Sale 1297 — United States Stamps
Sale Date — Tuesday-Thursday, 31 October-2 November, 2023
Category — 1893 Columbian Issue (Scott 230-245)
1c-$5.00 Columbian (230-245). Original gum except 5c no gum, $1.00 and $5.00 regummed, $2.00 with glazed gum, nicely centered, some small faults, Fine-Very Fine appearing set of the Columbian Issue, $4.00 and $5.00 each with 1994 A.P.S. certificate
1c-50c Columbian (230-240). Blocks of four, Mint N.H. stamps include 1c, 2c (three), 4c, 6c, 8c and 10 (gum creases), others are hinged including 30c multiple h.r., attractive centering and margins, a small flaw or two may be encountered but overall these are fresh — the collector's taste is reflected in the number of Mint N.H. stamps, Fine-Very Fine, 50c with two clear certificates
50c-$3.00 Columbian (240-243). Unused, 50c disturbed original gum, the three dollar values regummed, all with decent centering, one or two reperfed, Very Fine appearance
1c Deep Blue, Columbian (230). Mint N.H., Jumbo margins with beautifully precise centering, rich color and proof-like impression on bright paper
EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SPECTACULAR MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE ONE-CENT COLUMBIAN ISSUE WHICH HAS ACHIEVED THE GRADE OF SUPERB 98 JUMBO FROM P.S.E.
Ex Merlin. With 2010 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98 Jumbo). Only one grades higher (at 100) and seven others share this desirable grade. These are very low population numbers for such a popular stamp.
1c Deep Blue, Columbian (230). Jumbo margins and essentially perfect centering, rich color, very light cancel, Extremely Fine Gem, a superb used example of this issue, with 2007 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98 Jumbo), only two grade higher and two share this grade
2c Brown Violet, Columbian (231). Mint N.H. with part imprint selvage at top, rich color and proof-like impression, mathematically perfect centering with wide margins
EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A MAGNIFICENT MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 2-CENT COLUMBIAN ISSUE IN THE FINEST CONDITION ATTAINABLE. THIS REMARKABLE STAMP IS GRADED GEM 100 BY PROFESSIONAL STAMP EXPERTS — ONLY ONE GRADES HIGHER AND ONLY ONE OTHER SHARES THIS PERFECT GRADE.
With 2008 P.S.E. certificate (Gem 100). SMQ value seems to us to be too low — the only 100 Jumbo brought $13,000 hammer in 2009, and this stamp and one other are the only examples graded Gem 100. These are low population numbers for such a popular issue.
2c Brown Violet, Columbian, Broken Frame Line (231 var). Detailed impression clearly showing the frameline broken at lower right, wide margins and near perfect centering, light machine cancel, Extremely Fine Gem, a superb example of this variety, with 2016 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98; unpriced in SMQ as Broken frameline, SMQ as normal stamp)
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). This is the first time we have offered this perfect grade.
3c Green, Columbian (232). Mint N.H., wide and beautifully balanced margins, choice centering and rich color, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2008 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95)
3c Green, Columbian (232). Mint N.H. bottom imprint, plate no. 76 and letter "R" block of eight, rich color on fresh paper, Fine
4c Ultramarine, Columbian (233). Mint N.H., exceedingly wide and well-balanced margins, fresh color, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2010 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95 Jumbo)
4c Ultramarine, Columbian (233). Mint N.H., wide margins and choice centering, bright and fresh, Extremely Fine, with 1992 and 2006 P.F. certificates (XF 90)
4c Ultramarine, Columbian (233). Mint N.H. bottom left corner imprint, plate no., 16 and letter "D" block of ten, rich color on bright paper
VERY FINE AND CHOICE MINT NEVER-HINGED PLATE BLOCK OF TEN OF THE 4-CENT COLUMBIAN ISSUE.
Scott value as plate block of eight and two singles.
4c Blue, Columbian, Error of Color (233a). Mint N.H., deep rich color on bright paper, attractive centering for this rarity with three wide margins
FRESH AND FINE. A RARE MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 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 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.
With 2018 P.F. certificate.
5c Chocolate, Columbian (234). Mint N.H., crisp impression, gorgeous centering with Jumbo margins
EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A STUNNING MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 5-CENT COLUMBIAN, GRADED SUPERB 98 JUMBO BY P.S.E. ONLY ONE GRADES HIGHER.
With 2009 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98 Jumbo). Only one grades higher (at 100). Six others share this lofty grade.
