps a dozen unduplicated singles plus a few in multiples since keeping computerized records, and several were off-center. We are surprised this multiple has remained intact.
Ex "New Amsterdam". With 2019 P.F. certificate. Scott value as singles.
$2.00 Bright Blue (277). Mint N.H., deep rich color and detailed impression, beautifully centered with wide and balanced margins all around
EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 1895 $2.00 WATERMARKED BUREAU ISSUE IN THE BRIGHT BLUE COLOR. AN EXCEEDINGLY RARE STAMP IN MINT NEVER-HINGED AND CENTERED CONDITION. THIS STAMP IS GRADED XF-SUPERB 95 BY P.S.E. — THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED TO A MINT NEVER-HINGED STAMP.
As an indication of rarity, we have offered only 20 of this shade and three of the Dark Blue shade in Mint N.H. condition since keeping computerized records.
Ex "Scarsdale" and "Beverly Hills". With 2006 and 2025 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95). Only one other stamp shares this grade (from our Whitman sale, realized $23,000 hammer) and none grade higher in the P.S.E. Population Report.
$2.00 Dark Blue (277a). Mint N.H., deep rich color in the true Dark Blue shade, post office-fresh paper, wide and balanced margins, long and full perforations all around
EXTREMELY FINE GEM. THE 1895 $2.00 DARK BLUE WATERMARKED BUREAU ISSUE IS ONE OF THE MOST DIFFICULT ISSUES TO OBTAIN IN SOUND AND CENTERED MINT NEVER-HINGED CONDITION. A TRUE CONDITION RARITY, RECENTLY GRADED XF-SUPERB 95 BY P.S.E. — BY FAR THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED AND THE ONLY TO ACHIEVE THIS GRADE.
As an indication of rarity, we have only offered two other Mint N.H. examples of this shade since 1994, and this is the first we have offered since this exact stamp was last sold by us in the 2009 Whitman sale. This is easily the finest of the three.
Ex Odeneal and Whitman. With 2005 and 2007 P.F. certificates (the latter graded XF 90). With 2025 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95). This is the highest grade awarded to a Mint N.H. stamp. P.S.E. has graded only two others, at 75 and 85. Unpriced in SMQ at this grade. SMQ $7,500 as XF 90.
$5.00 Dark Green (278). Mint N.H. with part imprint selvage at bottom, deep rich color and proof-like impression on bright paper, well-balanced margins
EXTREMELY FINE. A BEAUTIFUL MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 1895 $5.00 WATERMARKED BUREAU ISSUE. A VERY DIFFICULT ISSUE TO OBTAIN IN SUCH CHOICE MINT NEVER-HINGED CONDITION. THIS IS THE FIRST MINT NEVER-HINGED SINGLE WE HAVE OFFERED SINCE 2013.
For some reason, this is extremely difficult to obtain in Mint N.H. condition. We have offered only eight Mint N.H. singles regardless of centering since 1994, and we have not offered one since 2013. For P.S.E.-graded, for hinged there are 15 graded 85 and 32 graded higher. For Mint N.H., there are six graded 85 and only one higher.
Ex "Cloudrest". With 1997 P.F. and 2007 P.S.E. certificates (VF-XF 85). Only one grades higher (at 98, realized $65,000 in 2009). We have not offered one graded 85 since this stamp was sold by us in 2012.
$5.00 Dark Green (278). Mint N.H. wide top imprint and plate no. 85 strip of three, deep rich color and sharp proof-like impression, well-centered and completely sound
VERY FINE AND CHOICE. AN EXCEPTIONALLY RARE WIDE TOP MINT NEVER-HINGED IMPRINT AND PLATE NUMBER STRIP OF THREE OF THE $5.00 1895 WATERMARKED BUREAU ISSUE. THIS IS THE ONLY EXAMPLE WE HAVE OFFERED IN AT LEAST 30 YEARS.
A Power Search review reveals how rare Scott 278 is as a Mint N.H. imprint and plate number strip. The only examples we have offered since 1994 were a bottom strip of three (small crease, Sale 1244, lot 373) and a narrow top strip of three with hinge remnant in selvage (Sale 920, lot 157). We have also only offered eight unduplicated Mint N.H. singles since 1994. This wide top Mint N.H. strip, in sound and centered condition is in a class by itself. It is also an excellent alternative to a plate block, of which only one hinged exists (and catalogues $200,000).
With 2013 P.S.E. certificate (VF 80; unpriced in SMQ).
1c Deep Green (279). Mint N.H., radiant color, perfectly centered with Jumbo margins
EXTREMELY FINE GEM. THIS STUNNING STAMP HAS BEEN AWARDED THE GRADE OF SUPERB 98 JUMBO BY P.S.E.
With 2009 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98 Jumbo). Only three grade higher (all at 100) and only two others share this desirable grade.
2c Red, Ty. IV (279B). Mint N.H. wide top imprint and plate no. 806 block of six, brilliant color, fresh and Very Fine-Extremely Fine
2c Rose Carmine, Ty. IV (279Bc). Mint N.H., vibrant color, choice centering with wide margins, long and full perforations
EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A GORGEOUS MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 1898 2-CENT TYPE IV IN THE ROSE CARMINE SHADE. A DIFFICULT ISSUE TO FIND IN SUCH SUPERB CONDITION.
