Sale 1384 — 2026 Rarities of the World
Sale Date — Tuesday, 23 June, 2026
Category — 1867-68 Grilled Issue, 1870-93 Bank Note Issues
3c Rose, A. Grill (79). Unusually choice centering, perforations completely intact on all four sides, brilliant color and detailed impression, clear all-over grill, attractive blue pinwheel fancy cancel
EXTREMELY FINE GEM. THIS IS WITHOUT QUESTION THE FINEST USED EXAMPLE OF THE 3-CENT 1867 EXPERIMENTAL ALL-OVER GRILL IN EXISTENCE. A PHENOMENAL STAMP IN EVERY RESPECT -- CENTERING, COLOR, IMPRESSION, PAPER, PERFORATIONS AND CANCELLATION.
The August 1867 3c experimental A Grill was the first grilled issue. It was soon learned that the all-over grill weakened the paper and interfered with perforating and separating, resulting in rough perforations and pieces torn out of the margins when split apart. Within two months of A Grill production the apparatus was modified by dividing the embossed area into smaller rectangular units within each stamp (C Grill).
The 3c A Grill, Scott 79, is one of the most distinctive of 19th century United States stamps by virtue of its consistently poor appearance. The Scott Catalogue values this stamp in Fine-Very Fine grade and with perforation faults, the norm for the issue. Any example with complete perforations and in sound condition is valued far in excess of the Scott Catalogue price. The example offered here, which received a clear but not as heavy grill impression as usual -- allowing the perfs to remain intact -- has realized hammer prices of many multiples of Scott value each time it has been sold.
Ex Zoellner, Dr. Puliafito, "Natalee Grace", "Golden Oak", Morton and Myerson. With 1966, 1987 and 2012 P.F. certificates. Scott Catalogue states that "Values for No. 79 are for Fine-Very Fine examples with minor perf faults. Examples with complete or virtually complete perforations sell for much more."
10c Yellow, Re-Issue (127). Block of four, original gum, lightly hinged, superb centering, brilliant color on fresh paper, couple nibbed perfs and tiny sealed tears in bottom margin of bottom left stamp and at bottom of top left stamp
EXTREMELY FINE CENTERING. ONE OF FOUR RECORDED BLOCKS OF THE 10-CENT 1869 PICTORIAL RE-ISSUE. A BEAUTIFULLY CENTERED AND RARE BLOCK.
Ex Caspary, Lilly, Bechtel, Zoellner and Gross. With 1968 and 2019 P.F. certificates.
10c Yellow, Re-Issue (127). Original gum, uncharacteristically wide balanced margins, vibrant color
EXTREMELY FINE GEM EXAMPLE OF THE 10-CENT 1869 PICTORIAL RE-ISSUE WITH ORIGINAL GUM, GRADED XF-SUPERB 95 BY P.S.E.
With 2001 and 2008 P.F. and 2021 P.S.E. certificates (last two OGph, XF-Superb 95). Only five grade higher (one at 95J, three at 98 and one at 100) and six others share this desirable grade. It is difficult to obtain this in higher grades. We have never offered the 95J or 100. For 98, we offered one in our 2021 Myerson sale and then one in 2010. We have only offered one other graded 95 since 2007, in our 2025 "El Dorado" sale.
90c Carmine & Black, Re-Issue (132). Beautifully centered with wide margins, deep rich color and sharp proof-like impressions, light strike of circle of wedges cork cancel leaves entire design completely visible
EXTREMELY FINE GEM. AN OUTSTANDING AND RARE USED EXAMPLE OF THE 90-CENT 1869 PICTORIAL RE-ISSUE, COMBINING ALL ELEMENTS OF CENTERING, WIDE MARGINS, COLOR AND A CLEAR CANCEL — GRADED XF 90 BY P.S.E.
Ex Twigg-Smith and Kirke. With 1980, 2001 P.F. and 2005 P.S.E. certificates (XF 90). Only two examples grade higher (at 95) and this is the only stamp to achieve a 90 grade at P.S.E.
3c Green (158). Mint N.H., deep rich color and proof-like impression, essentially perfect centering
EXTREMELY FINE GEM. AN ABSOLUTELY STUNNING MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 1873 3-CENT CONTINENTAL BANK NOTE COMPANY ISSUE, GRADED SUPERB 98 BY P.S.E. — THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED.
Ex "El Dorado". With 2013 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98). This is the highest grade awarded and it is shared by only one other.
(Image Magnifier)6c Dull Pink (159). Mint N.H., brilliant color as fresh as the day it was printed on crisp paper, perfectly centered
EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A BEAUTIFUL MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 6-CENT 1873 CONTINENTAL BANK NOTE COMPANY ISSUE.
Ex "El Dorado". With 1999 P.F. and 2006 P.S.E. certificates (XF 90; unpriced in SMQ in Mint N.H. condition)—in our opinion, the P.S.E. grade of 90 is ungenerous (our grade is 95).
