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)
$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.
