Sale 1351 — The Vaquero Collection of Gem-Quality 19th and 20th Century United States Stamps
Sale Date — Thursday, 15 May, 2025
Category — 1893 Columbian Issue (Scott 230-245)
1c Deep Blue, Columbian (230). Mint N.H., deep rich color and proof-like impression on bright paper, essentially perfectly centered with Jumbo margins
EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A STUNNING MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE ONE-CENT COLUMBIAN ISSUE, GRADED SUPERB 98 JUMBO BY P.S.E. — ONLY ONE GRADES HIGHER.
More than 449 million 1c Columbian stamps were printed, second only to the 2c denomination. Despite the abundance of Mint N.H. examples available, stamps in the highest grades are rare—this is truly one of the finest in existence.
Ex "Westchester". With 2008 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98 Jumbo). Only one grades higher (at 100) and only eight others share this desirable grade. These are extremely low population numbers at the top of the grading chart for such a common stamp.
2c Brown Violet, Columbian (231). Mint N.H., deep rich color and proof-like impression, gorgeous centering, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2006 and 2025 P.S.E. certificates (Superb 98)
2c Brown Violet, Columbian, Broken Frameline (231 var). Mint N.H., perfectly centered with Jumbo margins, clearly showing the variety at lower right, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2011 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98), only three grade higher (two at 100, one at 100J) and twelve share this grade, only one other shows this variety
3c Green, Columbian (232). Mint N.H., deep rich color and proof-like impression, perfectly centered with unusually wide and balanced margins
EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A MAGNIFICENT MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 3-CENT COLUMBIAN ISSUE, GRADED GEM 100 BY P.S.E. ONLY TWO GRADE HIGHER AND ONE OTHER SHARES THIS DESIRABLE GRADE.
With 1986 P.F. and 2013 P.S.E. certificates (Gem 100). Only two grade higher at 100J (we sold one in 2019 for $15,000 hammer). One other shares this perfect grade (we have never offered it).
4c Ultramarine, Columbian (233). Mint N.H., brilliant color on bright paper, gorgeous centering with wide margins, Extremely Fine Gem, a stamp with great visual appeal, with 2007 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95)
4c Blue, Columbian, Error of Color (233a). Mint N.H., deep rich color and proof-like impression on bright paper, the deeper of the two shades, variety with third leaf in oval surrounding right "4", wide margins for this difficult issue
VERY FINE. ONE OF THE FEW AVAILABLE MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLES OF THE RARE 4-CENT COLUMBIAN ERROR OF COLOR. ESPECIALLY DESIRABLE AND RARE WITH THE "THREE LEAF" VARIETY.
The 4c Columbian color error was caused by the use of a wrong batch of ink, and spectrographic analysis has shown that the blue inks of the 4c error and 1c Columbian have the same components. Stamps from at least two panes reached collectors, and the few cancelled examples indicate that stamps used by the public came from other panes. It is likely that a number of full sheets were printed using the wrong ink, and most of the stamps have simply been lost to philately.
A review using Power Search indicates we have offered only 13 unduplicated Mint N.H. examples since 1994.
Ex Whitman. With 1980, 1994 and 2009 P.F. certificates not mentioning the variety. Scott value as normal.
4c Blue, Columbian, Error of Color (233a). Mint N.H., deep rich color on fresh and bright paper, unusually wide margins for this difficult issue
FINE-VERY FINE AND PRISTINE. ONE OF THE FEW AVAILABLE MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLES OF THE RARE 4-CENT COLUMBIAN ERROR OF COLOR.
The 4c Columbian color error was caused by the use of a wrong batch of ink, and spectrographic analysis has shown that the blue inks of the 4c error and 1c Columbian have the same components. Stamps from at least two panes reached collectors, and the few cancelled examples indicate that stamps used by the public came from other panes. It is likely that a number of full sheets were printed using the wrong ink, and most of the stamps have simply been lost to philately.
A review using Power Search indicates we have offered only 13 unduplicated Mint N.H. examples since 1994. This stamp has a small white spot next to leaf in oval surrounding right "4," but it is not prominent enough to qualify as the three-leaf variety.
Ex "Scarsdale". With 1970, 1985 and 1999 P.F. certificates.
