Sale 1388 — The Boardwalk Collection of Outstanding United States Stamps–Part One–19th Century Issues
Sale Date — Wednesday-Thursday, 23-24 September, 2026
Category — 1870 National Bank Note Company Issue (Scott 134-155)
1c Ultramarine, H. Grill (134). Original gum, several rows of grill points visible at center, radiant color on bright paper
VERY FINE AND CHOICE ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE 1870 NATIONAL BANK NOTE COMPANY ISSUE WITH H GRILL.
With 1975 P.F. certificate.
Certificate
1975 PF No. 50561 View Cert
1c Dark Ultramarine, H. Grill (134 var). Certificate states part original gum but it covers the entire back of the stamp (we might call it slightly disturbed), h.r., deep rich color in the Dark Blue sub-shade, grill points visible on Franklin's chin, faint corner perf crease at top left, Very Fine appearance, Scott lists this stamp in the main Ultramarine shade and also Pale and Dark Ultramarine, with 1976 P.F. certificate
Certificate
1976 PF No. 54274 View Cert
2c Red Brown, H. Grill (135). Original gum, lightly hinged, clearly defined grill, radiant color, perfectly centered with well-balanced margins
EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE 1870 2-CENT NATIONAL BANK NOTE COMPANY GRILLED ISSUE.
From our 2006 Rarities sale. With 1984 and 2000 P.F. certificates.
2c Red Brown, H. Grill, Split Grill (135 var). Showing most of grill at right and two vertical rows at left, strong grill points, original gum, rich color, Very Fine and attractive, with 2000 P.F. certificate, Scott assigns only a $50 premium for the split grill which we consider to be far too low
Certificate
2000 PF No. 0357414 View Cert
3c Green, H. Grill, Imperforate (136P5; formerly 136b). Mint N.H. horizontal pair, large margins all around, clear grills, Very Fine and choice, with 1968 and 1989 P.F. certificates, Scott value as hinged
6c Carmine, H. Grill (137). Original gum, lightly hinged, several rows of clear grill points, rich color, light diagonal crease at upper left not noted on certificate, Fine appearance, with 1981 P.F. certificate
Certificate
1981 PF No. 96383 View Cert
6c Carmine, H. Grill, Split Grill (137 var). Original gum, showing most of grill at bottom and some points at top, horizontal crease thru forehead, diagonal crease at bottom right
VERY FINE APPEARANCE. A RARE AND DESIRABLE ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE 1870 6-CENT NATIONAL BANK NOTE COMPANY WITH A SPLIT H GRILL. VERY FEW ARE KNOWN UNUSED.
The online records of The Philatelic Foundation contain only three in unused condition, including one reperfed at right and one with perfs in at bottom and close at left. This is the first in unused condition that we have offered since keeping computerized records.
With 1987 P.F. certificate specifying split grill in the opinion and noting only light diagonal crease at bottom right. Scott assigns only a $250 premium for the split grill in original-gum condition.
Certificate
1987 PF No. 0182169 View Cert
7c Vermilion, H. Grill (138). Part original gum which thinly covers most of the back of the stamp, clear grill, light diagonal crease, reperfed at right (not noted on certificate), gum staining around perfs has been removed, Extremely Fine appearance, with 1976 P.F. certificate
Certificate
1976 PF No. 53852 View Cert
7c Vermilion, H. Grill, Split Grill (138 var). Original gum, vivid color, attractive margins and centering
VERY FINE ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE 1870 7-CENT NATIONAL BANK NOTE COMPANY ISSUE WITH SPLIT GRILL. THIS IS ONE OF THE FINEST EXAMPLES KNOWN.
The P.F. has certified only five unused examples with split grill, including one that is regummed and reperfed, and another with perfs in on two sides. We add the example offered here to that count.
With 2017 P.S.E. certificate. Scott only assigns a $250 premium to the split grill variety.
Certificate
2017 PSE No. 01328039 View Cert
10c Brown, H. Grill (139). Original gum, faint grill points at center, rich color, unusually choice centering for this challenging issue, some slight short perfs at top
EXTREMELY FINE APPEARING ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE 1870 10-CENT NATIONAL BANK NOTE COMPANY ISSUE WITH H GRILL.
With 1976 P.F. certificate.
Certificate
1976 PF No. 54275 View Cert
12c Dull Violet, (H. or possibly I.) Grill (140 or possibly 140A). Disturbed part original gum covering much of the back, showing grill points at top center, intense shade and impression, unusually choice centering for this challenging issue
EXTREMELY FINE. THIS IS WITHOUT QUESTION ONE OF THE FINEST ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLES OF THE RARE 1870 12-CENT NATIONAL BANK NOTE COMPANY GRILLED ISSUE. THIS REMARKABLE STAMP IS GRADED XF 90 BY P.S.E. — THIS IS THE ONLY GRADED STAMP IN UNUSED CONDITION. ACCOMPANIED BY NOTE FROM STUDENT RON BURNS WHO STATES THIS COULD BE AN EARLY STATE I GRILL.