(Image Magnifier)90c Rose Carmine (166). Original gum, vivid color on fresh paper, choice centering with well-balanced margins
EXTREMELY FINE. A BEAUTIFUL ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE 90-CENT 1873 CONTINENTAL BANK NOTE COMPANY ISSUE.
With 2006 P.S.E. certificate (OGh, XF 90). Only nine grade higher.
2c Vermilion (178). Mint N.H., brilliant color on crisp paper, choice centering with wide and balanced margins
EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 1875 2-CENT VERMILION CONTINENTAL BANK NOTE COMPANY ISSUE, GRADED XF-SUPERB 95 BY P.S.E. — THIS IS THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED.
A search of our computerized records indicates that the 2c 1875 Issue is exceedingly difficult to find in high-grade Mint N.H. condition, despite its modest Scott Catalogue value. The example offered here is certainly one of the finest extant.
Ex "Scarsdale" and "El Dorado". 1995 P.F. certificate for block of four no longer accompanies. With 2005 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95). This is the highest grade awarded and only one other shares it (last offered by us in 2008).
(Image Magnifier)5c Blue, With Grill (179c). Block of four, original gum, h.r., each stamp with clear grill at center, deep rich color, bottom stamps horizontal crease
FINE APPEARANCE. AN EXTREMELY RARE ORIGINAL-GUM BLOCK OF FOUR OF THE 1875 5-CENT CONTINENTAL BANK NOTE COMPANY ISSUE WITH GRILL. VERY FEW BLOCKS ARE KNOWN.
It is believed that the Continental grills were made experimentally in 1876, after a stamp-cleaning court trial renewed fears of stamp re-use. The primary source of the rare J Grills was the Worthington collection, which was dispersed in 1917. It is believed that most or all examples in collectors' hands came from the archive of Charles F. Steel, who patented the grilling machines used between 1867 and 1873. A review using Power Search found only one other block, offered in our 2012 Frelinghuysen sale.
From our 1972 Rarities sale. With 1971 P.F. certificate.
1c Dark Ultramarine (182). Mint N.H., bright color on post-office fresh paper, outstanding centering and margins
EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 1879 ONE-CENT AMERICAN BANK NOTE COMPANY ISSUE, GRADED XF-SUPERB 95 BY P.S.E. — THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED.
Ex "El Dorado". With 2010 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95). This is the highest grade awarded and it is shared by only three others.
(Image Magnifier)15c Red Orange (189). Mint N.H., intense shade and impression on bright paper, gorgeous centering with wide and balanced margins
EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 15-CENT 1879 AMERICAN BANK NOTE COMPANY ISSUE, GRADED XF-SUPERB 95 BY P.S.E.
This issue is often found in Mint N.H. condition, as several sheets have been broken in recent years. However, most of the stamps in these sheets are somewhat off-center, and examples such as this are rare.
Ex "El Dorado". With 2004 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95). Only four grade higher (three at 98, one at 100) and six others share this desirable grade.
(Image Magnifier)90c Dull Carmine, Special Printing (202). Without gum as issued, bright color, balanced margins on three sides, centered a bit to right but perfs well clear
VERY FINE. ONLY 41 EXAMPLES OF THE 90-CENT 1880 AMERICAN BANK NOTE COMPANY SPECIAL PRINTINGS ARE AVAILABLE TO COLLECTORS. THIS IS A RARE SOUND AND WELL-CENTERED EXAMPLE.
Our census of Scott 202, available at https://siegelauctions.com/census/us/scott/202, contains 43 examples, including one in the Miller collection owned by The New York Public Library and one in the Luff reference collection at The Philatelic Foundation, leaving 41 available to collectors. The 90c 1880 Special Printing on soft paper is notorious for its condition. Thins or more serious faults affect about half of the known examples. Most of the sound examples are centered to the right.
Census no. 202-UNC-17. Ex Klein, T. Charlton Henry and Hansen. "W.H.C." backstamp of Warren H. Colson. With 1975 and 2008 P.F. certificates.
2c Scarlet Vermilion, Special Printing (203). Without gum as issued, rich color, bottom left corner perf expertly reattached
VERY FINE APPEARANCE. ONE OF THE RAREST OF ALL BANK NOTE SPECIAL PRINTINGS. ONLY 20 ARE RECORDED IN OUR CENSUS, MANY OF WHICH ARE OFF-CENTER.
Our census of Scott 203, available at our website at https://siegelauctions.com/census/us/scott/203, contains 20 examples, including one in the Miller collection owned by The New York Public Library, leaving 19 available to collectors.
Census no. 203-UNC-02. Ex Dr. Meilstrup and "Newport". With 1952 and 2008 P.F. certificates.
3c Blue Green (207). Mint N.H., deep rich color and proof-like impression, gorgeous centering with wide and balanced margins
EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A STUNNING MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 1881 3-CENT RE-ENGRAVED ISSUE, GRADED XF-SUPERB 95 BY P.S.E. THIS IS THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED.
