Pictorials - Scott 123 - 132 & 112-122
I've noticed that in the no reserve auction that I never see scott 123-132. I do see 112 - 122.
As I understand it, 112 - 122 have the G grill. I have bought stamps identified in the 112 - 122 that I can't find a grill on. Are these just misidentified and actually 123- 132?
Thanks
Clint
As I understand it, 112 - 122 have the G grill. I have bought stamps identified in the 112 - 122 that I can't find a grill on. Are these just misidentified and actually 123- 132?
Thanks
Clint
Comments
I see this is an old message, but no one ever responded to it.
The 123 - 132 are 1876 special printings of the 1869 pictorial series 112 - 122. These were printed in very limited numbers and in some cases few were sold with the remainder destroyed. (They were valid for postal use, but few of them were used, most were bought by collectors and held). The 128 and 131 had just over 1,500 sold (which is a very small number for stamps that are now 146 years old). The 123 1c had the most sold at 10,000. The other range between 1,356 and 4,755, but with most selling around 2,000. These largely used the same plates though the 15c used the 118 plate, it is slightly modified (no side shading in the vignette). As a result, these are far more scarce then their 1869 printings some of which numbered into the millions of copies (113, 114). In fact, if I recall correctly the 114 was the first stamp to have over 1 billion printed. Where as it's counterpart in the 1875 printing the 125 clocks in at 1,400 sold.
If the stamp is OG and without grill then it is either an 1875 reprint, or an error print of the 1869 (which is also known to exist). However, these MUST be original gum copies. Used copies could be modified original stamps with faint grills that are then further "pressed out". I would suggest if you have used copies of these, that the balance of probability is that they are pressed out grill, and no expertizing committee will certify a used one (unless tied to cover) as without grill (Save for the 15c 129 as there is a noted difference in the plates).
As a result, such scarce stamps rarely come up for sale, and when they do they are more likely to go to the larger auction houses where higher values are generally achieved (like Siegel or Kelleher) or they are offered to dealers that my pay premium for premium stamps for want list customers. And if you see one for sale without a certificate, you should be VERY suspicious, and obtain the right to get a cert on it at the very least before you buy it. Make sure they will give you at least 6 months to get it certed and returned if it does not prove to be authentic.