The Dr. Armando Grassi Collection
47 Kearny St # 500, San Francisco, CA 94108, USA
Lot | 1861 First Designs | Estimate | |
---|---|---|---|
3101 | 1859, 12¢ black, plate III. O.g., lightly hinged, beautifully centered, sharp detailed impression, rich color and Post Office freshness, an Extremely Fine gem, with 1989 (for pair), 2000 P.F. & 2017 P.S.E. certificates. Scott No. 36B; $775. AN EXTREMELY DIFFICULT STAMP TO FIND IN THIS CHOICE MINT CONDITION WITH THE FRAMELINE INTACT ON ALL FOUR SIDES - A TRUE CONDITION RARITY. Certificate(s): View gallery or Download PDF (1.3MB). | $775 | |
3102 | 1859, 12¢ black, plate III. Outstanding centering with large margins for the issue, intense color, deep red grid cancel socked-on-the-nose, fresh & Extremely Fine, a lovely gem complimented by this attractive red grid, with 1988 P.F. & 2010 P.S.E. certificates, the latter Graded (XF 90, SMQ $775). Scott No. 36B; $275. Certificate(s): View gallery or Download PDF (806KB). | $275 | |
3103 | 1860, 24¢ gray lilac. O.g., very lightly hinged, beautifully centered with balance margins, bright fresh Post Office color & sharp detailed impression, an Extremely Fine gem, ex-Scarsdale, with 1998 & 2007 P.F. certificates. Scott No. 37; $1,450. A SUPERB ORIGINAL GUM EXAMPLE OF THE 1857 24¢ GRAY LILAC ISSUE. The 1857 perforated issue are the most difficult to obtain in gem quality with the most difficult denomination being the 24¢ value. The margins are narrow, with the design almost always touched (if not in) at top or bottom. This is one of the finest original gum examples extant.Certificate(s): View gallery or Download PDF (697KB). | $1,450 | |
3104 | 1860, 24¢ gray lilac. Tied on piece by beautiful socked-on-the-nose strike of red "Boston Br. Pkt. Paid" exchange date stamp cancel, rich vibrant color, Very Fine, a stunning item, ex-Myerson. Scott No. 37; $465. | $465 | |
3105 | 1860, 24¢ gray lilac. Virtually perfect centering, nice impression with fresh color, neat San Francisco town cancel, an Extremely Fine gem, with 2007 P.S.E. certificate Graded (XF 90, SMQ $1,050). Scott No. 37; $400. Certificate(s): View gallery or Download PDF (327KB). | $400 | |
3106 | 1860, 30¢ orange. O.g., lightly hinged, choice centering amid wide margins, rich radiant color and sharp impression on remarkably fresh paper, an Extremely Fine gem, with 1997 P.F. & 2017 P.S.E. certificates. Scott No. 38; $1,900. A WONDERFUL SOUND, ORIGINAL GUM 1857 30¢ ORANGE IN PERFECT CONDITION. Certificate(s): View gallery or Download PDF (734KB). | $1,900 | |
3107 | 1860, 30¢ orange. Wonderful centering amid wide margins, rich bold color, lovely neat central target cancel, Extremely Fine and choice, a gorgeous stamp which is rarely found with a target cancel, ex-Saadi, with 1995 P.F. certificate. Scott No. 38; $500. Certificate(s): View gallery or Download PDF (472KB). | $500 | |
3108 | 1860, 30¢ orange. Right straddle-pane margin showing centerline and part of stamp from right pane, wide margins and excellent centering, rich radiant color, bold San Francisco, Cal. town cancel, an Extremely Fine gem, ex-Geisler, with 2004 P.F. certificate. Scott No. 38; $500. Certificate(s): View gallery or Download PDF (462KB). | $500 | |
3109 | 1860, 90¢ blue. O.g., lightly hinged, well centered within large margins which are clear of design on all four sides, bright fresh Post Office color, Extremely Fine, a lovely mint classic, with 1998 P.F. certificate. Scott No. 39; $3,000. Certificate(s): View gallery or Download PDF (391KB). | $3,000 | |
