Spink Shreves Galleries Sale

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1875 REPRODUCTIONS OF 1847 ISSUE

Lot

Symbol

CatNo.

Lot Description

CV or Estimate

#3, 5c Red brown reproduction, without gum as issued, an incomparable example of this scarce stamp, being a stunning top left corner sheet-margin single and possessing absolutely immense margins all around, including showing sizable portions of all three adjoining stamps, rich luxuriant color and a crisp prooflike impression on wonderfully fresh paper, in a word - superb.A phenomenal gem of the first order. This top left sheet-margin example of the 1875 Reproduction of the 1847 Five Cent Issue has been awarded the pinnacle of all grades - Gem 100 Jumbo - by the Professional Stamp Experts. It is, as one can imagine, the only example to have ever been given this spectacular grade, as well as being one of only three (see next lot for another stamp from this elite trio) unused imperforate or perforated classic United States stamps to have been awarded the "ultimate" grade. The rarity of this stamp cannot be overstated in this magnificent quality, not to mention any sheet margin example of either the Five Cent or Ten Cent Reproductions is extremely elusive, as the sheet margins were typically trimmed off of the Reproduction sheets prior to distribution.Accompanied by a 2008 PSE certificate (Gem 100 Jumbo; unpriced in SMQ in this grade); as mentioned above the sole example to have been awarded a Gem 100 Jumbo grade by the PSE. (Image)

$800.00

SOLD for $13,000.00
Will close during Public Auction

1851-1856 ISSUES

Lot

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CatNo.

Lot Description

CV or Estimate

#7, 1c Blue, Ty. II, position 10L2, a breathtakingly beautiful right corner sheet-margin mint example, possessing margins of enormous size all around, including showing portions of all three adjoining stamps, just as impressive is this stamp's extraordinary overall mint "bloom" which belies its age, with eye-arresting intense color and an impression that would rival any proof on pristine paper, especially clean full o.g. that has been only lightly hinged, superb in every regard.Absolute perfection - there is no other better way to describe this fantastic stamp. It is in a condition that simply cannot be improved upon and it is hard to imagine that any stamp issued in 1851 - well over 150 years ago - still remains so spectacularly well preserved. However, It is easy to understand why the PSE has awarded this stamp the ultimate grade of Gem 100 Jumbo - and it is the sole example of Scott #7 to have achieved this unique status. Its incredible rarity in this quality is underscored by the fact that this is but one of only three unused imperforate or perforated classic United States stamps to have been awarded a Gem 100 Jumbo grade out of the thousands that have been submitted for grading to the PSE.Accompanied by a 2008 PSE certificate (Gem 100 Jumbo; unpriced in the SMQ in this ultimate grade, SMQ $9,700.00 as 98). It has been our experience that when vintage stamps that have been graded 100 or 100J have sold at auction, that they invariably realize four to five times the SMQ value for a 98 grade. This, of course, does not even take into consideration this stamp's special status as one of the very few known classic stamps to have been so graded, nor its incredible eye appeal being a corner sheet margin single. A record realization is in store for this record breaking stamp. (Image)

$1,200.00

SOLD for $32,500.00
Will close during Public Auction

#9, 1c Blue, Ty. IV, position 1R1L, recut once at both top and bottom, a magnificent quality mint example, in a condition that is almost unheard on stamps from the classic imperforate era, being an eye-arresting top left corner sheet-margin single, and boasting incredibly large margins all around, including huge sheet margins at both left (with full guide line) and top, as well as showing portions of the adjoining stamps at right and at bottom, deep rich color and impression, full o.g. that has been relatively lightly hinged, superb.A magnificent original gum example of the One Cent Blue Imperforate Type IV. Easily one of the very finest in existence, with few (if any) whose margins approach the size that this stamp displays.Accompanied by 1995 (for a strip of three from which this stamp was taken) and 2000 (as a single) PF certificates, as well as a 2008 PSE certificate (Superb 98 Jumbo; $7,000.00 as 98, the highest grade they price); the only example in the PSE Population Report to have been awarded this extraordinary grade, with only one grading slightly higher (100 n.h.), which recently realized $80,000.00, plus the buyer's premium, in a New York City auction. (Image)

$850.00

SOLD for $12,500.00
Will close during Public Auction

1857 ISSUE

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CatNo.

