Stamps at Heritage respond to high collector demand as 2009 draws to a close

DALLAS, TX – Heritage/Bennett's Signature® New York Stamps Auction, Dec. 10, 2009 - the final philatelic event of the year - emerged before an early winter snow blanketed Manhattan as quite successful, with 93% of the lots selling, and a total realization of $1.8 million with the Rare and Choice examples performing quite well.

"We saw several stamps that are the highest graded examples that PSE has certified," said Harvey Bennett, Director of Philately at Heritage Auctions. "Collectors responded with spirited bidding and strong prices realized, as we would expect for such quality."

The highest graded $5 Marshall, 2009 PSE Certificate graded 100, was a welcome surprise at almost triple its estimate, finishing at $14,375. $5 Dark Green (263), absolutely perfectly centered with huge, beautifully balanced margins, bold color and full original gum carried a Scott value of $5,000, and is the sole highest graded PSE example of this issue to date.

A beautiful salmon colored Mint-graded $1 Columbian (241), 2009 PSE Certificate graded 98, SMQ $8,000, centered with mathematical precision with large, beautifully balanced margins, vivid color on bright paper and barely hinged original gum - if hinged at all - doubled its pre-auction estimate to come in at $9,200.

A 5c Chocolate (234), 1989 PF and 2009 PSE Certificates - the latter graded 98J - with mathematically precise centering and enormous, perfectly balanced margins and never hinged original gum realized $6,325, while a 1c Green (397), 2009 PSE Certificate graded 100, SMQ $880 for Superb 98 with perfectly centered and huge margins, performed superbly at $4,313; just one of two Panama-Pacifics to be awarded a PSE GEM 100.

Further highlights include, but are not limited to:

5c Huguenot-Walloon (616), 2009 PSE Certificate graded 100: Centered with mathematical precision with huge margins, blazing color and flawless never hinged original gum. A Gem in all respects. SMQ $1,100 for Superb 98. Realized: $4,025.

20c on 10c Orange Yellow (K10), 2009 PSE Certificate graded 98: Absolutely perfectly centered with even the overprint being "spot on", bright, truly breathtaking color and pristine, never hinged original gum. Scott $160, SMQ $2,450. Superb 98 is the highest grade yet awarded by PSE, one of just two so honored. Realized: $3,450.

1943 $1 Wood Ducks (RW10), 2009 PSE Certificate graded 100: Absolutely perfectly centered with deep, vibrant color and immaculate, never hinged original gum; a fabulous Gem in every respect and the only RW10 to date to receive a PSE Gem 100. SMQ $920 for Superb 98. Realized: $3,220.

50c Slate Blue (240), 2009 PSE Certificate graded 95: Virtually perfectly centered with beautifully balanced margins and intense color; original gum. Scott $500, SMQ $1,650. Realized: $2,530.

Heritage Auctions, headed by Steve Ivy, Jim Halperin, and Greg Rohan, is the world’s third largest auction house, with annual sales more than $600 million, and 475,000+ registered online bidder members. For more information about Heritage Auctions, and to join and gain access to a complete record of prices realized, along with full-color, enlargeable photos of each lot, please visit www.HA.com.

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Media contact
Noah Fleisher
Heritage Auction Galleries
www.HA.com
3500 Maple Avenue, 17th Floor
Dallas, TX 75219
1-800-872-6467 x 1143
NoahF@HA.com

Please direct photography requests to:
Cindy Brenner
CindyB@HA.com
1-800-872-6467 x 1289