3110 | 1861, 1¢ Franklin, N.B.N.C. "Premiere Gravure" essay, in black. Trial color large die proof on India paper (formerly No. 55TC1). On thick card (40x39mm), showing light early horizontal layout lines at left and very minor differences in leaf scrolls at top than other die essays, small portion "440" die number at bottom edge, Very Fine. Scott No. 63-E11a; $4,000. MOSTLY LIKELY THE EARLIEST DIE ESSAY OF THE 1861 1¢ "PREMIERE GRAVURE" ISSUE PRODUCED BY BY NATIONAL BANK NOTE COMPANY. This early die essay, showing three light horizontal layout lines on the die, does not show on any other of the known examples from die "440". Also, only one other example shows the slight difference in the leaf scrolls at top (likely unique printing on glazed card sold in the 2018 Siegel sale of the Richard Drews Collection of United States 1861-68 Issues). This combination of layout lines and unfinished leaf scrolls most likely makes this essay unique. | $4,000 | |
3111 | 1861, 1¢ Franklin, N.B.N.C. "Premiere Gravure" essay, in ultramarine. Trial color plate proof on India paper (formerly No. 55TC3), bottom margin block of 4, full well balanced margins; couple margin tone spots, Very Fine and scarce. Scott No. 63-E11c; $1,200 as singles. | $1,200 | |
3112 | 1861, 1¢ indigo, First Design. O.g., very lightly hinged, deep rich indigo shade characteristic of the "August" Issue, very well centered for this rare issue (all known examples are centered slightly into the top perforations, but unlike most others, this stamp has fully intact perforations), deeply etched impression, exceptionally fresh, Very Fine and choice, with Scott catalog value for examples with perfs cutting slightly into design at top, ex-Isleham, Weissman, & Floyd, with 1992, 2002 P.F. & 1992 P.S.E certificates. Scott No. 55; $50,000. THERE ARE ONLY NINE MINT SINGLES IN SOUND CONDITION AND THIS IS CERTAINLY ONE OF THE FINEST. ONE OF THE GREAT RARITIES OF UNITED STATES PHILATELY. There are 26 recorded examples of the One Cent First Design or so-called "August" Issue (as per Siegel Census). Of this total, three are canceled and another is housed in the New York Public Library collection, leaving only 22 mint copies available to collectors. Thirteen of the mint examples are found faulty leaving only nine that exist which are both completely sound and still retain their original gum, with this example being among the finest of this elite group.Certificate(s): View gallery or Download PDF (1.2MB). | $50,000 | |
3113 | 1861, 3¢ Washington, N.B.N.C. "Premiere Gravure" essay, in black. Small die proof on India paper, die sunk on card (70x84mm) showing full die sink. With "441" die number and small National Bank Note Co. imprint below, fresh, Very Fine (formerly 56TC1), very rare, the finer of two known. Scott No. 65-E15c; $2,000. | $2,000 | |
3114 | 1861, 3¢ Washington, N.B.N.C. "Premiere Gravure" essay, in scarlet. Trial color plate proof on India paper (formerly No. 56TC3), bottom margin plate number "2" strip of 4 with imprint, clear margins, bright color, small sealed tear at top & small margin thin at bottom, Extremely Fine appearance. Scott No. 65-E15f; $1,400 as singles. | $1,400 | |
3115 | 1861, 3¢ Washington, N.B.N.C. "Premiere Gravure" essay, in brown rose. Finished plate essay on semi-transparent stamp paper, perf'd and gummed (formerly No. 56), right margin single, o.g., never hinged, Extremely Fine, with 1999 P.F. certificate. Scott No. 65-E15h; $550. A VERY DIFFICULT STAMP TO FIND IN GEM NEVER HINGED CONDITION SUCH AS THIS. Certificate(s): View gallery or Download PDF (382KB). | $550 | |
