Sale 1388 — The Boardwalk Collection of Outstanding United States Stamps–Part One–19th Century Issues
Sale Date — Wednesday-Thursday, 23-24 September, 2026
Category — 1857-60 Issue: 1c (Scott 18-24)
1c Blue, Ty. I (18). Plate 12, original gum, beautiful color, choice centering centering with extraordinarily wide margins
EXTREMELY FINE ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE 1857 ONE-CENT TYPE I PERFORATED ISSUE, GRADED XF 90 BY THE P.F. — THIS PHENOMENAL STAMP HAS EXTRA WIDE MARGINS SHOWING THE COMPLETE DESIGN ALL AROUND, WHICH IS THE DEFINING TRAIT OF TYPE I.
With 1969 and 2006 P.F. certificates (XF 90). SCV $2,100.
1c Blue, Ty. I-II (18/20). Unused (no gum) block of four from Plate 12, top stamps Type I, bottom stamps Type II—bottom right stamp has a very weak and possibly broken frameline at top, which some would say qualifies it as Type IIIa (Scott 22) — bright color, few faults including creases and top left stamp tear and scrape, otherwise Fine-Very Fine, with 1976 A.P.S. certificate, SCV $8,750 as combination block with gum
Certificate
1976 A.P.S. No. 33105 View Cert
1c Blue, Ty. Ia (19). Position 94L4, F Relief, large part original gum, deep rich color on bright paper, unusually choice centering for this typically poorly centered early perforated issue, couple shortish perfs at bottom right not noted on certificate
EXTREMELY FINE ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE RARE 1857 PERFORATED ONE-CENT TYPE IA, SCOTT 19, FROM THE BOTTOM ROW OF PLATE 4.
Type Ia was produced by only 18 of the 20 bottom-row positions on Plate 4. Although Plate 4 was designed with sufficient space to accommodate perforations, the height of the top row and bottom row positions resulted in the perforations often cutting into the design at either top or bottom. For this reason, stamps from the bottom row of Plate 4 with perforations clear of the design are especially desirable, since the characteristics of the type are complete (Type Ia) or nearly complete (Type Ic) at bottom. The example offered here shows the type characteristics well.
With 1982 P.F. certificate describing gum as “disturbed”. With 2026 P.F. certificate accurately describing it as “large part original gum”.
1c Blue, Ty. Ia (19). Position 97L4, F Relief with Curl on Shoulder, unused (no gum), deep rich color and proof-like impression, better centering than most examples of this type and clearly showing the type characteristics, unpunched perf at bottom, two small thin spots
VERY FINE APPEARING AND RARE UNUSED EXAMPLE OF THE 1857 PERFORATED ONE-CENT TYPE Ia WITH CURL ON SHOULDER VARIETY.
Type Ia was produced by only 18 of the 20 bottom-row positions on Plate 4. Although Plate 4 was designed with sufficient space to accommodate perforations, the height of the top row and bottom row positions resulted in the perforations often cutting into the design at either top or bottom. For this reason, stamps from the bottom row of Plate 4 with perforations clear of the design are especially desirable, since the characteristics of the type are complete (Type Ia) or nearly complete (Type Ic) at bottom. The example offered here shows the type characteristics well.
With 1983 P.F. certificate. Scott value as no gum without premium for the variety.
Certificate
1983 PF No. 0119094 View Cert
1c Blue, Ty. Ic (19b). Position 47L4, E Relief, original gum, lightly hinged, deep Plate 4 shade and sharp proof-like impression on bright paper, remarkably precise centering
EXTREMELY FINE ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE 1857 ONE-CENT TYPE IC, SCOTT 19B, GRADED XF 90 BY P.S.E. — THIS IS THE ONLY GRADED UNUSED EXAMPLE OF SCOTT 19B. THIS IS WITHOUT QUESTION ONE OF THE FINEST IN EXISTENCE.
The defining characteristics of Type Ic (imperforate or perforated) are similar to that of Type Ia. In both the design is complete at bottom and partly complete at top. The difference between Type Ia and Ic is that the bottom right plume of Type Ic is not quite complete. This distinction was first made in the Ashbrook and Neinken books, and the Scott Catalogue recognizes Type Ic in the listings for Scott 6b (imperforate) and 19b (perforated).
