Cost of US Stamp Scott 277: US$2.00 1895 James Madison Bureau. Page 8

$2.00 Bright Blue (277). Gorgeous color, precise centering with wide margins, fresh paper, lightly cancelled EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SPECTACULAR USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1895 $2.00 WATERMARKED ISSUE. The $2.00 Watermarked issue (Scott 277) was issued in significantly greater quantities than its unwatermarked counterpart (10,027 of Scott 262 versus 31,720 of Scott 277). However, the watermarked $2.00 is almost as difficult to find in superbly centered used condition with an attractive cancel. The P.S.E. Population Report lists seven examples graded XF-90 or above of No. 262 and only eight of No. 277. With 2011 P.F. and 2007 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95, SMQ $2,650.00). Only one has graded higher (at 98) and only three others share this grade.

Robert Siegel Auction Galleries, Oct 2012, Sale 1032, Lot 3396

1895, $2 dark blue (Scott 277a), beautiful example of the dark blue shade, wonderfully centered amid generous margins, o.g., previously hinged, Extremely Fine to Superb. Scott $950. Estimate price $1,000 – 1,500.

Daniel Kelleher Auctions, Oct 2012, Sale 632, Lot 1191

$2.00 Dark Blue (Scott 277a). Intense color and proof-like impression in the distinct Dark Blue color, bright paper, bold strikes of oval registry cancels nicely frame Madison’s face, long and full perforations, Extremely Fine example of this desirable shade variety, with 1996 P.F. and 2009 P.S.E. certificates (XF 90, SMQ $1,000.00), this is the highest grade awarded to date and only three others share this grade

Robert Siegel Auction Galleries, Sep 2012, Sale 1027, Lot 156

$2.00 Bright Blue (277). Perfectly centered with wide margins, magnificent color on bright paper which is nicely contrasted by double oval registry and red cancels EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1895 $2.00 WATERMARKED ISSUE. The $2.00 Watermarked issue (Scott 277) was issued in significantly greater quantities than its unwatermarked counterpart (10,027 of Scott 262 versus 31,720 of Scott 277). However, the watermarked $2.00 is almost as difficult to find in superbly centered used condition with an attractive cancel. The P.S.E. Population Report lists seven examples graded XF-90 or above of No. 262 and only eight of No. 277. With 1999 P.F. and 2010 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95, SMQ value $2,650.00). Only one has graded higher to date (at 98) and only three others share this grade.

Robert Siegel Auction Galleries, Sep 2012, Sale 1027, Lot 155

1895, $2 dark blue (277a), beautifully centered amid well balanced margins with deep, crisp color and lightly hinged original gum; bright, fresh and Extremely Fine; a choice stamp. Scott value $950 Expertization: 1995 & 2005 PF Certificates. Provenance: Enstrom.

Matthew Bennett International, Sep 2012, Sale 345, Lot 284

1895, $2 bright blue (Scott 277), top margin part imprint single, o.g., barest trace of hinge (appears never hinged), absolutely extraordinary, incredible example with the most intense deep rich color imaginable, looking closely, we cannot find any evidence of any hinge mark on this stamp, although the accompanying certificates states previously hinged, so we are offering the stamp as hinged, but firmly believe that this scarce high denomination Bureau issue stamp is probably never hinged, Very Fine, 2000 P.F. certificate. Scott $950. Estimate price $600 – 800.

Daniel Kelleher Auctions, Aug 2012, Sale 631, Lot 992

1895, $2 bright blue (Scott 277), bottom margin part imprint single, o.g., previously hinged, choice, with warm rich color, Fine to Very Fine, 2000 P.F. certificate. Scott $950. Estimate $400 – 600.

Daniel Kelleher Auctions, Aug 2012, Sale 631, Lot 993

1895, $2 bright blue (Scott 277), disturbed o.g., choice appearing $2 Madison with glowing bright color; small filled thin spot, otherwise Very Fine. Scott $950. Estimate value $300 – 400.

Daniel Kelleher Auctions, Aug 2012, Sale 631, Lot 994

U.S.; General Issues, 1895, $2 Bright Blue, #277. L.h., Very Fine, PF (1985, 1992) certs. Scott $950. Estimate price $500-600.

Harmer-Schau Auction Galleries, Aug 2012, Sale 94, Lot 1391

U.S.; General Issues, 1895, $2 Bright Blue, Block of 4, #277. O.g. “re-joined horizontal and bottom vertical margins, facial scrape at bottom left”, fresh, Fine appearance, PSE (2004) cert. Scott $4,250. Estimate $600-700.

Harmer-Schau Auction Galleries, Aug 2012, Sale 94, Lot 1392

o U.S.; General Issues, 1895, $2 Bright Blue, #277. Used, “reperfed at top and left”, centered, centered Very Fine, PF (2001) cert. Scott $450. Estimate $100-120.

Harmer-Schau Auction Galleries, Aug 2012, Sale 94, Lot 1393

Scott #277, $2.00 Bright blue, well centered used single, strong deep color and well defined impression on bright white paper, very fine; 1998 PSE certificate.

Spink Shreves Galleries, Jul 2012, Sale 140, Lot 194

1895, $2 bright blue (Scott 277), impressive top margin part imprint single, exceptionally large margins and beautiful rich color, a great stamp, o.g., barest trace of hinge (appears never hinged), Very Fine. Scott $950. Estimate $750 – 1,000. (Image 1)

Daniel Kelleher Auctions, Jun 2012, Sale 630, Lot 1636

1895, $2 bright blue (Scott 277), impressive top margin plate no. 84 single, beautiful vibrant color, an elusive plate position piece of this dollar value Bureau issue, o.g., lightly hinged, Fine, 2000 P.S.E. certificate for strip of 3, from which this stamp was taken, this being the right stamp from the strip. Scott $950. Estimate price $500 – 750. (Image 1)

Daniel Kelleher Auctions, Jun 2012, Sale 630, Lot 1637

1895, $2 dark blue (Scott 277a), dark rich color within lovely margins, o.g., previously hinged; small soiled spot on reverse which does not show on face, otherwise Very Fine to Extremely Fine, 2012 PF certificate. Scott $950. Estimate $400 – 600. (Image 1)

Daniel Kelleher Auctions, Jun 2012, Sale 630, Lot 1638