3116 | 1861, 5¢ Jefferson, N.B.N.C. "Premiere Gravure" essay, in black. Trial color large die proof on India paper (formerly No. 57TC1). Die sunk on card (91x94mm) showing full die sink, with "442" die number and small "National Bank Note Co. N.Y." imprint below; light horizontal card crease long die sink at bottom and some faint tone spots, otherwise Very Fine, a very rare large die proof, one of only a couple examples known still on original card. Scott No. 67-E9a; $2,500. | $2,500 | |
3117 | 1861, 5¢ brown, First Design. No gum, outstanding centering for this rare issue, sharp impression, exceptionally fresh color, Extremely Fine and choice, with Scott catalog value for examples bearing small faults, ex-Seymour, Lutwak & Zoellner, with 1961, 1976 & 1998 P.F. certificates. Scott No. 57; $30,000. AN OUTSTANDING EXAMPLE OF THIS CLASSIC RARITY IN SOUND CONDITION - ONE OF ONLY FIVE. According to the Siegel Census, there are five examples in sound condition with another six stamps (one of which is in the New York Public Library collection) where the condition is unknown, leaving this as one of the finest known.Certificate(s): View gallery or Download PDF (859KB). | $30,000 | |
3118 | 1861, 12¢ black, First Design, large die proof on India paper. On card (72 x 85mm) showing virtually complete die sink, showing light layout lines at top corners of design, "444" & "National Bank Note Co. N.Y." imprints below, couple trivial spots, still Very Fine, a very rare large die proof of the 12¢ First Design, ex-Finkelburg & "Lake Shore". Scott No. 59P1; $2,500. | $2,500 | |
3119 | 1861, 12¢ black, First Design, plate proof on India paper. Block of 4, large even margins, bright and fresh with deep color, Extremely Fine and choice. Scott No. 59P3; $1,400 as singles. | $1,400 | |
3120 | 1861, 12¢ black, First Design. Large part o.g. (which covers virtually the entire reverse of the stamp), exceptionally centered with large beautifully balanced margins and perforations clear of the design all round; tiny thin spot at top, Extremely Fine appearance, ex-Weill & T. Cullen Davis, with 1962 & 2019 P.F. certificates. Scott No. 59; $90,000. THE 12¢ BLACK IS THE RAREST OF THE 1861 FIRST DESIGNS AND COLORS, WITH A TOTAL OF 16 EXAMPLES RECORDED, ONE OF WHICH RESIDES IN THE MILLER COLLECTION AT THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY. This stamp was sold in a 1964 Siegel Auction (Sale #276) for a whopping $13,000, the highest price of the entire sale. By way of comparison, in the same sale, a sound copy of the Inverted Jenny (Scott C3a) sold for $10,500.Certificate(s): View gallery or Download PDF (605KB). | $90,000 | |
Lot | 1861 1¢-3¢ Issues | Estimate | |
3121 | 1861, 24¢ dark violet, First Design. O.g., lightly hinged, well centered, rich "August" issue color, fine proof like impression, fresh & Very Fine, with 1995 P.F. certificate. Scott No. 60; $15,000. A CHOICE EXAMPLE OF THE 24¢ FIRST COLOR PRINTING IN SOUND CONDITION AND ORIGINAL GUM. ONE OF THE RAREST OF THE 1861-63 24¢ ISSUE SHADES. Certificate(s): View gallery or Download PDF (439KB). | $15,000 | |
3122 | 1861, 30¢ Franklin, N.B.N.C. "Premiere Gravure" essay, in black (formerly 61TC1). Trial color large die proof on India paper (79 x 88mm), die sunk on card with die No. "446" and "National Bank Note Co. N.Y." imprint at bottom, Extremely Fine and rare. Scott No. 71-E2a; $1,750. | $1,750 | |
3123 | 1861, 30¢ red orange, First Design. O.g., previously hinged, wonderful centering with perfs well clear all around, deep color; trace of light corner crease at top right, still Extremely Fine, with Scott catalog value for the grade of fine, ex-Lilly, Seymour, Cole, "Concord" & Floyd, with 1949, 1988 & 2001 P.F. certificates. Scott No. 61; $40,000. A LOVELY EXAMPLE OF THIS CLASSIC RARITY WHICH HAS GRACED SEVERAL IMPORTANT COLLECTIONS. A common trait found in the majority of 1861 First Color 30¢ stamps is slight creasing, varying from severe in some instances to barely discernible in others.Certificate(s): View gallery or Download PDF (1.3MB). | $40,000 | |