4c Blue, Columbian, Error of Color (233a). Mint N.H. block of four with right selvage, top right stamp shows variety with third leaf in oval surrounding right "4", deep rich color and proof-like impression, wonderfully well-centered, in particular the two bottom stamps are wide-margined and extraordinarily choice
VERY FINE-EXTREMELY FINE. A SPECTACULAR MINT NEVER-HINGED SELVAGE BLOCK OF FOUR OF THE 4-CENT COLUMBIAN ERROR OF COLOR, WITH TWO EXTREMELY FINE STAMPS AT BOTTOM. THIS IS THE FINEST MINT NEVER-HINGED BLOCK WE HAVE OFFERED IN AT LEAST 30 YEARS.
The 4c Columbian color error was caused by the use of a wrong batch of ink, and spectrographic analysis has shown that the blue inks of the 4c error and 1c Columbian have the same components. Stamps from at least two panes reached collectors, and the few cancelled examples indicate that stamps used by the public came from additional panes. It is likely that a number of full sheets were printed using the wrong ink, and most of the stamps have simply been lost to philately.
A review using Power Search found only six other Mint N.H. blocks of Scott 233a offered in our sales since 1993. One has a natural straight edge at top. Each of those blocks had Fine or Fine-Very Fine centering. The centering on this block is the best among that small population we have offered. Even considering Mint N.H. singles, the two bottom stamps in this block are unsurpassed among examples listed in Power Search. We are surprised this block has remained intact.
With 1992 P.F. and 2018 P.S.E. certificates.
4c Blue, Columbian, Error of Color (233a). Deep rich color, oval numeral grid cancel, expertly repaired at bottom right
VERY FINE APPEARANCE. ONLY 15 USED EXAMPLES OF THE 4-CENT COLUMBIAN ERROR OF COLOR ARE LISTED IN OUR CENSUS. ONE OF THE GREAT RARITIES OF USED UNITED STATES PHILATELY AND OF THE POPULAR COLUMBIAN ISSUE.
The 4c Columbian color error was caused by the use of a wrong batch of ink, and spectrographic analysis has shown that the blue inks of the 4c error and 1c Columbian have the same components. Stamps from at least three panes reached collectors, and the few cancelled examples indicate that stamps used by the public came from at least one additional pane. It is likely that a number of full sheets were printed using the wrong ink, and most of the stamps have simply been lost to philately.
Our census of used Scott 233a, available at https://siegelauctions.com/census/us/scott/233a, contains 15 stamps. One additional stamp was previously certified as the error, but received a recent certificate as the Dark Ultramarine sub-shade. Only two stamps listed in our census are confirmed as sound.
Census no. 233a-CAN-15. Ex Gorham. With 2001 P.S.E. and 2015 P.F. certificates.
5c Chocolate, Columbian (234). Mint N.H., intense shade and impression on bright paper, choice centering with wide and balanced margins
EXTREMELY FINE GEM MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 5-CENT COLUMBIAN ISSUE, GRADED SUPERB 98 JUMBO BY P.S.E. — ONLY ONE GRADES HIGHER.
Ex Gorham. With 1996 and 2006 P.F. certificates (Superb 98). With 2025 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98 Jumbo). Only one grades higher (at 100) and eight others share this desirable grade.
6c Purple, Columbian (235). Mint N.H., deep rich color and proof-like impression, perfectly centered with wide and balanced margins
EXTREMELY FINE GEM. AN ABSOLUTELY STUNNING MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 6-CENT COLUMBIAN ISSUE, GRADED SUPERB 98 JUMBO BY P.S.E. — ONLY ONE GRADES HIGHER AND ONE OTHER SHARES THIS DESIRABLE GRADE.
With 2012 P.S.A.G. certificate (Gem 100). With ungraded 2012 P.F. certificate. With 2025 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98 Jumbo). Only one grades higher (at 100) and one other shares this lofty grade, we have never offered either.
6c Red Violet, Columbian (235a). Mint N.H., deep rich color in the Red Violet sub-shade, wide margins, Extremely Fine, with 2002 P.F. certificate
8c Magenta, Columbian (236). Mint N.H., rich color, proof-like impression, perfectly centered with wide margins, long and full perforations
EXTREMELY FINE GEM. THIS STUNNING MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 8-CENT COLUMBIAN ISSUE HAS ACHIEVED THE GRADE OF GEM 100 FROM P.S.E. — ONLY ONE GRADES HIGHER AND NONE SHARE THIS PERFECT GRADE.
With 2005 P.F. and 2009 and 2025 P.S.E. certificates (Gem 100). Only one has graded higher (at 100J, realized $30,000 hammer in 2019) and this is the only example to achieve this coveted grade.
10c Black Brown, Columbian (237). Mint N.H., unusually deep rich color and impression framed by wide balanced margins
EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A MAGNIFICENT MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 10-CENT COLUMBIAN ISSUE, IN AN UNUSUALLY DEEP SHADE.