The Type IV Rose Carmine offered here should not be confused with its more common brethren. According to Brookman, "The really scarce shade of the 1898 2c is the Rose Carmine. It is a shade not too unlike the Pink of the 1861 Series except that it is considerably darker."
Ex Gorham and "Hanover". With 1999 and 2006 P.F. certificates (XF-Superb 95). This is the highest grade awarded by the P.F. and none share it. By way of comparison, only one grades higher at P.S.E. and only one shares this grade.
4c Rose Brown (280). Mint N.H., brilliant color, exceptional centering with wide margins on bright paper
EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SPECTACULAR MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 4-CENT 1895 WATERMARKED BUREAU ISSUE IN THE FINEST ATTAINABLE CONDITION. THIS GEM IS GRADED SUPERB 98 BY P.S.E.
With 2005 (showing part imprint selvage) and 2009 P.S.E. certificates (Superb 98). This is the highest grade awarded by P.S.E. to a Scott 280, and it has been equaled by only one other.
4c Lilac Brown (280a). Mint N.H., wonderful depth of color, detailed impression on bright paper, wide and balanced margins, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2007 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95), only two grade higher (at 98) and three others share this desirable grade
4c Orange Brown (280b). Mint N.H., deep rich color on bright paper, unusually choice centering, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2005 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95), only one grades higher (at 98, realized $6,250 in 2019)
5c Dark Blue (281). Mint N.H., deep rich color on bright paper, perfectly centered with incredibly wide Jumbo margins
EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A MAGNIFICENT MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 1898 5-CENT UNWATERMARKED BUREAU ISSUE, GRADED SUPERB 98 JUMBO BY P.S.E. — THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED AND THE ONLY TO ACHIEVE IT.
Ex "Beverly Hills". With 1997 P.F. certificate. With 2008 and 2025 P.S.E. certificates (Superb 98 Jumbo). This is the highest grade awarded and it is the only example to reach this desirable grade.
6c Lake (282). Mint N.H., precisely centered, vivid color on bright white paper, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2004 P.F. and 2010 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95), only two grade higher (at 98 and 100)
6c Lake (282). Mint N.H. top right corner imprint and plate no. 924 block of 20, half-arrow natural s.e. at left, representing the top two rows of the pane, radiant color, the stamps of the plate block of six particularly fresh and well-centered
VERY FINE. A BEAUTIFUL AND VERY RARE MINT NEVER-HINGED LARGE FORMAT TOP PLATE BLOCK OF THE 1898 6-CENT WATERMARKED BUREAU ISSUE..
This piece comes from an old-time collection and was most likely acquired by the previous owner through purchases at post offices in the 1890s and early 1900s. For much of the time since 1898 it has been kept out of the light. Power Search located only one other Mint N.H. plate block of this issue.
Scott value as Mint N.H. plate block plus 14 singles.
10c Brown, Ty. I (282C). Mint N.H. with bottom selvage, radiant color, perfectly centered with Jumbo margins
EXTREMELY FINE. A BEAUTIFUL MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 1898 10-CENT BROWN TYPE I ISSUE. THIS STAMP IS GRADED XF-SUPERB 95 JUMBO BY P.S.E. — ONLY TWO GRADE HIGHER AND NO OTHERS SHARE THIS GRADE.
The 10c was changed from Green (Scott No. 273) to Brown because the 1c denomination (Scott No. 279) was changed to Green to meet the UPU color scheme.
Ex "Hanover". With 2009 and 2025 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95 Jumbo). Only two grade higher (at 98, we sold one in 2019 for $14,000) and none share this grade.
10c Orange Brown, Ty. II (283). Mint N.H. with wide top selvage, radiant color, perfectly centered with wide margins
EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A MAGNIFICENT MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 10-CENT TYPE II 1898 ISSUE. THIS AMAZING STAMP IS GRADED SUPERB 98 BY P.S.E. — THIS IS THE HIGHEST GRADE ON RECORD, SHARED BY ONLY ONE OTHER STAMP.
Ex "Hanover". With 2012 and 2025 P.S.E. certificates (Superb 98). This is the highest grade awarded and only one other shares it (without selvage). The next-highest grade is a single copy at 95.
10c Orange Brown, Ty. II (283). Mint N.H. top imprint and plate no. 996 strip of four with wide selvage, radiant color, long and full perforations
VERY FINE. A RARE IMPRINT AND PLATE NUMBER MULTIPLE OF THE 1899 10-CENT TYPE II. AS AN INDICATION OF RARITY, WE HAVE NEVER SOLD A FULL PLATE BLOCK IN MINT NEVER-HINGED CONDITION.
We have offered only five plate blocks since keeping computerized records, including one with no gum and one with the top stamps reattached. One with gum was offered in the Wampler sale. This Mint N.H. strip, with the full imprint and plate number, is a great rarity.
With 2011 P.S.E. certificate. Scott Retail as Mint N.H. imprint and plate number strip of three and Mint N.H. single.
10c Orange Brown, Ty. II, Vertical Watermark (283a). Mint N.H., attractively centered, fresh, bright color, Very Fine example of this elusive watermark variety, seldom offered, ex Dr. Morris and "Hampshire", with 1994 and 2009 P.F. certificates, the former with part bottom imprint selvage since removed
15c Olive Green (284). Mint N.H., intense shade and detailed impression, choice 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.
Ex Morton. With 2014 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95). Only one grades higher (at 98, realized $13,500 hammer in our 2012 Merlin sale).