Sale 989 — 2010 Rarities of the World
Sale Date — Saturday, 19 June, 2010
Category — Columbian Issue
1c-$5.00 Columbian, Large Die Proofs on India (230P1-245P1). On approximately 198 x 145mm cards with full die sinkage, beautiful colors, each with die no. and imprint in die sinkage areaVERY FINE AND CHOICE. A BEAUTIFUL SET OF LARGE DIE PROOFS FOR THE 1893 COLUMBIAN EXPOSITION ISSUE.
This is one of the freshest sets we have encountered, with none printed directly on card or hybrids.
1c-$5.00 Columbian (230-245). Tied by "New York N.Y. Apr. 13, 1894" machine cancels on separate covers, the 10c bearing same postmark though cancelled by obliterator, each addressed to Joseph Wagner in New York, some of the high value stamps are very well-centered including the 50c and $1.00, $4.00 natural wide s.e. at top, few negligible faults incl. $3.00 cover creased away from stamp and markingFINE-EXTREMELY FINE. A VERY DESIRABLE AND RARE SET OF COLUMBIAN ISSUE COVERS.
With 1977 Friedl certificate for the $5.00 cover
15c Columbian (238). Complete pane of 50, natural s.e. at top, imprint at right and imprint, plate no. 58 and letter "M" at bottom, original gum, the plate block and 34 other non-s.e. stamps are Mint N.H., small hinge reinforcements along selvage and three stamps at right center and five along top, lightning bolt handling crease affects five stamps at top, some slight perf telescoping, tiny selvage tear in bottom of plate block and some hinge residue in ungummed selvage (can easily be removed)OVERALL A FINE-VERY FINE SHEET AND EXCEPTIONALLY CHOICE PLATE BLOCK. COMPLETE PANES OF 50 OF THE 15-CENT COLUMBIAN ISSUE ARE RARE.
Scott Retail as Mint N.H. plate block of eight, 34 Mint N.H. singles and 8 hinged singles
$1.00 Columbian (241). Bottom imprint, plate no. 93 and letter "W" block of eight, original gum, lightly hinged, deep rich color and crisp impressionVERY FINE AND CHOICE. A RARE AND REMARKABLY FRESH ORIGINAL-GUM PLATE BLOCK OF THE $1.00 COLUMBIAN.
Ex Lake Shore. With 1998 and 2008 P.F. certificates
$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 TO DATE TO ANY DOLLAR-VALUE COLUMBIAN. 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 to date to any dollar-value Columbian Issue.
$3.00 Columbian (243). Perfectly centered with wide and balanced margins, bright color and crisp impression, light strike of duplex cancel leaves entire design clearly visible.EXTREMELY FINE GEM. THIS MAGNIFICENT USED EXAMPLE OF THE $3.00 COLUMBIAN ISSUE HAS BEEN GRADED SUPERB 98 BY P.S.E. -- THIS IS THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED TO DATE AND THE ONLY EXAMPLE TO ACHIEVE THIS GRADE.
With 2000 P.F. and 2010 P.S.E. certificates (Superb 98; SMQ $11,600.00). This is the highest grade awarded to date and the only example to achieve this grade. The next-highest grade is a 95.
$4.00 Columbian (244). Mint N.H. with absolutely pristine white gum, brilliant color on crisp paper, wide marginsVERY FINE. A BEAUTIFUL MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE $4.00 COLUMBIAN ISSUE.
With 1977 and 1989 P.F. and 2010 P.S.E. certificates
$4.00 Columbian (244). Original gum, very lightly hinged, brilliant color, superior centering with unusually wide and balanced margins, long and full perforations all aroundEXTREMELY FINE GEM. THIS IS EASILY ONE OF THE FINEST ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLES OF THE $4.00 COLUMBIAN ISSUE IN EXISTENCE. THIS MAGNIFICENT STAMP HAS BEEN GRADED SUPERB 98 BY P.S.E., WHICH IS THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED TO DATE IN ANY CATEGORY.
P.S.E. Encapsulated (OGph, Superb 98; SMQ $14,200.00). This is the highest grade awarded to date in any category, and it is the only example to achieve this grade.
$5.00 Columbian (245). Mint N.H. bottom imprint, plate no. 108 and letter "D D" strip of four, post-office fresh, extremely well-centered, deep shade and proof-like impression on bright paperEXTREMELY FINE GEM IMPRINT AND PLATE NUMBER STRIP. THIS IS THE ONLY RECORDED MINT NEVER-HINGED PLATE STRIP OF THE $5.00 COLUMBIAN. IN OUR OPINION, IT IS THE FINEST-QUALITY PLATE NUMBER MULTIPLE.
The $5.00 plate number block of eight is believed to be unique; therefore, a strip of four is the only practical means to show the complete imprint and plate number with plate letters.
Ex Argentum. With 1999 and 2008 P.F. certificates