3124 | 1861, 90¢ Black, First Design, Trial Color Large Die Proof on India Paper (formerly 62TC1). (94 x 121mm), with die No. "447" and "National Bank Note Co. N.Y." imprint at bottom, wonderfully fresh, Extremely Fine and rare, ex-DuPuy. Scott No. 72-E7b; $1,750. | $1,750 | |
3125 | 1861, 90¢ dull blue, First Design. No gum, precision centering and rich vivid color, sharp impression on bright fresh paper, Extremely Fine and choice, ex-Cole & Drucker, with 1958, 1988 & 2002 P.F. certificates. Scott No. 62; $50,000. A STUNNING GEM WHICH IS EASILY ON THE FINEST KNOWN EXAMPLES OF THE 1861 90¢ FIRST DESIGN. According the Siegel Census, there are at total of 22 known examples of the 90¢ First Design, including one copy in the New York Public Library collection. There are a mere six examples which are in sound condition and only two of these still retain their original gum.Certificate(s): View gallery or Download PDF (1.3MB). | $50,000 | |
3126 | 1861, 10¢ dark green, First Design. Well centered amid nicely balanced margins, incredibly rich color even for the First Design issue, light boxed "Paid" and red town cancels, Extremely Fine, with 2005 P.F. certificate. Scott No. 62B; $1,750. A WONDERFUL EXAMPLE OF THE 10¢ DARK GREEN, FIRST DESIGN WHICH IS ONE OF THE MOST DIFFICULT STAMPS OF THE 19TH CENTURY TO FIND IN CHOICE CONDITION. Certificate(s): View gallery or Download PDF (440KB). | $1,750 | |
3127 | 1861, 1¢ Franklin, N.B.N.C. essay, in black. Frame only, die on India paper. On card (32x39mm), lathe work frame similar in shape of issued design, with blank vignette, label, numeral and "U. S." areas, some faint creasing, Very Fine, Unlisted in Brazer. Noted in the Evans book on p. 14, ex-Lake Shore. Scott No. 63-E10; $4,000. AN EXTRAORDINARILY RARE 1861 1¢ FRANKLIN FRAME ESSAY PRODUCED BY THE NATIONAL BANK NOTE COMPANY - CONSIDERED TO BE UNIQUE. | $4,000 | |
3128 | 1861, 1¢ blue, large die proof on India paper. Die sunk on card (98x98mm), with albino "440" die number and small black "National Bank Note Co. N.Y." imprint below, bright and fresh, Extremely Fine. Scott No. 63P1; $700. | $700 | |
3129 | 1861, 1¢ blue, plate proof on India paper. Block of 4, large evenly balanced margins, fresh and pristine, Extremely Fine. Scott No. 63P3; $225. | 2 | $225 |
3130 | 1861, 1¢ pale blue, overprinted with specimen control numbers "9012". Block of 4, o.g., very lightly hinged, bright fresh color, Fine and scarce. Scott No. 63S; $1,900 as singles. | $1,900 | |
3131 | 1861, 1¢ blue. O.g., lightly hinged, exceptional centering amid large beautifully balanced margins, strong vibrant color and exceptionally fresh, Extremely Fine and choice, a lovely mint gem, with 1998 P.F. certificate. Scott No. 63; $275. Certificate(s): View gallery or Download PDF (410KB). | $275 | |
3132 | 1861, 1¢ blue. Clearly struck blue "Baltimore, Md., Aug 17, 1861" town cancel, rich bright color, sealed tear at bottom not mentioned on certificate, Fine appearance, pictured in Evans The United States 1¢ Franklin 1861-67 (pages 6 & 153), ex-V. Morris, with 1996 P.F. certificate. Scott No. 63; Estimate $2,000 - 3,000. On August 16, 1861, the first delivery of the new issues were accepted by the stamp agent of the Post Office Department and distribution followed shortly thereafter. It is accepted that the first day of usage was the following day as the Baltimore Post Office ran an advertisement that day stating they were prepared at that time to exchange old envelopes and stamps for the new issues. This 1¢ stamp and a 3¢ stamp on cover used from Baltimore Post Office on August 17, 1861 indicates that this was one of the first offices to receive and distribute the new 1861 issues.Certificate(s): View gallery or Download PDF (463KB). | $2,000 | |
