Looking over the Kelleher auction catalog, I was struck by the large number of PSE-graded 98′s (superb) and higher. The auction results indicate that the prices on superb stamps is still pretty weak, at least in this auction. Following are a few examples.
The above is Scott #666 PSE graded OGnh 98 (superb). Getting Kansas-Nebraska’s in this condition is pretty tough and the population report from PSE indicates that there are 6 that grade 98, 2 that grade 98J and 1 that grades as 100 (gem). So it is pretty rare. The current market price is $1400 and Kelleher estimated that the stamp would bring between $1000-$1,500, however it did not sell, suggesting that there were no bidders at the reserve. Similarly, a Scott #658 graded gem 100 and a Scott #662 graded 98J did not clear.
The stamp above, Scott #570, graded as OGnh 98J. Market for a 98 is $1,300 as a 98 and it sold for $800. There are, of course examples of realizations to full market.
You can always count on a Columbian, even a 231. The above is a OGnh 98J 231, the broken hat variety. The broken hat appears as a notch in the cap of the second person to Columbus’s left. The stamp above realized $2,100 against a market value of $1,200 for a normal 231 98. The premium is probably due to the J and the fact that it is the broken hat variety.
As always there are some interesting specialist material.
The stamp above is a use 148 that obviously would not get a high grade. But still a very interesting and unique stamp with the captured plate number. It sold for $180 against a Scott of $35.00.
There are very few examples of stamps in the 70-90 range that come graded as such. One example is shown below.
This stamp is Scott #86, the “E” grill. The above is used, very lightly canceled and graded as 70, Fine. It realized $150.00 against a catalog value of $525.
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