Ex "Scarsdale". With 2002 P.F. certificate. With 2004 and 2025 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95).
10c Black Brown, Columbian (237 var). Mint N.H., crisp impression with wide margins, significantly brighter shade than the previous lot
FRESH AND EXTREMELY FINE. A GORGEOUS MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 10-CENT COLUMBIAN ISSUE IN THE GRAY BLACK SUB-SHADE.
Ex "Scarsdale". With 1987 and 2000 P.F. certificates as regular shade.
15c Dark Green, Columbian (238). Original gum, lightly hinged, almost perfectly centered, deep rich color, Extremely Fine
30c Orange Brown, Columbian (239). Mint N.H., intense color and detailed impression on immaculate fresh paper, beautifully centered with wide and well-balanced margins
EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 30-CENT COLUMBIAN ISSUE, GRADED XF-SUPERB 95 JUMBO BY P.S.E.
Ex Odeneal. With 1985 P.F. and 2007 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95 Jumbo).
50c Slate Blue, Columbian (240). Mint N.H., magnificently centered, choice margins, intense Slate Blue color
EXTREMELY FINE. A MARVELOUS MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 50-CENT COLUMBIAN ISSUE.
With 2006 and 2025 P.S.E. certificates (XF 90).
$1.00 Salmon, Columbian (241). Mint N.H. with part imprint selvage at right, radiant color as fresh as the day it was printed, fantastic centering with wide and balanced margins on all sides, long and full perforations all around
EXTREMELY FINE GEM. THIS IS WITHOUT QUESTION ONE OF THE FINEST MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLES OF THE $1.00 COLUMBIAN ISSUE, WHICH DEPICTS THE FAMOUS SCENE OF QUEEN ISABELLA PLEDGING HER JEWELS. THIS STAMP HAS BEEN AWARDED THE GRADE OF BOTH XF-SUPERB 95 AND XF-90 BY P.S.E.
According to Brookman, only 55,050 copies of the $1.00 Columbian were issued. It was sold out before all of the other dollar values, probably because it was the most affordable of the dollar-value stamps. Speculation soon drove the price to $5.00 but it soon fell again, to about $1.50.
The theme of the stamp, Isabella pledging her jewels to finance Columbus's voyage, is known to most fifth-grade students who study the voyage of Columbus. However, the offer was never accepted, as financing was found elsewhere.
With 2001 P.F. and 2005 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95). With 2025 P.S.E. certificate (XF 90). We are surprised P.S.E. lowered the previous XF-Superb 95 grade, as this stamp has centering that is far superior to other examples graded XF 90. SMQ $35,000 as 95. SMQ $15,000 as 90.
$1.00 Salmon, Columbian (241). Brilliant color as fresh as the day it was printed, exceptional centering, neat target cancel struck at bottom leaves the design fully visible
EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A MAGNIFICENT USED EXAMPLE OF THE $1.00 COLUMBIAN ISSUE, GRADED SUPERB 98 BY THE P.F. — A VERY DIFFICULT STAMP TO OBTAIN IN SUCH OUTSTANDING CONDITION.
With 2021 P.F. certificate (Superb 98). This is the highest grade awarded by the P.F. and is shared by no others. By way of comparison, the P.S.E. Population Report lists one used stamp at 95J and none higher.
$2.00 Brown Red, Columbian (242). Mint N.H., deep rich color and sharp proof-like impression, perfectly centered with wide and balanced margins for this difficult stamp
EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A MAGNIFICENT MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE $2.00 COLUMBIAN ISSUE. THIS STUNNING STAMP HAS ACHIEVED THE GRADE OF XF-SUPERB 95 FROM P.S.E. — THE DOLLAR-VALUE COLUMBIAN ISSUES ARE EXTREMELY RARE IN SUCH HIGH GRADES IN MINT NEVER-HINGED CONDITION.
Typically, when a collector assembles an Extremely Fine, Mint Never-Hinged set of Columbians, the $2.00 space remains empty to the very end due to the low supply and high demand. It is simply one of the rarest stamps of the set in this condition. The Scott value of $3,600.00 for a Mint N.H. stamp (in Very Fine grade) does not begin to reflect the true rarity of such examples.
Ex Whitman and Field. With 1999 P.F. certificate. With 2008, 2013 and 2025 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95). Only one grades higher (at 98, we have never offered it) and four others share this high grade. These are exceedingly small population numbers for such a popular series as the Columbian Issue.