5c Chocolate, Columbian (234). Mint N.H., Jumbo margins and outstanding centering, rich color and fresh paper, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2004 (copy) and 2017 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95 Jumbo)
5c Chocolate, Columbian (234). Perfectly centered with wide and balanced margins, rich color and detailed impression, light duplex cancel, Extremely Fine Gem, ex Kirke, with 2007 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98), only three grade higher
6c Purple, Columbian (235). Mint N.H. bottom left corner imprint, plate no. 104 and letter "Z" block of ten, deep rich color, unusually choice centering
EXTREMELY FINE MINT NEVER-HINGED PLATE BLOCK OF TEN OF THE 6-CENT COLUMBIAN ISSUE.
Scott value as plate block of eight and two singles.
15c Dark Green, Columbian (238). Mint N.H., nicely balanced margins, rich color, Very Fine, with 2022 P.F. certificate (VF 80)
15c Dark Green, Columbian (238). Wide margins and precise centering, deep rich color, light and unobtrusive cancel leaves design fully visible, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2021 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95)
30c Orange Brown, Columbian (239). Mint N.H., minor natural gum crease, brilliant color and wide margins, Extremely Fine, with clear 2012 P.F. certificate (VF-XF 85)
30c Orange Brown, Columbian (239). Wide margins and outstanding centering, rich color, New York duplex cancel, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2020 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95), only three used examples grade higher
50c Slate Blue, Columbian (240). Mint N.H., magnificent centering, wide margins and intense shade
EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A MARVELOUS MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 50-CENT COLUMBIAN ISSUE, GRADED XF-SUPERB 95 BY P.S.E. ONLY THREE GRADE HIGHER.
P.S.E. Encapsulated and with 2014 P.S.E. certificate of the same number (XF-Superb 95). Only three grade higher (one each at 95J, 98 and 100) and only eight others share this high grade. SCV $1,400.
50c Slate Blue, Columbian (240). Original gum, lightly hinged, deep rich color and proof-like impression, wide margins and essentially perfect centering
EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A STUNNING ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE 50-CENT COLUMBIAN ISSUE, GRADED SUPERB 98 BY P.S.E.
With 2023 P.S.E. certificate (OGph, Superb 98). Only four examples grade higher and three others share this grade.
50c Slate Blue, Columbian (240). Mint N.H., crisp impression, Very Fine, with 1994 P.F. certificate
50c Slate Blue, Columbian (240). Block of four, original gum, lightly hinged, attractive centering and intense shade, Very Fine
50c Slate Blue, Columbian (240). Deep shade on bright paper, choice centering with wide margins, perfect strike of "U.S. German Sea P.O., Jul. 20 '93 4 PM" circular datestamp, Extremely Fine Gem, this datestamp was used on board the German steamers of the North German Lloyd and HAPAG lines on their way between New York and Germany, ex Helton, with 2016 P.F. certificate (XF-Superb 95)
$1.00 Salmon, Columbian (241). Mint N.H., bright color, well-balanced margins
VERY FINE AND CHOICE MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE $1.00 COLUMBIAN.
With 2004 P.F. certificate.
$1.00 Salmon, Columbian (241). Mint N.H., brilliant color, fresh and Fine, with 2014 P.S.A.G. and 2022 P.F. certificates (F 70)
$1.00 Salmon, Columbian (241). Original gum, bright color, tiny natural inclusion at bottom of Isabella's dress not noted on certificate, Very Fine, with 1993 P.S.E. and 2023 P.F. certificates
$1.00 Salmon, Columbian (241). Original gum, bright color, Fine, with 2014 P.S.E. certificate
$1.00 Salmon, Columbian (241). Original gum that is disturbed from a hinge removal, intense color, small black adherence on gum, Very Fine
$1.00 Salmon, Columbian (241). Bright color, choice centering and margins, oval grid cancel, Extremely Fine, with 2016 P.F. certificate (VF-XF 85)
$2.00 Brown Red, Columbian (242). Mint N.H., Jumbo margins and well-centered, rich color on post office fresh paper
VERY FINE AND CHOICE WIDE-MARGINED MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE $2.00 COLUMBIAN.
With 1976 P.F. and 2023 P.S.E. certificates (VF 80 Jumbo; unpriced in SMQ at this grade, SMQ $4,000 for 80 and $7,750 for 90)
$2.00 Brown Red, Columbian (242). Mint N.H., deep rich color, three wide margins
VERY FINE AND ATTRACTIVE MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE $2.00 COLUMBIAN ISSUE.