3133 | 1861, 1¢ bright blue. Precision centering amid beautifully balanced margins, intense rich bright blue color (a common characteristic of this elusive shade), town cancel, Extremely Fine and choice, an exceptional used example of the 1861 1¢ issue in the rare and elusive bright blue shade, with 1999 P.F. certificate. Scott No. 63; $45. The bright blue shade is comparable in scarcity to the rare ultramarine shade and is still woefully undercataloged in the Scott catalog.Certificate(s): View gallery or Download PDF (418KB). | $45 | |
3134 | 1861, 1¢ blue. Tied on piece by "Penny Mail, Phila., Pa." octagon carrier cancel, evenly balanced margins and precise centering, rich color, an Extremely Fine gem, with 2006 P.F. certificate. Scott No. 63; $70. Certificate(s): View gallery or Download PDF (390KB). | $70 | |
3135 | 1861, 1¢ blue. Full socked-on-the-nose circle of wedges cancel, choice centering amid large well balanced margins, rich color on bright paper, Extremely Fine and choice, with 1984 & 2007 P.F. certificates, the latter Graded (XF 90, SSV $170). Scott No. 63; $45. Certificate(s): View gallery or Download PDF (704KB). | $45 | |
3136 | 1861, 1¢ blue. Well centered amid uncommonly large margins, wonderful rich deep color, bold socked-on-the-nose strike of Philadelphia, Pa. town cancel, Extremely Fine and choice, a striking used stamp, with 2006 P.F. certificate. Scott No. 63; $45. Certificate(s): View gallery or Download PDF (285KB). | $45 | |
3137 | 1861, 1¢ ultramarine. Neat red New York City carrier date stamp cancel, well centered amid attractively balanced margins, rich distinctive ultramarine color, Very Fine and choice, one of only a few examples of the 1¢ ultramarine bearing a color cancel and the only one we known of with a red cancellation, with 1988 P.F. certificate. Scott No. 63a; $1,900. A LOVELY USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1861 1¢ ISSUE IN THE ELUSIVE ULTRAMARINE COLOR BEARING A COMPLIMENTARY COLOR CANCELLATION. Certificate(s): View gallery or Download PDF (449KB). | $1,900 | |
3138 | 1861, 1¢ dark blue. O.g., very lightly hinged, choice centering amid evenly balanced margins, full long perforations all around, rich true dark blue color and remarkable Post Office freshness, Extremely Fine and choice, with 1987 & 2003 P.F. certificates. Scott No. 63b; $800. AN EXCEPTIONAL MINT LIGHTLY HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 1861 1¢ ISSUE IN THE SCARCE DARK BLUE SHADE. Certificate(s): View gallery or Download PDF (916KB). | $800 | |
3139 | 1861, 3¢ pink. Full o.g., previously hinged, beautifully centered amid well balanced margins, strong bright true pink color; slight scuff at top, Very Fine appearance, with 1989 P.F. & 1991 P.S.E. certificates. Scott No. 64; $14,000. DESPITE THE MINOR BLEMISH AT THE TOP, THIS IS ONE OF THE FINEST MINT ORIGINAL GUM EXAMPLES OF THE 1861 3¢ PINK IN EXISTENCE. The 3¢ 1861 Pink stamp (Scott 64) stands out as exceptionally challenging to acquire in pristine condition within the 1861-66 Issue. Finding an example with original gum, centered perfectly and boasting vibrant color, makes this one of the 19th Century rarities. Due to the ink's characteristics, the pink hue tends to fade or dull over time due to light exposure and other environmental factors. However, this particular stamp defies the norm. It showcases an unparalleled color, devoid of any signs of oxidation, retaining the Post Office freshness.Certificate(s): View gallery or Download PDF (697KB). | $14,000 | |