$2.00 Brown Red, Columbian (242). Perfectly centered with wide and balanced margins, deep rich color on bright paper, neat strike of "New York Jan. 15 2:30 PM 94" circular datestamp, long and full perforations
EXTREMELY FINE GEM. THIS STUNNING USED $2.00 COLUMBIAN IS GRADED SUPERB 98 BY P.S.E. — THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED.
The $2.00 is one of the most difficult of all dollar-value Columbian stamps to obtain in such superb condition.
Ex Kirke. With 2012 P.F. and P.S.E. certificates (latter Superb 98). This is the highest grade awarded and it is shared by only three others.
$3.00 Yellow Green, Columbian (243). Mint N.H. with part imprint and "No" of plate no., brilliant color on post-office fresh paper, choice centering with well-proportioned margins
EXTREMELY FINE. A MAGNIFICENT MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE $3.00 COLUMBIAN ISSUE, GRADED XF 90 BY THE PHILATELIC FOUNDATION. ESPECIALLY DESIRABLE WITH THE PART IMPRINT SELVAGE.
The $3.00 Columbian is one of the most difficult of the dollar values to obtain in such choice condition. Only 24,713 were issued, which is approximately half the number of the $1.00 and $2.00. The margins are generally narrow on this denomination. The stamp offered here is the exception to the rule. It is beautifully centered, the color and paper are bright and fresh, and the gum is pristine. It is truly one of the finest in existence.
With 2007 P.F. certificate (XF 90). By way of comparison, P.S.E. has graded only three higher (two at 95, one at 98) and three at this desirable grade.
$3.00 Olive Green, Columbian (243a). Mint N.H., dark shade, with right sheet selvage, unusually choice centering
EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A BEAUTIFUL AND RARE MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE $3.00 COLUMBIAN ISSUE IN THE OLIVE GREEN SHADE, GRADED XF 90 BY P.S.E. — EASILY ONE OF THE FINEST IN EXISTENCE.
Most of the relatively few known Mint Never-Hinged examples of the $3.00 Columbian are Yellow Green, not the more intense Olive Green color of Scott 243a. We have offered only five others in Mint N.H. condition since 1994, the last of which was sold in 2018.
Ex "Westchester". With 1985, 1990 and 2001 P.F. certificates. With 2001, 2007 and 2025 P.S.E. certificates (XF 90). Only two grade higher (at 95, we have never offered them) and one other shares this desirable grade.
$3.00 Olive Green, Columbian (243a). Deep rich color in the true Olive Green shade, clear strike of "Baltimore Md. Aug. 1 3-PM 1893" datestamp, gorgeous centering with Jumbo margins
EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A PHENOMENAL USED EXAMPLE OF THE $3.00 COLUMBIAN ISSUE IN THE DESIRABLE DARKER OLIVE GREEN SHADE.
The dollar-value Columbian stamps are rarely found with centering that would qualify for a high numerical grade, but in used condition they are further handicapped by heavy registry cancels, which almost invariably knock points off the final grade. The $3.00 is especially difficult to obtain with wide margins, especially with the "Jumbo" designation in the grade. The example offered here, with a datestamp cancel that leaves the design clearly visible, is a true condition rarity.
With 2022 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95 Jumbo; unpriced in this grade in SMQ. SMQ $4,850 as 95, $12,000 as 98). Three grade higher (all at 98) and none share this desirable grade.
$4.00 Crimson Lake, Columbian (244). Mint N.H., brilliant color as fresh as the day it was printed, bright paper, gorgeous centering with wide balanced margins, long and full perforations
EXTREMELY FINE GEM. AN ABSOLUTELY STUNNING MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE $4.00 COLUMBIAN. THIS IS WITHOUT QUESTION ONE OF THE FINEST IN EXISTENCE. IT IS GRADED XF-SUPERB 95 BY P.S.E.—THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED.
The $4.00 Columbian is extremely difficult to find in higher grades, especially in Mint N.H. condition. Suitable copies for fastidious collectors rarely appear in the marketplace.
Ex Dr. Haikel. With 2012 and 2024 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95). This is the highest grade awarded and only three others share this desirable grade. This is the only example we have offered in this grade since our 2015 Rarities sale.
$4.00 Rose Carmine, Columbian (244a). Mint N.H., vibrant color in the true Rose Carmine shade, wide and balanced margins
VERY FINE AND CHOICE. A BEAUTIFUL AND RARE MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE $4.00 COLUMBIAN IN THE ROSE CARMINE SHADE.