Lot Description

CV or Estimate

#24, 1c Blue, Ty. V, an incomparable quality mint example of a relatively available stamp, however this magnificent copy features physical characteristics which are unrivaled by any other we have ever offered, let alone seen, most impressive of all are this stamp's gigantic margins that are unheard of on stamps from this tightly spaced plate, absolutely perfectly centered within these huge jumbo margins, its color could not be more intense nor its impression more detailed on immaculate paper, pristine o.g., never hinged, superb; a record realization is in store for this "one-in-a-million" gem; 2000 PF certificate. (Image)

for hinged $180.00

SOLD for $1,600.00
Will close during Public Auction

#26, 3c Dull red, Ty. III, incredibly well centered amid margins which are lavishly large, deep rich color and a well defined impression, full clean o.g., lightly hinged a couple of times, extremely fine gem; seldom encountered in such outstanding condition; 1997 PF certificate. (Image)

$85.00

SOLD for $220.00
Will close during Public Auction

#31, 10c Green, Ty. I, position 100R1, an incomparable bottom sheet-margin mint single, possessing essentially perfect centering amid uncharacteristically large margins, brilliantly fresh, with rich vibrant color and a clean crisp impression on bright paper, uniformly even and intact perforations all around, full original gum, lightly hinged, superb. The enormous rarity of the 1857 Ten Cent Green Type I in mint condition, particularly with original gum, cannot be overstated. To find one offered at auction in any condition happens probably no more than once or twice a year (if that "frequent"). To find one in the spectacular quality offered here is an occasion that easily qualifies as a once-in-a-lifetime occurrence. In fact, until this stunning stamp was broken out of a multiple that remained intact for years there was no existing original gum example that was available whose condition could be considered in premium condition. Now this stamp as a single, without question, stands alone as the finest mint example in existence.Early mint classics have always been desired by serious collectors. However, in recent years as more census information and past auction histories have become widely available, there is an even greater appreciation and demand for premium quality classics, whether mint or used, as their immense rarity has become so readily apparent. Spink Shreves has had the pleasure to sell this exciting stamp on two past occasions, each time realizing a record price. Now with the dramatic increased demand for rare stamps, particularly in incomparable quality, we predict that a record realization is not only likely once again but at a level that will be stunning. In our opinion, this is one of the key stamps to acquire if one ever hopes to fulfill the goal of acquiring the finest known mint example of each United States stamp. Accompanied by a 2000 PF certificate; ex-McKinney, Lewis. (Image)

$30,000.00

SOLD for $80,000.00
Will close during Public Auction

1861 ISSUE

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Symbol

CatNo.

Lot Description

CV or Estimate

#63, 1c Blue, fabulously well centered within huge perfectly balanced margins, gorgeous bright color and an incredibly detailed impression on brilliantly fresh paper, fully intact perforations surround the whole, especially clean full o.g., lightly hinged, superb.A truly rare stamp in this incomparable gem condition. The One Cent value from the 1861-66 Issues are invariably found very tightly margined and almost never well centered. That is what makes this stamp so special, in addition to its superlative overall freshness.Accompanied by a 1988 PF certificate, as well as a 2008 PSE certificate (Superb 98; SMQ $2,800.00); the highest grade awarded to any example of Scott #63, and the sole example to have been given this impressive grade. (Image)

$375.00

SOLD for $3,750.00
Will close during Public Auction

#68, 10c Yellow green, a phenomenal mint example, possessing numerous outstanding physical characteristics, including being absolutely perfectly centered amid extravagantly large margins, strikingly intense color in a deep shade, plus its impression is well defined on crisp paper, full fresh o.g. that has been only lightly hinged, an extremely fine gem in every regard.Any collector who has been diligently assembling a collection of gem quality original gum examples of all the values from the 1861-66 Issue will immediately recognize the remarkable attributes this stamp possesses. As flawless centering, wide margins and full original gum rarely converge on a single copy from this series. We are confident in stating that we doubt a finer mint original copy exists of this value.Accompanied by a 1987 PF certificate (erroneously listed as #68a) and a 2008 PSE certificate (Superb 98; SMQ $9,800.00); to give one an idea on just how difficult it is to get a Superb 98 grade on an original gum stamp from this series, consider that not only is this by far the highest grade for #68 (the next highest being a mere 85), it is one of only two to have been awarded this impressive grade; a superb stamp whose ultimate realization will undoubtedly be record breaking. (Image)

$1,250.00

SOLD for $11,500.00
Will close during Public Auction

1867 GRILLED ISSUES

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Symbol

CatNo.