Within the Type Ic listings, the "less distinct examples" on the plate—E Reliefs from eight positions in rows 1 through 9—are the primary listed stamps for Scott 6b and 19b. Down the column, the "best examples" on the plate—both F Reliefs from the bottom row, Positions 91R4 and 96R4—are listed and valued higher. This is somewhat confusing for collectors. In our opinion, the primary listing should be the best examples, the F Reliefs from the bottom row, where all Type Ia positions are located. The E Relief positions should be listed on the next line.
This stamp is far rarer than its catalogue value would suggest. Outside of this sale the last unused example we offered was in our 2016 "Hanover" sale (sound, realized $20,000 hammer). Prior to that, we offered one with original gum in 2002 with perfs trimmed at bottom. We offered one with part original gum and a tear in 2000. Those are the only three examples in unused condition, with or without gum, that we have offered since 1994. The P.F. has certified very few others, and most have faults.
With 1989 and 2004 P.F. certificates. With 2005 P.S.E. certificate (OGph, XF 90). This is the only graded example in the P.S.E. Population Report. SMQ as E Relief (which this is).
Certificate
2005 PSE No. 01022333 Graded 90 View Cert
2004 PF No. 0414708 View Cert
1989 PF No. 0215229 View Cert
1c Blue, Ty. Ic (19b). Position 49L4, E Relief, part original gum which completely covers the bottom half of the stamp, deep rich color on bright paper, choice centering, small tear at top center, small thin spot, single short perf at right not noted on certificate
EXTREMELY FINE APPEARING UNUSED EXAMPLE OF THE 1857 ONE-CENT TYPE Ic, SCOTT 19b. THIS IS AN EXTREMELY CHALLENGING ISSUE TO OBTAIN IN UNUSED CONDITION.
The defining characteristics of Type Ic (imperforate or perforated) are similar to that of Type Ia. In both the design is complete at bottom and partly complete at top. The difference between Type Ia and Ic is that the bottom right plume of Type Ic is not quite complete. This distinction was first made in the Ashbrook and Neinken books, and the Scott Catalogue recognizes Type Ic in the listings for Scott 6b (imperforate) and 19b (perforated).
Within the Type Ic listings, the "less distinct examples" on the plate—E Reliefs from eight positions in rows 1 through 9—are the primary listed stamps for Scott 6b and 19b. Down the column, the "best examples" on the plate—both F Reliefs from the bottom row, Positions 91R4 and 96R4—are listed and valued higher. This is somewhat confusing for collectors. In our opinion, the primary listing should be the best examples, the F Reliefs from the bottom row, where all Type Ia positions are located. The E Relief positions should be listed on the next line.
With 1994 and 2004 P.F. certificates. Scott value is far too low given its rarity.
1c Blue, Ty. II, Major Plate Crack (20 var). Position 23L2, huge lightning bolt crack thru entire stamp, unused (no gum), dark shade, choice centering for this issue
EXTREMELY FINE. A RARE UNUSED EXAMPLE OF THE DRAMATIC PLATE CRACK FROM PLATE 2. PERFORATED STAMPS FROM PLATE 2 ARE VERY SCARCE, ESPECIALLY THOSE SHOWING THE PLATE CRACK. THIS UNUSED EXAMPLE IS A GREAT RARITY.
The plate crack is seen in varying degrees on Positions 2, 12, 13 and 23. It is most easily seen in the Position 23 offered here.
With 1990 P.F. certificate. Undercatalogued in Scott ($1,500 with original gum).
Certificate
1990 PF No. 0233079 View Cert
1c Blue, Ty. IIIa (22). Position 55L4, unused (no gum), deep Plate 4 shade on bright paper—certificate identifies this as Position 55L4, which is a Type III in Neinken plating chart but Type IIIa in more modern charts; there is a slight break at top so some might argue this qualifies as a Type III, Scott 21—certificate also notes perf stains at top right, which we do not see on either the old certificate photo or the stamp, Very Fine and attractive unused example of the perforated Type IIIa (or III) stamp, with 1982 P.F. certificate
Certificate
1982 PF No. 0111768 View Cert
1c Blue, Ty. II (20). Plate 12, A Relief (top row position), original gum, h.r., deep rich color, centered to top so the complete ornaments do not show, Fine, with 1982 P.F. certificate as No. 22 Type IIIa, but it is clearly a top row Plate 12 position
Certificate
1982 PF No. 105959 View Cert
1c Blue, Ty. IIIa, Triple Transfer (22 var). Plate 11, B Relief from an undetermined position, shows erased entry at bottom including well-defined lines of bottom right plume about 2mm to the left of the same plume on the primary entry, also shows traces of another transfer at top (lines in "U.S." and in lower label), original gum, lightly hinged, intense shade and impression
FINE. AN OUTSTANDING 1857 ONE-CENT TRANSFER VARIETY FROM PLATE ELEVEN. NEINKEN BELIEVED THIS WAS A DOUBLE TRANSFER, BUT WAGSHAL ARGUED STRONGLY THAT THE GROSSLY SHIFTED TRANSFER WAS AN ERASED ENTRY AND OTHER LINES WERE EVIDENCE OF A RE-ENTRY.
