Sale 1231 — The James P. Myerson Collection of Superb United States Stamps
Sale Date — Tuesday-Wednesday, 9-10 February, 2021
Category — 1893 Columbian Issue (Scott 230-245)
4c Columbian (233). Jumbo margins and outstanding centering, lightly cancelled in margins only, leaving the design completely visible, Extremely Fine Gem, with 1999 P.F. and 2007 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95 Jumbo; SMQ $400.00)
4c Columbian, Error of Color (233a). Mint N.H. with part imprint in selvage at right, deep rich color in the more intense of the two error shades, fresh and bright paperVERY FINE AND CHOICE. THIS IS ONE OF ONLY A VERY FEW MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLES OF THE RARE 4-CENT COLUMBIAN ERROR OF COLOR. NEVER-HINGED COPIES IN THE FIRST, DEEPER SHADE, ARE INCREDIBLY RARE.
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. There are two slightly different shades of the 4c error, this being the deeper of the two.
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 Wingate. With copy of 1977 P.F. and with 2002 P.F. certificate
5c Columbian (234). Jumbo margins and choice centering, lightly cancelled leaving the design fully visible, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2015 P.S.A.G. certificate (95J used)
50c Columbian (240). Wide margins and excellent centering, unobtrusive oval cancel, Extremely Fine Gem, ex Kirke, with 1997 and 2005 P.F. certificates, with 2005 and 2010 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $1,200.00), only four used stamps grade higher
$1.00 Columbian (241). Wide margins and choice centering, bright color, light handstamp cancel leaves all the details of "Isabella Pledging Her Jewels" clearly visible, Extremely Fine, with 2017 P.S.E. certificate (XF 90; SMQ $1,150.00)
$2.00 Columbian (242). Mint N.H. block of four, deep rich color and detailed impression, few minor perf separations but fully intactFINE-VERY FINE. A SCARCE MINT NEVER-HINGED BLOCK OF FOUR OF THE $2.00 COLUMBIAN ISSUE.
Scott value as singles
$2.00 Columbian (242). Bold color on fresh paper, wide and balanced margins, unobtrusive corner cancelEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB USED EXAMPLE OF THE $2.00 COLUMBIAN, GRADED XF-SUPERB 95 BY P.S.E.
With 2008 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $3,250.00). Only four examples grade higher (all at 98).
$3.00 Columbian (243). Block of four, stamps are not hinged but a couple reinforced perf separations would likely prevent a Mint N.H. call on a certificate, deep rich color, attractive centeringFINE-VERY FINE. A SCARCE ORIGINAL-GUM BLOCK OF THE $3.00 COLUMBIAN, WITH MINT NEVER-HINGED APPEARANCE.
Scott value as hinged block of four
$3.00 Olive Green, Columbian (243a). Intense color and proof-like impression in the distinct Olive Green shade, choice centering with well-proportioned margins, neat strike of circular datestamp at leftEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB USED EXAMPLE OF THE $3.00 COLUMBIAN IN THE OLIVE GREEN SHADE.
Approximately half the number of $3.00 Columbian stamps was issued compared to each of the $1.00 and $2.00. No one knows the issued quantity of each shade.
Ex "Natalee Grace". With 2002 and 2012 P.F. certificates.
$4.00 Columbian (244). Intense shade on bright paper, outstanding centering and margins, unusually light oval cancelsEXTREMELY FINE GEM USED USED EXAMPLE OF THE $4.00 COLUMBIAN, GRADED XF-SUPERB 95 BY P.S.E.
With 2004 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $6,500.00). Only two grade higher (at 95J and 98).
$5.00 Columbian (245). Exceptional centering with wide and balanced margins, intense shade on bright paper, face-free target cancelEXTREMELY FINE GEM. AN OUTSTANDING USED EXAMPLE OF THE $5.00 COLUMBIAN, GRADED XF-SUPERB 95 BY BOTH THE P.F. AND P.S.E.
The dollar-value Columbians are extremely difficult to obtain in superb used condition. None of the denominations were issued to pay any actual postage rate, and collectors protested the high cost. Only 21,844 of the $5.00 were sold, and a small percentage of those were used, either on philatelic covers or on heavy registered parcels. The stamps on parcels or registered mail were frequently heavily cancelled, and the large package wrappers were susceptible to damage. The stamp offered here is a notable exception. It has a face-free cancel and beautifully balanced margins.
With 2014 P.F. and 2007 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $6,750.00). Only one grades higher (at 98).