Lot Description

CV or Estimate

#94, 3c Red, "F" grill, incredibly well centered amid the most gigantic margins imaginable, strong easily identifiable grill points, especially clean full o.g. that has been only lightly hinged, an extremely fine gem.The margins of this stunning stamp are simply unbelievable - clearly a product of a misalignment of the perforating pins (and most likely from a corner position), as margins on all of the values from the "F" Grill series are normally quite small and tight. Then to have this stamp be in pristine original gum condition as well is simply remarkable. We have never seen any other original gum Three Cent "F" Grill that compares to this breathtaking stamp. It is, quite likely, the finest in existence.Accompanied by 1988 and 2002 PF certificates; ex-Klimetz. (Image)

$425.00

SOLD for $6,500.00
Will close during Public Auction

100

#100, 30c Orange, "F" grill, extraordinarily well centered particularly when compared to the existing population, bright fresh color and impression, part o.g., extremely fine.The two Thirty Cent 1861-68 Issue stamps, Scott #71 and Scott #100, are widely regarded as among the most difficult classic U.S. stamps to find in premium condition, whether used or mint - the latter being especially challenging, particularly still retaining any part of its original gum. The main reason for their difficulty is the narrow spacing of the plate on the Thirty Cent stamps, especially at the sides. To find any copy that is well centered is quite elusive. And it is near impossible to find one as well centered as the example offered here. We have not offered a finer original gum example since the gem quality copy found in our January 1996 sale of the Dr. Vernon J. Morris Jr. Collection.The Scott catalog states that "values for No. 100 are for examples with small margins, especially at sides." Accompanied by a 1998 PSE certificate. (Image)

$8,500.00

SOLD for $9,000.00
Will close during Public Auction

1875 RE-ISSUES OF THE 1861 ISSUES

Lot

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CatNo.

Lot Description

CV or Estimate

103

#103, 2c Black re-issue, perfectly centered amid uncharacteristically large margins all around, incredible prooflike color and impression on fresh and bright paper, full clean original gum with just the barest trace of hinging, an extremely fine gem in every regard.All values of the 1875 Re-Issues of the 1861-66 Issue are quite difficult to find in premium condition. Centering is always a challenge and faults affect a large number of the small existing population. Plus, many copies are often lacking their original gum. To find an example that combines all of the elements that a gem quality collector requires - outstanding centering, size of margins, full original gum and, of course, free of faults - is a rare occasion. In fact, of the 979 copies sold of this value, the example offered here ranks among the very finest available.Accompanied by a 2000 PF certificate. (Image)

$4,500.00

SOLD for $14,000.00
Will close during Public Auction

104

#104, 3c Brown red re-issue, exceptionally well centered amid lavishly large margins, whose proportions are quite unlike any other example we have seen of this rare stamp, its color is especially deep and luxuriant, while its impression could not be more deeply incised on the freshest paper possible, even its perforations are remarkably long and intact all around, full clean o.g., very lightly hinged, extremely fine.The Three Cent Re-issue of the 1861 Issue, of which a mere 465 were sold, is among the most challenging (along with the 24c and 30c) of the series to find in premium original gum condition. Typically they are found off center and almost never with margins of substantive size. In addition, many are found without gum or with disturbed gum. The stamp offered here combines all of the desirable physical elements that are so rarely encountered on a single example of this rare stamp. It ranks among the finest in existence and among the very finest we have ever offered in our auctions.Accompanied by a 1998 PF certificate. (Image)

$5,000.00

SOLD for $13,000.00
Will close during Public Auction

105

#105, 5c Brown re-issue, absolutely perfect centering amid enormous jumbo margins, rich luxuriant color and a deeply etched impression on bright paper, full o.g., lightly hinged, superb.This incomparable gem possesses fabulous overall eye-appeal, in addition to boasting physical qualities that are simply not possible to improve upon. Of the 672 sold of this value, we cannot imagine a finer copy exists.Accompanied by a 1989 PF certificate and a 2007 PSE certificate (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $14,400.00) - we do respectfully question why this stamp was not deserving of a "Jumbo" designation, as we have never encountered a copy with more immense margins than this; one of only seven copies to have been assigned a 95 grade, with only one grading slightly higher (95J) and we cannot fathom it boasts margins larger than this one does; ex-Floyd. (Image)

$3,500.00

SOLD for $13,000.00
Will close during Public Auction

106

#106, 10c Green re-issue, incredibly well centered within lavishly large margins, beautifully rich color and a deeply etched impression on bright paper, full o.g., lightly hinged, an extremely fine gem in every regard.The example of this very rare stamp is, without question, the finest we have ever had the pleasure to offer in our auctions. It combines all of the physical characteristics that one hopes to find but are rarely encountered on the majority of the 1875 Re-Issues of the 1861-66 Issues. Its centering nears perfection, its margins are of extraordinary size and its color and impression would rival any proof. To top it all off, it possesses full clean original gum that has been only lightly hinged. Of the 451 sold of this value, it would be a near impossible challenge to improve upon this stamp. We are certain that if this stamp was to be graded it would be assigned a very impressive numeric grade.Accompanied by 1983 and 2002 PF certificates. (Image)