The enlarged photo shows the fine details of the erased transfer at bottom, which was shifted about 2mm to the left of the primary transfer. Using Photoshop, we determined that Wagshal was correct in his judgment that other secondary transfer lines could not possibly align with the erased transfer.
Ex Wagshal. With 1970 P.F. certificate stating "genuine with one re-entry", reflecting Neinken's original opinion.
Certificate
1970 PF No. 32081 View Cert
1c Blue, Ty. IIIa (22). Position 56L4, unused (no gum), detailed impression clearly showing diagonal line thru "O" of "ONE", trivial natural inclusion at lower right, tiny corner perf crease at top right, Very Fine appearance, ex Neinken and Wagshal, Scott value without premium for the position
1c Blue, Ty. IV (23). Position 7R1L, the recut state of Type I Position 7R on Plate 1 Early, original gum, lightly hinged, recut at bottom, double transfer clearly visible in letters at top, rich color on bright white paper
VERY FINE. A BEAUTIFUL ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE 1857 ONE-CENT TYPE IV PERFORATED ISSUE FROM POSITION 7R, WHICH PRODUCED THE RARE TYPE I, SCOTT 5, IN PRINTINGS FROM THE EARLY STATE OF PLATE ONE. REMARKABLY RARE IN THIS CHOICE SOUND ORIGINAL-GUM CONDITION.
With 2002 P.F. certificate. The Scott Catalogue lists the double transfer, but does not list or price the 7R1L position. SCV as Scott 23 with double transfer and original gum.
Certificate
2002 PF No. 0387179 View Cert
1c Blue, Ty. IV (23). Plate 1L, recut once at top and twice at bottom, unused (no gum), rich color, tiny perf thin spot at top, Very Fine appearance, with 1976 P.F. certificate
Certificate
1976 PF No. 58893 View Cert
1c Blue, Ty. Va (24 var). Position 8R5, Mint N.H., rich color, perfectly centered with wide and balanced margins
EXTREMELY FINE GEM. AN ABSOLUTELY PHENOMENAL MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 1857 ONE-CENT TYPE Va FROM PLATE 5, GRADED SUPERB 98 BY P.S.E. — THIS IS THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED TO THIS ISSUE.
On most Type V stamps there are very noticeable scratch marks in the margins at the right, which were present on the transfer roll. However, the first transfer roll had the design more complete at sides and did not have the scratches at sides. Brookman notes that "While I can give no estimate of the number of stamps printed from this plate I believe it was not many because of the scarcity of Type Va stamps."
Ex Hewitt. With 1982, 1997 P.F. and 2009 P.S.E. certificates (Superb 98). This is the highest grade awarded and it is shared by only two others (this is the first we have offered). We are unaware if any of the others are the scarcer Type Va sub-type. SMQ here as the normal Type V.
Certificate
2009 PSE No. 01198665 Graded 98 View Cert
1997 PF No. 0317508 View Cert
1982 PF No. 110533 View Cert
1c Blue, Ty. V (24). Position 10L9 with prominent "Ear Ring" plate flaw, interpane margin right at right is a bit uneven and might be trimmed slightly, original gum, h.r., sealed tear at upper right, Very Fine appearing example of this prominent plate flaw, with 2003 P.F. certificate
Certificate
2003 PF No. 0393629 View Cert
1c Blue, Ty. V (24). Positions 37-38L9, horizontal pair, right stamp with plate flaw at lower right, original gum, single hinge mark, rich color on bright paper, Extremely Fine, a beautiful pair, ex Wagshal, Scott value as singles without premium for the plate flaw