Sale 1034 — The Merlin Collection of Superb United States Stamps
Sale Date — Wednesday-Thursday, 28-29 November, 2012
Category — 1893 Columbian Issue (Scott 230-245)
1c Columbian (230). Mint N.H., Jumbo margins with beautifully precise centering, rich color and proof-like impression on bright paperEXTREMELY 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.
With 2010 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98 Jumbo; unpriced in SMQ above the grade of 98, SMQ $1,375.00 as 98). This is the highest grade awarded and only four others share this grade.
2c Columbian (231). Mint N.H., wonderful rich color and detailed impression, gorgeous centering with Jumbo margins, Extremely Fine Gem, a beautiful stamp, with 2006 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98 Jumbo; unpriced in SMQ above the grade of 98, SMQ $1,425.00 as 98), only three have graded higher
2c Columbian, Broken Hat (231). Mint N.H., deep rich color and proof-like impression, perfectly centered with Jumbo marginsEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A STUNNING MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 2-CENT COLUMBIAN WHICH HAS BEEN GRADED SUPERB 98 JUMBO BY P.S.E.
With 1990 P.F. and 2010 P.S.E. certificates (Superb 98 Jumbo; the Broken Hat variety is listed but unpriced in SMQ above the grade of 95, SMQ $750.00 as 95. SMQ assigns a 2.4-times premium to the variety in the grade of 95. SMQ for a normal Scott 231 without the variety is $1,425.00 in the grade of 98. If the same premium applies to the scarcer 98 grade then this would catalogue $3,420.00). This is likely the highest grade awarded to the variety -- the Population Report does not separate the variety and three have graded higher (two of which we offered and did not have the variety).
2c Columbian, Broken Frameline (231 var). Mint N.H., detailed impression clearly showing the frameline broken at lower right, wide and balanced margins, Extremely Fine Gem, with 1990 P.F. and 2003 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $310.00 as normal stamp with no premium for the variety), The variety is listed in Scott but unpriced as Mint N.H., Scott Retail as normal
3c Columbian (232). Mint N.H., intense shade and detailed impression, mathematically perfect centering with Jumbo margins, long and full perforations all aroundEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A PHENOMENAL MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 3-CENT COLUMBIAN WHICH HAS BEEN GRADED GEM 100 JUMBO BY P.S.E.
With 2010 P.S.E. certificate (Gem 100 Jumbo; unpriced in SMQ above the grade of 98, SMQ $2,100.00 as 98). This is the highest grade possible and only one other shares this grade. Only four denominations (2c, 3c, 4c and 8c) and a total of five stamps for the entire Columbian issue have achieved this perfect grade.
4c Columbian (233). Original gum, barely hinged, intense shade and impression, Jumbo margins, Extremely Fine Gem, a gorgeous stamp, with 2007 P.S.E. certificate (OGph, Superb 98 Jumbo; unpriced in SMQ above the grade of 98, SMQ $575.00 as 98), only one has graded higher and none share this grade
4c Columbian, Error of Color (233a). Original gum, lightly hinged, breathtaking deep rich color on bright paper, unusually choice centering with Jumbo marginsEXTREMELY FINE. THIS IS EASILY ONE OF THE FINEST ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLES OF THE RARE 4-CENT COLUMBIAN ERROR OF COLOR. A MARVELOUS STAMP.
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.
Ex Hetherington. With 1951 P.F. and 2006 P.S.E. certificates (OGph, VF-XF 85 Jumbo; SMQ $20,900.00 as 85, $26,700.00 as 90). Only one has graded higher (at 90).
5c Columbian (234). Mint N.H., beautiful centering with wide and balanced margins, bright color on fresh paperEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A WONDERFUL MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 5-CENT COLUMBIAN ISSUE, WHICH HAS BEEN GRADED SUPERB 98 JUMBO BY P.S.E.
With 1989 P.F. and 2009 P.S.E. certificates (Superb 98 Jumbo; unpriced in SMQ above the grade of 98, SMQ $3,050.00 as 98). Only one has graded higher (at 100) and four others share this grade.
6c Columbian (235). Mint N.H., intense shade and proof-like impression, gorgeous centering with wide and balanced margins, long and full perforations all aroundEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A PHENOMENAL MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 6-CENT COLUMBIAN, WHICH HAS BEEN GRADED SUPERB 98 BY P.S.E.
With 2009 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98; SMQ $4,300.00). Only one has graded higher (at 98J) and only five others share this grade.
8c Columbian (236). Mint N.H., deep rich color and detailed impression, wonderful centering with Jumbo margins, long and full perforations all aroundEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A STUNNING MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 8-CENT COLUMBIAN, WHICH HAS BEEN GRADED SUPERB 98 JUMBO BY P.S.E.
With 2001 P.F. and 2007 P.S.E. certificates (Superb 98 Jumbo; unpriced in SMQ above the grade of 98, SMQ $5,500.00 as 98). Only two have graded higher and none share this grade.
10c Columbian (237). Mint N.H., radiant color which is very eye-catching, perfectly centered with Jumbo marginsEXTREMELY FINE GEM. AN ABSOLUTELY STUNNING MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 10-CENT COLUMBIAN ISSUE, WHICH HAS BEEN GRADED SUPERB 98 JUMBO BY P.S.E. -- THIS IS THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED.
