$5.00 Dark Green (263). Original gum, lightly hinged, gorgeous deep color and proof-like impression, perfectly centered with wide margins

EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A STUNNING ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE 1894 $5.00 UNWATERMARKED BUREAU ISSUE, GRADED SUPERB 98 BY P.S.E.

The 1894 Unwatermarked issue was the first U.S. postage issue to be printed by the Bureau of Engraving & Printing, after the contract with American Bank Note Co. expired. The first stamps printed by the Bureau are notoriously difficult to find well-centered, as production was marred by initial problems as they geared up to meet the needs of the public for stamps. The designs through the $1.00 were kept the same from the 1890 ABN Co. issue, with the addition of corner triangles to distinguish the printings. The use of the same designs is another indication of the time pressure that may have caused some of the initial production problems. The $5.00 is one of the two or three most difficult denominations to find in superb condition.

With 2004 P.F. and 2008 P.S.E. certificates (OGph, Superb 98). Only four others share this grade and only one grades higher (at 100). Collectors waiting for a Mint N.H. example in higher grades will have a very long wait — the highest grade awarded thus far to a Mint N.H. copy is VF 80.

Image Magnifier / Download

PSE Population Report

Market data

Power Search for Comparables