Sale 1367 — United States Stamps
Sale Date — Tuesday-Thursday, 9-11 December, 2025
Category — 1893 Columbian Issue (Scott 230-245)
1c Deep Blue, Columbian (230). Mint N.H., rich color on bright paper, essentially perfectly centered, Extremely Fine Gem, from the Nathanael Greene collection, with 2010, 2013 and 2021 P.S.E. certificates (Superb 98), only ten grade higher
(Image Magnifier)
2c Brown Violet, Columbian (231). Mint N.H., deep rich color and proof-like impression, gorgeous centering, Extremely Fine Gem, from the Nathanael Greene collection, with 1980 P.F. and 2013 P.S.E. certificates (Superb 98)
(Image Magnifier)3c Green, Columbian (232). Mint N.H., nearly perfect centering, beautiful color on bright paper, crisp impression, Extremely Fine Gem, from the Nathanael Greene collection, with 2010 and 2019 P.S.E. certificates (Superb 98), only ten grade higher
(Image Magnifier)4c Ultramarine, Columbian (233). Mint N.H., brilliant color on bright paper, beautifully centered with wide and balanced margins
EXTREMELY FINE GEM MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 4-CENT COLUMBIAN ISSUE, GRADED SUPERB 98 BY THE PHILATELIC FOUNDATION.
From the Nathanael Greene collection. With 2019 P.F. certificate (Superb 98). By way of comparison, P.S.E. has graded only three examples higher.
(Image Magnifier)5c Chocolate, Columbian (234). Mint N.H., rich color and proof-like impression on bright paper, perfectly centered 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.
From the Nathanael Greene collection. Ex Henson. With 1991, 2003 P.F. and 2008 P.S.E. certificates (Superb 98 Jumbo). Only one grades higher (at 100, last offered by us in 2012) and eight others share this desirable grade.
15c Dark Green, Columbian (238). Mint N.H., gorgeous deep color and proof-like impression, essentially perfect centering
EXTREMELY FINE GEM. AN EXCEPTIONAL MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 15-CENT COLUMBIAN, GRADED SUPERB 98 BY P.S.E.
Along with the 10c value, the 15c is among the couple most difficult of the non-dollar value Columbians to find in this superb Mint N.H. condition. This is an exceptional stamp in every respect.
From the Nathanael Greene collection. With 2020 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98). Only two grade higher and eight share this lofty grade.
30c Orange Brown, Columbian (239). Mint N.H., extraordinarily well-centered, beautiful rich color and detailed impression
EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A STUNNING MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 30-CENT COLUMBIAN, GRADED SUPERB 98 BY P.S.E.
From the Nathanael Greene collection. With 2011 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98). Only three grade higher (one at 98J, two at 100).
(Image Magnifier)
$1.00 Salmon, Columbian (241). Original gum, bright shade, outstanding centering with balanced margins
EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A GORGEOUS ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE $1.00 COLUMBIAN ISSUE, GRADED XF-SUPERB 95 BY P.S.E.
While the P.S.E. Population Report lists 17 $1.00 Columbian stamps at the XF-Superb 95 grade (and four higher, highest is 98), many collectors have been waiting for some time for one to come up in our auctions. This is a very choice example at this lofty grade.
From the Nathanael Greene collection. With 1992 P.F. and 2019 P.S.E. certificates (OGph, XF-Superb 95).
$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.
From the Nathanael Greene collection. 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 in the P.S.E. Population Report. 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). The SMQ of $12,000 for this 98 is out of date in our opinion. The last two examples offered in our sales realized $15,500 and $15,000 hammer.
$4.00 Crimson Lake, Columbian (244). Original gum, lightly hinged, brilliant color, near mathematically perfect centering on fresh paper
EXTREMELY FINE GEM. AN EXCEPTIONALLY BEAUTIFUL ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE $4.00 COLUMBIAN ISSUE, GRADED SUPERB 98 BY P.S.E. THIS IS THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED IN ANY CONDITION CATEGORY.
The $4.00 Columbian, depicting "Isabella—Columbus," is based on an unknown portrait of Queen Isabella and a portrait of Columbus from a painting by Lorenzo Lotto. The vignette was engraved by Alfred Jones and the frame and lettering by George H. Seymour. 26,350 stamps were printed from Plate 107, and according to Luff 3,357 were destroyed.
From the Nathanael Greene collection. Ex Morton. With 2013 P.F. and 2013 P.S.E. certificates (OGph, Superb 98). This is the highest grade awarded to a $4.00 Columbian in any original gum category, and it is shared by only two others. The highest Mint N.H. grade is 95.
$5.00 Black, Columbian (245). Original gum, intense shade and proof-like impression, precise centering with Jumbo margins
EXTREMELY FINE GEM ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE $5.00 COLUMBIAN ISSUE, GRADED XF-SUPERB 95 JUMBO BY P.S.E. a huge and exceptional stamp.
From the Nathanael Greene collection. With 2002 P.F. certificate. With 2005, 2010 and 2017 P.S.E. certificates (OGph, XF-Superb 95 Jumbo). Only four grade higher (all 98) and seven are equal. By way of comparison, the highest grade awarded to a Mint N.H. copy is 95, which has an SMQ value of $85,000. This is a phenomenal stamp for someone who values centering over Mint N.H. gum.