Aside from the 24c, which does not exist unused, the 12c is the most challenging of the grills to obtain unused, in any condition. Our unpublished census of Scott 140 with gum found only nine singles with any gum, including one (ex Gross) where the most recent certificate notes regummed. Four examples have either part or disturbed original gum (including the example offered here; the other three are off-center). Of the four remaining, there is the ex-Whitman copy (Mint N.H., realized $220,000 in that 2009 sale), the example sold in our Sale 1120 (sound, perfs close at top, realized $30,000) and two significantly off-center (P.F. nos. 257790 and 389137). The unique block of four with imprint also has gum, but we do not envision that ever being broken. The example offered here has the finest centering of any with gum, including those in the block.
Accompanied by typed note from noted student Ron Burns (PDF attached to this lot) which states in part "I can see the vertical diagonal edges of the grill pyramids, plus some of the top tips show a small flat tip which is characteristic of the genuine Early State 'I' grill...I myself would want to see a third side or edge of the grill to be able to positively call it an 'I' family grill, early state...I will list it as a possible early state 'I' in my census." Scott Catalogue notes only two unused examples of the 12c with I Grill are known. We offered one with disturbed gum in Sale 1014 in 2011. Scott values the I Grill in the grade of Fine (at $30,000). While this cannot now be guaranteed to be an I Grill, we are providing this information for context.
With 1979 P.F. certificate which notes soiling that is not present. With 2009 P.S.E. certificate (POG, XF 90). This is the only graded Scott 140 in unused condition. Unpriced in SMQ. Scott value as H Grill.
12c Dull Violet, H. Grill, End Roller Grill (140 var). Right third of the stamp with clearly defined grill points, cancel removed, light horizontal crease and small tear at bottom, appears Fine, scarce grill variety, this is the listing copy, ex "Hampshire", with 1980 P.F. certificate
Certificate
1980 PF No. 90011 View Cert
24c Purple, H. Grill (142). Several clear rows of grill points, cork cancel, well-balanced margins
EXTREMELY FINE. A BEAUTIFUL EXAMPLE OF THE 1870 24-CENT NATIONAL BANK NOTE COMPANY GRILLED ISSUE, WHICH IS ONLY KNOWN IN USED CONDITION.
Signed Bartels. With 1959 P.F. and 2004 P.S.E. certificates (VF-XF 85). Only three grade higher (two at 90, one at 90J) and three others share this grade. SCV $6,500.
30c Black, H. Grill (143). Unused (no gum), showing several discernible rows of grill points, three wide margins
VERY FINE UNUSED EXAMPLE OF THE 1870 30-CENT NATIONAL BANK NOTE COMPANY GRILLED ISSUE.
With 1983 P.F. certificate.
Certificate
1983 PF No. 0122535 View Cert
90c Carmine, H. Grill (144). Unused (no gum), rich color on bright paper, several clear rows of grill points, unusually choice centering with wide and balanced margins
EXTREMELY FINE. A PHENOMENAL UNUSED EXAMPLE OF THE 1870 90-CENT NATIONAL BANK NOTE COMPANY GRILLED ISSUE. THIS IS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO OBTAIN WITH SUCH CHOICE CENTERING.
The 1870 90c National Bank Note Company grilled issue is one of the most challenging of the series to obtain with decent centering. Collectors who have been waiting to acquire a Very Fine or better example of this issue with original gum should consider this choice unused stamp without gum.
With 1981 P.F. certificate.
Certificate
1981 PF No. 95629 View Cert
90c Carmine, H. Grill, Split Grill (144 var). Part original gum according to certificate but covers the entire back of the stamp, h.r., showing majority of grill at bottom and few points at top, reperfed at top, light crease along bottom perfs
EXTREMELY FINE APPEARING EXAMPLE OF THE 1870 90-CENT NATIONAL BANK NOTE GRILLED ISSUE. THIS IS AN EXTREMELY DIFFICULT ISSUE TO OBTAIN IN UNUSED CONDITION AND IS ESPECIALLY RARE AS A SPLIT GRILL.
Among the 1870 National Bank Note Co. Grilled Issue denominations, the 12c and 90c are the rarest with original gum (the 24c is not known genuinely unused, with or without gum).
From Sale 506 (Feb. 1977) and ex Chapin. With 1977 P.F. certificate. Unpriced as unused with a split grill. Scott value as normal.