Ex "El Dorado". With 2015 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95). This is the highest grade awarded and it is shared by only five others.
(Image Magnifier)10c Brown (209). Mint N.H., beautiful warm shade with unusually wide and balanced margins
EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 10-CENT RE-ENGRAVED AMERICAN BANK NOTE COMPANY ISSUE, SCOTT 209.
Ex "El Dorado". With 2016 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95). Only one grades higher (at 98, realized $11,000 hammer in our Sale 1199 in 2019) and three others share this desirable grade.
(Image Magnifier)4c Deep Blue Green, Special Printing (211D). Without gum as issued, intense color and sharp proof-like impression on bright paper
FINE. A RARE EXAMPLE OF THE 4-CENT 1883 AMERICAN BANK NOTE COMPANY SPECIAL PRINTING. ONE OF THE RAREST OF ALL SPECIAL PRINTINGS — ONLY 26 ARE RECORDED.
The Third Assistant PMG supply records indicate that when the Special Printings program was discontinued in July 1884, 55 copies of the 2c 1883 Special Printing (211B) and 26 copies of the 4c 1883 Special Printing (211D) had been sold. The 2c stamps now classified as Scott 211B actually come from an 1885 steam-press printing and are not the same stamps sold through the Third Assistant PMG.
Our census figures for Scott 211D pose an enigma. Only 26 copies of Scott 211D were sold, but 28 different examples are identified in our census. Even if two of the stamps are disqualified, a 100% survival rate is extraordinary. The stamp offered here can be traced back to a 1955 Edison Fifield sale and was originally part of a block.
Eight of the 28 come from two blocks of four that were divided into singles. One block (PFC 4853) contained census numbers 211D-UNC-08 (the stamp offered here), 01, 11 and 15. The other block was offered in the Caspary collection (PFC 7405) and contained census numbers 211D-UNC-14, 25, 17 and 05.
Census no. 211D-UNC-08. Originally part of a block of four with census nos. 211D-UNC-01, 11 and 15. P.F. certificate Nos. 414, 4853 and 329468 no longer accompany. With 2009 P.F. certificate as this single.
1c Ultramarine (212). Mint N.H., brilliant color on bright paper, phenomenal centering with unusually wide and balanced margins
EXTREMELY FINE GEM. AN ABSOLUTELY STUNNING MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF SCOTT 212, GRADED SUPERB 98 BY P.S.E. — ONE OF THE FINEST IN EXISTENCE.
Ex "El Dorado". With 2015 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98). Only one grades higher (at 100J) and two others share this desirable grade. This is the first in this grade we have ever offered.
(Image Magnifier)5c Indigo (216). Mint N.H., rich color on bright paper, unusually choice centering
EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A PHENOMENAL MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 1888 5-CENT AMERICAN BANK NOTE COMPANY ISSUE, SCOTT 216, GRADED XF-SUPERB 95 BY P.S.E. — ONLY ONE GRADES HIGHER.
The 5c Garfield was first issued in 1882 in shades of Brown. When the colors were changed in 1888, the 5c was released in a beautiful Indigo shade. Although unused copies are by no means scarce, Mint N.H. examples are very scarce, and higher grades in Mint N.H. condition are exceedingly rare.
Ex "El Dorado". With 2004 and 2010 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95). Only one grades higher (at 98J) and only five others share this desirable grade.
(Image Magnifier)30c Orange Brown (217). Mint N.H., Jumbo margins and outstanding centering, beautiful rich color and sharp impression on post office fresh paper
EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 1888 30-CENT AMERICAN BANK NOTE COMPANY ISSUE—ARGUABLY THE FINEST IN EXISTENCE.
This magnificent 30c Orange Brown, Scott 217, originated from a collection that had been dormant from the early 1960s until 2024, when the collector passed away. It was the center stamp in a sheet-margin strip with Mint Never-Hinged stamps. When we submitted this Gem to P.S.E., we were confident it would be certified as Superb 98 Jumbo. However, they left us bitterly disappointed by returning a grade of XF-Superb 95 Jumbo. All one has to do is use Power Search to look at the population of all Large Bank Note stamps with P.S.E. grades of 95J and 98J to see that this deserves 98J, which would make it the highest graded Mint N.H. Scott 217. There are three NH 98 and one PH 100 stamps in the P.S.E. Population Report. We offered one of the NH 98 stamps in Sale 1192, lot 282, where it brought $16,000 hammer. If the stamp offered here had received the 98J grade it deserves, we would expect it to realize more. Collectors who use their eyes to judge the stamp, not the grade on a P.S.E. certificate, will appreciate the extraordinary quality of this 30c Orange Brown and bid accordingly.
With 2024 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95 Jumbo).
3c Purple (221). Mint N.H., pretty shade, balanced Jumbo margins
EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A PARTICULARLY WIDE-MARGINED EXAMPLE OF THE 3-CENT 1890 ISSUE.
Ex Whitman. With 1986, 2000 P.F. and 2008 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95 Jumbo). Only one grades higher (at 98) and two others share this grade.