The 10c is extremely difficult to find with wide and centered margins. For some reason, it can be found with wide margins at sides but is almost never is seen this way at top and bottom. It is easily the most difficult non-dollar-value to find in such choice condition.
With 2010 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98 Jumbo; unpriced in SMQ above the grade of 98, SMQ $5,150.00 as 98). This is the highest grade awarded and only one other shares it.
15c Columbian (238). Original gum, barely hinged (appears Mint N.H.), incredibly wide balanced Jumbo margins and perfectly centeredEXTREMELY FINE GEM. CERTAINLY ONE OF THE WIDEST-MARGINED AND BEST-CENTERED ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLES OF THE 15-CENT COLUMBIAN ISSUE EXTANT.
With 1987 P.F. (stating that it is genuine which implies Mint N.H.) and 2006 P.S.E. certificates (OGph, Superb 98 Jumbo; unpriced in SMQ above the grade of 98, SMQ $1,600.00 as 98). This is the highest grade awarded in any category (one Mint N.H. and one used share this grade) and it is the only hinged copy to attain this grade.
30c Columbian (239). Mint N.H., rich color, beautiful impression showing every detailed line of this marvelous engraving, mathematically perfect centering with wide margins on all four sidesEXTREMELY FINE GEM. THIS MAGNIFICENT MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 30-CENT COLUMBIAN ISSUE HAS BEEN AWARDED THE GRADE OF GEM 100 BY P.S.E. -- THIS IS THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED, AND ONLY ONE OTHER HAS ACHIEVED THIS PERFECT GRADE. IT IS A KEY TO A SET OF HIGH-GRADE COLUMBIANS, WHICH IS ONE OF THE MOST POPULAR ISSUES IN UNITED STATES PHILATELY.
The scene depicted on the 30c is based on the story that Columbus stopped at the convent at Santa Maria de La Rabida on his way to France after being rejected at the Spanish Court. The friar of the convent, after hearing his plan, persuaded him to stay. While at the convent he gained support from some of the more important people in the neighborhood and, his faith renewed, decided to apply for aid from the Spanish court once again, where he was successful. This marked a turning-point in his struggles for financial backing.
With 2009 P.S.E. certificate (Gem 100; unpriced in SMQ above the grade of 98, SMQ $7,000.00 as 98).
50c Columbian (240). Original gum, lightly hinged, rich color and detailed impression, wide and balanced margins, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2006 P.S.E. certificate (OGph, XF-Superb 95; SMQ $1,650.00)
$1.00 Columbian (241). Original gum, small h.r., brilliant color and remarkably detailed impression, perfectly centered, long and full perforations all aroundEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A STUNNING ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE $1.00 COLUMBIAN ISSUE, WHICH HAS BEEN GRADED SUPERB 98 BY P.S.E. -- THIS IS THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED IN ANY CATEGORY AND ONLY ONE OTHER SHARES IT.
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 2011 P.S.E. certificate (OGph, Superb 98; SMQ $8,100.00). This is the highest grade awarded in any category (the highest Mint N.H. is a 95) and only one other shares this grade.
$2.00 Columbian (242). Original gum, lightly hinged, rich color, beautiful centering with wide marginsEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A BEAUTIFUL ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE $2.00 COLUMBIAN ISSUE.
With 2000 P.F. and 2005 P.S.E. certificates (OGph, XF-Superb 95; SMQ $3,850.00). Only two have graded higher.
$3.00 Columbian (243). Original gum, hinge marks, perfectly centered with Jumbo margins, deep rich color and proof-like impressionEXTREMELY FINE GEM. THIS STUNNING STAMP HAS BEEN GRADED SUPERB 98 JUMBO BY P.S.E. -- THIS IS THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED AND ONLY EXAMPLE TO ACHIEVE THIS GRADE. A TRUE RARITY.
With 2010 P.S.E. certificate (OGh, Superb 98 Jumbo; unpriced in SMQ above the grade of 98, SMQ $9,500.00 as 98). This is the highest grade awarded and the only example to achieve it.
$4.00 Columbian (244). Original gum, lightly hinged, brilliant color, gorgeous centering with Jumbo margins, long and full perforations all aroundEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SPECTACULAR ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE $4.00 COLUMBIAN, WHICH HAS BEEN GRADED SUPERB 95 JUMBO BY P.S.E.
With 2000 P.F. and 2006 P.S.E. certificates (OGph, XF-Superb 95 Jumbo; SMQ $6,750.00 as 95, $13,500.00 as 98). Only one has graded higher (at 98) and one other shares this grade.
$5.00 Columbian (245). Original gum, very lightly hinged, intense shade and proof-like impression, gorgeous centering with Jumbo marginsEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE $5.00 COLUMBIAN ISSUE.
With 1988 P.F. and 2006 P.S.E. certificates (OGph, XF-Superb 95 Jumbo; SMQ $7,250.00 as 95, $16,250.00 as 98). Only three have graded higher.