3140 | 1861, 3¢ pink. Attractively centered amid large margins, strong vibrant color, neat grid of rectangles cancel (S-E SD-G 99), Very Fine to Extremely Fine, with 2009 P.F. & 2016 P.S.A.G. certificates, the latter Graded (85, SSV $1,100). Scott No. 64; $550. Certificate(s): View gallery or Download PDF (650KB). | $550 | |
Lot | 1861 5¢-10¢ Issues | Estimate | |
3141 | 1861, 3¢ pigeon blood pink. Bold blue Cincinnati, O. town and grid duplex cancel, well centered amid nicely balanced margins, brilliant pigeon blood pink color, Extremely Fine and choice, with 2000 P.F. certificate. Scott No. 64a; $4,250. A MARVELOUS USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1861 3¢ PIGEON BLOOD PINK ISSUE BEARING A COMPLIMENTARY COLOR CANCELLATION. Many of the used 3¢ pigeon blood pink issue are found used from Cincinnati Ohio. It is also interesting to note that another rare shade variety of 1861 was being used at the Cincinnati post office around the same time - the elusive 24¢ "Cincinnati" violet.Certificate(s): View gallery or Download PDF (539KB). | $4,250 | |
3142 | 1861, 3¢ rose pink. O.g., very lightly hinged, exceptional centering within large beautifully balanced margins, very fresh with strong vivid color, Extremely Fine and choice, with 1989 P.F. certificate. Scott No. 64b; $600. A GEM MINT LIGHT HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 1861 3¢ ROSE PINK ISSUE. Certificate(s): View gallery or Download PDF (440KB). | $600 | |
3143 | 1861, 3¢ rose pink. Light neat town cancel, choice centering, brilliant true rose pink color, Extremely Fine, with 1999 P.F. certificate. Scott No. 64b; $140. Certificate(s): View gallery or Download PDF (424KB). | $140 | |
3144 | 1861, 3¢ Washington, N.B.N.C. essay, in carmine. Vignette only, die on India paper, mounted on card. Engraving of Washington Head only, die sunk on card (71x83mm) showing full die sinkage, some card toning well away from design, Very Fine, very rare with only two examples recorded. Scott No. 65-E11a; $750. | $750 | |
3145 | 1861, 3¢ Washington, N.B.N.C. essay, in black. Incomplete design, die on India paper (31x37mm). With no outside scrolls or ornaments in "3" or "US", mounted on card (75x78mm), Very Fine, very rare with only a couple known in black. Scott No. 65-E12; $1,000. | $1,000 | |
3146 | 1861, 3¢ Washington, N.B.N.C. essay, in deep red. Nearly complete design, die on India paper, die sunk on card (70x77mm) showing full die sink. With outside scrolls or ornaments in "3" or "US" added, with pencil notation "no. 5.½ white" at lower right, bright and fresh, Very Fine. Scott No. 65-E14a; $750. | $750 | |
3147 | 1861, 3¢ green, trial color large die proof on India paper. Die sunk on card (74x73mm) showing full die sink, albino "441" die number below, bright and fresh, Very Fine and rare. Scott No. 65TC1al; $2,500. | $2,500 | |
3148 | 1861, 3¢ slate, trial color large die proof on India paper. Die sunk on card (74x73mm) showing full die sink, albino "441" die number below, bright and fresh, Very Fine and rare. Scott No. 65TC1an; $2,500. | $2,500 | |
3149 | 1861, 3¢ rose, large die proof on India paper. Die sunk on card (111x108mm) showing full die sink area, albino "441" die number and small black "National Bank Note Co." imprint at bottom, remarkably fresh, Extremely Fine. Scott No. 65P1; $1,000. | $1,000 | |
3150 | 1861, 3¢ rose, plate proof on India paper. On original card, block of 4, full well balanced margins, bright and fresh, Very Fine. Scott No. 65P3; $550. | $550 |