Sale 1375 — The Nick Kardasis Collection of the 1869 Pictorial Issue, Part One
Sale Date — Tuesday, 21 April, 2026
Category — Scott 112-122 with Original Gum-PSE Set Registry #1 All-Time Finest Set
3c Ultramarine, Split Grill (114). Mint N.H. with part arrow right selvage, massive Jumbo margins and precise centering, deep rich color and proof-like impression on fresh paper
EXTREMELY FINE GEM. THIS ASTONISHING MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 3-CENT 1869 PICTORIAL ISSUE HAS ACHIEVED THE GRADE OF SUPERB 98 JUMBO FROM P.S.E. — THIS IS THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED AND IT IS SHARED BY NO OTHERS.
The 3c 1869 Pictorial represents a radical departure from the portraiture of all previous issues. The theme of improved postal communications was chosen for this value as well as the 2c (postal carrier on horseback) and the 12c (S.S. Adriatic, for transatlantic mail). The 3c locomotive train was possibly intended to celebrate the imminent completion of the transcontinental railroad.
With 2018 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98 Jumbo). This stamp stands alone as the highest graded Scott 114 in any condition (Mint N.H., hinged or used). None of the other values of the 1869 series boast a stamp graded above 95J in Mint N.H. condition.