Certificate
1977 PF No. 58670 View Cert
90c Carmine, H. Grill, Double Grill (144 var). Unused (no gum), showing grills slightly overlapping with one a slightly stronger impression than the other, small thin spot
VERY FINE APPEARANCE AND A RARE EXAMPLE OF THE 1870 90-CENT NATIONAL BANK NOTE COMPANY GRILLED ISSUE WITH A DOUBLE GRILL.
The 90c is exceedingly challenging to obtain in unused condition with choice centering. The double grill adds to its desirability. The P.F. has certified only two used and this sole unused example with double grill.
With 1988 P.F. certificate. Unlisted in Scott as unused with a double grill. Scott value as normal.
Certificate
1988 PF No. 0192463 View Cert
1c Ultramarine, I. Grill (134A). Original gum, clearly defined grill, brilliant color on bright paper, wide margins
VERY FINE AND CHOICE ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE 1870 ONE-CENT NATIONAL BANK NOTE ISSUE WITH THE I GRILL.
Ex Geisler. With 1990 P.S.E. and 2007 P.F. certificates.
2c Red Brown, I. Grill (135A). Unused (no gum), radiant color, Jumbo margins, Extremely Fine, scarce in such choice condition, with 2014 P.S.E. certificate (VF-XF 85 Jumbo), SCV $1,000
Certificate
2014 PSE No. 01274923 Graded 85J View Cert
3c Green, I. Grill (136A). Original gum, barely hinged, clearly defined grill, choice centering, rich color
EXTREMELY FINE ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE 1870 3-CENT NATIONAL BANK NOTE GRILLED ISSUE WITH I GRILL.
With 1991 and 2002 P.F. certificates.
6c Carmine, I. Grill (137A). Original gum, lightly hinged, clearly defined grill easily visible on the face of the stamp, vivid color, well-centered
VERY FINE. A RARE SOUND AND CENTERED ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE 1870 6-CENT NATIONAL BANK NOTE COMPANY I GRILL. VERY FEW ARE KNOWN IN UNUSED CONDITION AND THIS IS ONE OF THE FINEST.
The Scott Specialized Catalogue elevated the I Grills to major catalogue numbers beginning with the 2013 edition. The 6c I Grill is rare in unused condition — we have offered only four others, including one with traces of gum and one with small part original gum (graded 95).
With 2009 P.S.E. certificate (OGph, VF 80). Only two original-gum examples of the 6c I Grill are graded by P.S.E. (the other graded XF 90 with light facial rub). SCV $8,500.
Certificate
2009 PSE No. 01212157 Graded 80 View Cert
7c Vermilion, I. Grill (138A). Slightly disturbed original gum but complete except for small part at top, clear grill readily identifiable as the I Grill, brilliant color
VERY FINE. A RARE ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE 1870 7-CENT NATIONAL BANK NOTE COMPANY ISSUE WITH I GRILL.
Starting with the 2013 Scott U.S. Specialized Catalogue, the I Grills were elevated to major catalogue number status. The listings are now consistent with other grill types such as A, B, C, D, Z, E and F Grills. We have offered only five other 7c with original gum since keeping computerized records, including one other with slightly disturbed gum and two in Mint N.H. condition.
With 2017 P.S.E. certificate as disturbed original gum.
Certificate
2017 PSE No. 01328040 View Cert
15c Orange, I. Grill (141A). Original gum, lightly hinged, perfectly centered, vibrant color, the outline of the grill shows on back, tiny sealed tear at left visible only under magnification
EXTREMELY FINE APPEARANCE. AN EXTREMELY RARE ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE 15-CENT 1870 NATIONAL I GRILL.
Starting with the 2013 Scott U.S. Specialized Catalogue, the I Grills were elevated to major catalogue number status. The listings are now consistent with other grill types such as A, B, C, D, Z, E and F Grills.
The H Grill is larger than the I Grill, measuring approximately 11-13 points wide by 14-16 points tall when the full dimensions are visible. It is found on all values from the 1c thru 90c. The H Grill is sometimes extremely faint, appearing only as a few pinpoints on the face of the stamp, and H Grill multiples are known with some stamps in the block grilled and others in the same block having no impression of the grill whatsoever.
The I Grill measures from 9-11 points wide by 10-13 points tall. It is usually a stronger grill impression (though sometimes incomplete) with well-defined points, the shape of which differ from the H Grill's points. The I Grill is currently recorded on all values except the 24c. The 1c thru 7c values make up most of the population of I Grill stamps. Scott Catalogue notes for unused Scott 141A that only seven singles and a block of four are known, though the actual quantity is likely higher according to other students. We have offered only three others, all with gum, two of which are reperfed.
With 2002 P.F. certificate.