Small backstamp not noted on certificate. With 2008 P.S.E. certificate (VF 80). Only one grades higher (at 95, brought $47,500 hammer in 2010) and none share this grade. One is also known graded 80 in the Pale Aniline Rose sub-shade.
$5.00 Black, Columbian (245). Mint N.H., perfectly centered with massive margins evenly framing design, intense shade and proof-like impression on brilliant white paper, long full perforations
EXTREMELY FINE GEM. THIS IS WITHOUT QUESTION ONE OF THE FINEST MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLES OF THE $5.00 COLUMBIAN ISSUE IN EXISTENCE. THIS PHENOMENAL STAMP IS GRADED XF-SUPERB 95 BY P.S.E. — THIS IS THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED AND ONE OF ONLY TWO TO ACHIEVE THIS GRADE.
The $5.00 Columbian features a portrait of Columbus which was taken from the design of a contemporary medal cast in Madrid. A 50-cent coin was also minted for the Columbian Exposition based on the original medal, and the stamp's design was taken from this twice-removed design.
For many collectors, acquisition of the $5.00 Columbian represents the ultimate achievement in classic philately. When issued in 1893, this was the highest denomination and first $5.00 United States stamp. The high total face value of the dollar-value Columbian stamps represented a very significant expense to collectors and therefore sales were slow. A total of 21,844 were issued.
We could not begin to count the number of $5.00 Columbian stamps sold by the Siegel firm over 95 years. However, we have sold only 19 unduplicated examples in Mint N.H. condition since 1994. Many have centering significantly off in two directions. The number of Extremely Fine, Mint Never Hinged, examples is very limited. Due to the high face value multiples are very rare. For much of philatelic history stamps were hinged into albums. This fact, plus the lack of multiples, explains the scarcity of Mint N.H. copies. The stamp offered here is certainly a contender for the top position of any we have ever encountered.
With 2010 and 2025 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95). This is the highest grade awarded and only one other share this grade (we have never offered the other).
$5.00 Black, Columbian (245). Exceptional centering with wide and balanced margins, intense shade and razor-sharp impression, light face-free target cancel
EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB USED EXAMPLE OF THE $5.00 COLUMBIAN, GRADED XF-SUPERB 95 BY BOTH THE P.F. AND P.S.E.
With 2018 P.F. certificate (XF-Superb 95). With 2010 and 2013 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95). Only two examples grade higher at P.S.E. (at 95J and 98). SCV $1,250.
1c-$5.00 Columbian (230-245). Complete set of 16 values neatly arranged in order of denomination, each tied by "New York K Dec. 6 8:30AM 93" duplex cancel and oval on oversize registered cover from C. Witt to his wife at their 304 East 86th Street home address in New York City, purple "Registered, Dec. 6, 1893 Branch P.O. Station K, New York P.O." boxed datestamp, vertical file folds pass between stamps and do not affect them, minor edgewear and small mended tear at lower right does not affect stamps
VERY FINE. AN EXCEEDINGLY RARE AND COLORFUL COVER BEARING A COMPLETE SET OF THE 1893 COLUMBIAN EXPOSITION ISSUE.
To create this philatelic masterpiece, a total of $16.34 in postage was applied by Constantin Witt, a partner with Rudolf Albrecht in the stamp dealing and publishing business, with an office at 90 Nassau Street. The U.S. Philatelic Classics Society census of Columbian Issue dollar-value covers, available at https://www.uspcs.org/resource-center/censuses/columbian-dollar-value-cover-census, contains only five covers with a complete set of Columbian stamps:
1) May 21, 1893, Crow Wing Minn. to Pittsburgh, large registered wrapper with extra 8c, stamps tied by target cancels, 1979 Rarities sale (Sale 544, lot 133)
2) Oct. 30, 1893, Chicago World’s Fair duplex cancels, to Savannah Ga. and forwarded to Mexico, large registered 10c Columbian entire with Scott E3, ex Dr. Martin (Sale 893, lot 146)
3) Nov. 8, 1893, Westport Conn. to New York City, large registered cover, stamps cancelled by penstrokes, Sale 1241, lot 1121
4) Dec. 6, 1893, New York City, from C. Witt to his wife, large registered cover, ex “World’s Fair” (Sale 1055, lot 112), the cover offered here
5) Aug. 4, 1893, New York City to Karlsruhe, Germany, large cover (not registered), ex John Field (Sale 1251, lot 1166)
We consider this to be one of the finest.
Ex "World's Fair" collection, Dr. Haikel and our 1987 Rarities sale. With 2013 P.F. certificate.