Sale 1351 — The Vaquero Collection of Gem-Quality 19th and 20th Century United States Stamps
Sale Date — Thursday, 15 May, 2025
Category — 1898 Trans-Mississippi Issue (Scott 285-293)
10c Gray Violet, Trans-Mississippi (290). Original gum, barely hinged (appears Mint N.H. without close examination), with top plate no. 620 selvage, deep shade and detailed impression, wide margins and mathematically perfect centering
EXTREMELY FINE GEM EXAMPLE OF THE 10-CENT TRANS-MISSISSIPPI ISSUE, GRADED GEM 100 BY P.S.E. — THIS IS THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED IN ANY CATEGORY.
A review of the P.S.E. Population Report shows how rare the Trans-Mississippi Issue is in the grade of Gem 100, especially among the higher denominations. Above the 8c value, only this and one other 10c and a single hinged $1.00 have achieved the perfect Gem 100 grade (there is also one used $1.00 graded 100J).
With 2017 P.S.E. certificate (OGph, Gem 100). This is the highest grade awarded and is shared by one other in hinged condition. The highest grade awarded to a Mint N.H. example is Superb 98 (offered in the previous lot).