Certificate
2002 PF No. 0382815 View Cert
15c Orange, I. Grill (141A). Unused (no gum), showing several rows of grill points in the characteristic "I" Grill shape, radiant color, choice centering
EXTREMELY FINE. A RARE SOUND UNUSED EXAMPLE OF THE 15-CENT 1870 NATIONAL I GRILL.
Starting with the 2013 Scott U.S. Specialized Catalogue, the I Grills were elevated to major catalogue number status. The listings are now consistent with other grill types such as A, B, C, D, Z, E and F Grills.
The H Grill is larger than the I Grill, measuring approximately 11-13 points wide by 14-16 points tall when the full dimensions are visible. It is found on all values from the 1c thru 90c. The H Grill is sometimes extremely faint, appearing only as a few pinpoints on the face of the stamp, and H Grill multiples are known with some stamps in the block grilled and others in the same block having no impression of the grill whatsoever.
The I Grill measures from 9-11 points wide by 10-13 points tall. It is usually a stronger grill impression (though sometimes incomplete) with well-defined points, the shape of which differ from the H Grill's points. The I Grill is currently recorded on all values except the 24c. The 1c thru 7c values make up most of the population of I Grill stamps. Scott Catalogue notes for unused Scott 141A that only seven singles and a block of four are known, though the actual quantity is likely higher according to other students. We have offered only three others, all with gum, two of which are reperfed.
With 1992 and 2007 P.F. certificates, the former not noting the grill type. Unlisted in Scott as no gum. Scott value with original gum.
2c Red Brown (146). Original gum, lovely rich color, well-balanced margins, Extremely Fine, ex Minervino, with 1999 P.F. and 2009 P.S.E. certificates (OGph, XF 90), only five grade higher (all at 95), one Mint N.H. example has also been graded 95
3c Green (147). Original gum, rich color, well-proportioned margins, Extremely Fine, with 2004 P.S.E. certificate (OGh, VF-XF 85)
Certificate
2004 PSE No. 00122487 Graded 85 View Cert
3c Green, Imperforate (147-E13c; formerly 147c). Horizontal pair, large margins to ample including bottom sheet margin, unused (no gum), intense shade, Very Fine and scarce imperforate pair, ex Earl of Crawford, signed Spencer Anderson, with 1975 A.P.S. certificate, undercatalogued in Scott
Certificate
1975 A.P.S. No. 23779 View Cert
6c Carmine (148). Original gum, bright color, choice centering, Very Fine and choice, a beautiful stamp, ex Floyd, with 1992 P.F. certificate
Certificate
1992 PF No. 0211954 View Cert
6c Carmine (148). Original gum, deep shade, Fine, this is likely the Dark Carmine sub-shade though it is not noted as such on the certificate, with 2004 P.S.E. certificate
Certificate
2004 PSE No. 00122488 View Cert
7c Vermilion (149). Certificate notes small part original gum but it covers the entire back of the stamp, brilliant color, well-balanced margins, Extremely Fine, with 2004 P.S.E. certificate (POG, VF-XF 85), SMQ $375 as no gum, $2,000 with original gum
Certificate
2004 PSE No. 00122489 Graded 85 View Cert
10c Brown (150). Unused (no gum), wide margins, light crease at top right, appears Very Fine, with 2004 P.S.E. certificate
Certificate
2004 PSE No. 00122490 View Cert
12c Dull Violet (151). Disturbed original gum, well-centered with nicely balanced margins, Extremely Fine, with 1981 and 2001 P.F. certificates
15c Bright Orange (152). Original gum, h.r., brilliant color and attractive centering, slightly nibbed perf at left, still Very Fine, with clear 1993 P.F. certificate
Certificate
1993 PF No. 0275292 View Cert
30c Black (154). Unused, accompanying certificate states original gum but we believe regummed, choice centering and margins, intense impression
EXTREMELY FINE GEM UNUSED EXAMPLE OF THE 30-CENT 1870 NATIONAL BANK NOTE COMPANY UNGRILLED ISSUE.
With 1972 P.F. certificate stating original gum. Scott value as no gum.
Certificate
1972 PF No. 37931 View Cert
90c Carmine (155). Original gum, Jumbo margins all around and well-centered, thin spots at right and lower right filled in with additional gum
EXTREMELY FINE APPEARING ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE 1870 90-CENT NATIONAL BANK NOTE COMPANY UNGRILLED ISSUE WITH JUMBO MARGINS.
With 1984 and 2005 P.F. certificates, only the latter mentioning the thins.
90c Carmine (155). Unused (no gum), intense shade that we would place in the Dark Carmine category, well-centered, Very Fine and choice, with 1985 P.F. certificate
Certificate
1985 PF No. 0141390 View Cert