Sale 951 — The Tahoe Collection of Superb Used U.S. Stamps
Sale Date — Wednesday, 27 February, 2008
Category — Columbian Issue
5c Columbian (234). Lightly cancelled, perfectly balanced Jumbo margins, strong colorEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB USED EXAMPLE OF THE 5-CENT COLUMBIAN IN THE FINEST CONDITION ATTAINABLE. THIS MAGNIFICENT STAMP HAS RECEIVED THE EXALTED GRADE OF SUPERB 98 JUMBO FROM P.S.E. -- THIS IS THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED TO DATE AND ONLY THIS STAMP HAS THIS GRADE.
A note from master grader William Litle of P.S.E. accompanies wherein he states "This is, I believe, the finest used Columbian so far (only a 230 '98J' and a 239 '98' precede this one)." With 2007 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98 Jumbo; $560.00 as an ordinary 98, 100 grade not listed). The P.S.E. Population Report lists one used 98 and this 98J.
50c Columbian (240). Gorgeous centering with wide and balanced margins deep rich color and proof-like impression, neat strike of New York registry oval cancelEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB USED EXAMPLE OF THE 50-CENT COLUMBIAN ISSUE. A GORGEOUS STAMP IN TERMS OF CENTERING, COLOR, CANCEL AND OVERALL APPEAL.
With 1995 P.F. certificate
$1.00 Columbian (241). Choice centering with unusually wide margins for this issue, brilliant color, neat strike of "Liebenthal Kans. Aug. 21, 1902" circular datestampEXTREMELY FINE GEM. THE $1.00 COLUMBIAN ISSUE IS SURPRISINGLY DIFFICULT TO OBTAIN IN SUCH SUPERB USED CONDITION. THIS IS EASILY ONE OF THE FINEST WE HAVE ENCOUNTERED. THIS REMARKABLE STAMP HAS BEEN AWARDED THE GRADE OF XF-SUPERB 95 JUMBO BY P.S.E. -- THIS IS THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED TO DATE AND THE ONLY EXAMPLE TO ACHIEVE THIS GRADE.
With 1999 P.F. and 2008 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95 Jumbo; SMQ $3,350.00 as 95, unpriced above the grade of 95 in SMQ). This is the highest grade awarded to a used $1.00 Columbian (there are three ordinary 95's).
$2.00 Columbian (242). Brilliant color and proof-like impression, gorgeous centering with wide and balanced margins all around, neat strikes of New York registry oval cancelsEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A MAGNIFICENT USED EXAMPLE OF THE $2.00 COLUMBIAN ISSUE. THIS BEAUTIFUL STAMP HAS BEEN AWARDED THE GRADE OF XF-SUPERB 95 BY P.S.E., WHICH IS THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED TO DATE.
With 2007 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $3,500.00). This is the highest grade awarded to date, and only three others share this grade
$3.00 Olive Green, Columbian (243a). Perfectly centered with wide margins, deep shade and sharp proof-like impression on bright fresh paper, "Lynn Mass." oval cancel leaves design clearly visibleEXTREMELY FINE GEM. BEYOND ANY DOUBT, THIS IS ONE OF THE FINEST USED EXAMPLES OF THE $3.00 COLUMBIAN ISSUE IN EXISTENCE. THIS MAGNIFICENT STAMP HAS BEEN AWARDED THE LOFTY GRADE OF SUPERB 98 BY P.S.E. -- THIS IS THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED TO EITHER $3.00 SHADE, AND THIS STAMP IS THE ONLY ONE TO ACHIEVE THIS GRADE. A TRULY SPECIAL STAMP IN EVERY RESPECT.
The dollar-value Columbians 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 offered here is extraordinary not only for its precise centering and wide margins, but the lightly-struck cancel leaves the entire design visible. We doubt that more than a handful of any Columbian dollar values will ever reach Superb 98 status.
With 1987 P.F. and 2008 P.S.E. certificates (Superb 98; unpriced in SMQ above the grade of 95, SMQ $5,250.00 as 95).
$5.00 Columbian (245). Perfectly centered with Jumbo even margins, deep dark color on fresh paper, bold cancel still leaves design clearly visibleEXTREMELY FINE. A MASSIVE USED $5.00 COLUMBIAN WITH PERFECT CENTERING. EXTREMELY RARE WITH SUCH HUGE MARGINS.
With 2004 P.F. certificate