$4,250.00

SOLD for $10,500.00
Will close during Public Auction

107

#107, 12c Black re-issue, a superlative mint example of this rare re-issue, possessing absolutely perfect centering amid the most lavish margins imaginable, intense "jet" black color and an impression that is fabulously detailed on bright fresh paper, full clean o.g., lightly hinged, superb.In recent years the rarity of gem quality original gum examples of the 1875 Re-issues have become more appreciated and is reflected in increasingly impressive auction realizations they attract. When an original gum example appears at auction that boasts all of the physical attributes even the most demanding condition conscious collector could hope for, the competition is fierce and the final realizations often record breaking. Such a record breaking realization is in store for this magnificent example. Of the mere 389 copies sold of this value, we doubt this stamp's equal exists. A stamp destined for placement in a collection that restricts itself to only the finest available quality.Accompanied by 1974 and 1997 PF certificates; ex-Lewert. (Image)

$5,000.00

SOLD for $21,000.00
Will close during Public Auction

1869 PICTORIAL ISSUED STAMPS

Lot

Symbol

CatNo.

Lot Description

CV or Estimate

113

#113, 2c Brown, a breathtaking jumbo-margined mint example, boasting margins of massive size and being incredibly well centered within them, deep luxuriant color, full clean o.g., lightly hinged, extremely fine gem; a stamp that possesses extraordinary eye appeal, with margins of stunning proportions; 2002 PF certificate. (Image)

$800.00

SOLD for $2,000.00
Will close during Public Auction

114

#114, 3c Ultramarine, a magnificent mint example in the finest attainable quality, boasting mathematically precise centering amid extravagantly large margins, brilliantly fresh and bright overall, with strong color and a crisp detailed impression on immaculate paper, with a strong grill impression that is split at top and bottom, pristine o.g., never hinged, simply superb; accompanied by both a 2000 PF certificate and a 2008 PSE certificate (Superb 98; SMQ $6,250.00); the highest grade awarded in the PSE Population Report, and one of only two to have been assigned this lofty grade. (Image)

for hinged $400.00

SOLD for $6,750.00
Will close during Public Auction

114

#114, 3c Ultramarine, a showpiece bottom right corner sheet-margin example that is not only in gem quality, but it also displays two very interesting and eye-appealing varieties, including a striking row of extra perforations in the right sheet selvage due to a foldover, and a split grill where half the grill appears at the top of the stamp and half at the bottom, the stamp itself is fabulously well centered within extraordinarily wide margins, brilliantly fresh and crisp, immaculate o.g., never hinged, extremely fine gem; 1991 PF certificate for a block of nine, this being the bottom right stamp from the block; ex-Kilmetz. (Image)

for hinged $400.00

SOLD for $3,000.00
Will close during Public Auction

1875 RE-ISSUES OF THE 1869 PICTORIALS

Lot

Symbol

CatNo.

Lot Description

CV or Estimate

123

#123, 1c Buff re-issue, an incredibly choice mint example of this difficult value, possessing near perfect centering within uncharacteristically large margins, equally impressive is this stamp's sumptuously rich color and impression on brilliantly fresh paper, full clean o.g., lightly hinged, an extremely fine gem; accompanied by 1975 and 1997 PF certificates, as well as a 2008 PSE certificate (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $2,800.00); one of only two examples of Scott #123 to have been awarded this impressive grade, the highest yet assigned. (Image)

$675.00

SOLD for $4,000.00
Will close during Public Auction

128

#128, 12c Green re-issue, a matchless quality mint example, being flawlessly centered amid immensely large margins unlike any other example of this value we have seen, incredibly intense color and a deeply etched impression on bright crisp paper, unusually even and intact perforations all around, o.g., lightly hinged, superb.This fabulous stamp features spectacular overall eye appeal and possesses every outstanding physical attribute one could hope for. It has graced some of the most prestigious collections of the past half century - collections whose owners are well known to have had an excellent eye for truly special and often incomparable quality stamps. We are aware of no finer existing example among the 1,584 sold. A magnificent gem.Accompanied by 1988 and 2004 PF certificates; ex-Engel, Welling and Floyd. (Image)

$3,000.00

SOLD for $8,500.00
Will close during Public Auction

United States Stamps