Ex Hoffman. With 2000 and 2008 P.F. certificates
$2.00 Brown Red, Columbian (242). Mint N.H., detailed impression
VERY FINE MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE $2.00 COLUMBIAN.
With 1981 PF. and 2008 P.S.E. certificates.
$2.00 Brown Red, Columbian (242). Original gum, lightly hinged, intense shade and impression, gorgeous centering with wide and balanced margins
EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE $2.00 COLUMBIAN.
With 2015 P.S.E. certificate (OGph, XF-Superb 95). Only four grade higher.
$2.00 Brown Red, Columbian (242). Original gum, lightly hinged, rich color and well-centered, tiny pinhole at bottom, otherwise Very Fine
$2.00 Brown Red, Columbian (242). Wide margins and well-centered, deep rich color, New York registry oval, Extremely Fine, with 1997 and 2018 P.F. certificates (VF-XF 85)
$3.00 Yellow Green, Columbian (243). Mint N.H., deep rich color and proof-like impression, unusually choice centering for this difficult issue
EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A REMARKABLY FRESH MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE $3.00 COLUMBIAN ISSUE. A DIFFICULT COLUMBIAN DOLLAR VALUE TO OBTAIN IN SUCH PRISTINE, CENTERED, MINT NEVER-HINGED CONDITION. THIS IS ONE OF THE FINEST IN EXISTENCE.
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 1989, 1997 and 2006 P.F. certificates (XF 90). With 2006 and 2022 P.S.E. certificates (XF 90). Only three grade higher and two others share this desirable grade. We have offered only one other in this grade, in our 2006 "Scarsdale" sale. Of the three higher grades, two grade 95 (we sold one in 2021 for $40,000) and one grades 98 (we have never offered it). SCV $4,750.
$3.00 Yellow Green, Columbian (243). Original gum, rich color, nicely centered, fresh and Very Fine, with 2018 P.F. certificate (VF 80)
$3.00 Olive Green, Columbian (243a). Rich color, New York oval cancel, Very Fine, with 2002 P.F. certificate
$4.00 Crimson Lake, Columbian (244). Slightly glazed original gum described on both accompanying certificates as Mint N.H., deep rich color, unusually choice centering
EXTREMELY FINE ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE $4.00 COLUMBIAN ISSUE.
With 2005 and 2022 P.S.E. certificates (XF 90 as Mint N.H., SMQ $16,000 as Mint N.H.). At some point after the 2022 certificate was issued this must have come into contact with a drop of moisture or humidity. The centering alone makes this a highly desirable stamp. Scott value as hinged.
$4.00 Crimson Lake, Columbian (244). Mint N.H. with absolutely pristine white gum, brilliant color on crisp paper, wide margins
VERY FINE. A BEAUTIFUL MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE $4.00 COLUMBIAN ISSUE.
With 1989 P.F. and 2010 P.S.E. certificates
$4.00 Crimson Lake, Columbian (244). Original gum, h.r., bright color, small natural inclusion in Isabella's portrait, Very Fine, with 1991 P.F. certificate
$4.00 Crimson Lake, Columbian (244). Intense shade on bright paper, outstanding centering with wide margins, registry oval and also small portion of red cancel
EXTREMELY FINE GEM. AN OUTSTANDING USED EXAMPLE OF THE $4.00 COLUMBIAN, GRADED XF-SUPERB 95 BY THE P.F.
With 1968 and 2021 P.F. certificates (XF-Superb 95).
$4.00 Crimson Lake, Columbian (244). Wide margins and nicely centered, light duplex cancel, Very Fine and choice, with 2021 P.S.A.G. certificate (VF-XF 85)
$4.00-$5.00 Columbian. $4.00 original gum, h.r., bright color, unpunched perf at lower right, Fine, $5.00 regummed (should be removed as it is soaking some perf tips), also reperfed at bottom, otherwise Fine
$5.00 Black, Columbian (245). Original gum, detailed impression, bright shade, Fine, small backstamp
$5.00 Black, Columbian (245). Unused (regummed), nicely centered, filled thin spot not noted on certificate, Very Fine appearance, with 2002 A.P.S. certificate
$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. (both 98). Scott value $1,200.
$5.00 Black, Columbian (245). Well-centered with balanced margins, purple "Jul. 19, 1893" straightline cancel, Extremely Fine, a very unusual cancel on the $5.00 Columbian, with 1991 A.P.S. and 2018 P.F. certificates (VF-XF 85)