Sale 941 — The John F. Odeneal Collection of Superb Mint U.S. Stamps
Sale Date — Wednesday, 3 October, 2007
Category — 1893 Columbian Issue
1c Columbian (230). Mint N.H., brilliant color and unusually detailed impression showing every nuance of the engraving, almost perfectly centered, Extremely Fine Gem, with 1987 P.F. certificate
2c Columbian (231). Two, Mint N.H., incl. one with broken hat variety, rich colors, choice centering, Extremely Fine
3c Columbian (232). Mint N.H., bright shade and detailed impression on crisp paper, well-balanced margins, Very Fine and choice
4c Columbian (233). Mint N.H., intense shade in a deep hue, wide margins, fresh and Extremely Fine, a beautiful stamp, with 1987 P.F. certificate
5c Columbian (234). Mint N.H., intense shade and proof-like impression, choice centering with Jumbo marginsEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A MAGNIFICENT JUMBO-MARGINED MIN NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 5-CENT COLUMBIAN.
With 1995 P.F. and 2007 P.S.E. certificates (XF 90 Jumbo; SMQ $740.00 as 95, $2,450.00 as 95)
6c Columbian (235). Mint N.H., beautiful warm color and unusually detailed impression, perfectly centered with Jumbo marginsEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 6-CENT COLUMBIAN. SCARCE IN SUCH EXQUISITE CONDITION.
With 1992 P.F. and 2007 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95 Jumbo; SMQ $2,200.00 as 95, $7,950.00 as 98). Only two other share this grade, and only four have graded higher to date.
8c Columbian (236). Mint N.H., brilliant color, unusually wide margins at top and bottom, Very Fine and choice, with 1996 P.F. certificate
10c Columbian (237). Mint N.H., brilliant color and remarkably detailed impression showing every nuance of the intricate design, bright paper, perfectly centered, long and full perforations all aroundEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A MAGNIFICENT MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 10-CENT COLUMBIAN. THIS STAMP HAS BEEN AWARDED THE GRADE OF SUPERB 98 BY P.S.E. -- ONLY TWO OTHERS HAVE ACHIEVED THIS LOFTY GRADE, AND ONLY TWO HAVE GRADED HIGHER TO DATE.
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 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 2000 P.F. and 2007 P.S.E. certificates (Superb 98; SMQ $12,300.00)
15c Columbian (238). Mint N.H., deep rich color and proof-like impression on bright paper, wide margins, few natural gum skips, Very Fine and choice
30c Columbian (239). Mint N.H., intense color and detailed impression on immaculate fresh paper, beautifully centered with wide and well-balanced marginsEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 30-CENT COLUMBIAN ISSUE, WHICH HAS BEEN GRADED XF-SUPERB 95 JUMBO BY P.S.E.
With 1985 P.F. and 2007 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95 Jumbo; SMQ $7,600.00 as 95, $21,200.00 as 98). Only five have graded higher to date, and only two others share this grade.
50c Columbian (240). Mint N.H., exceptional color in a deep shade, proof-like impression, well-balanced marginsEXTREMELY FINE. A BEAUTIFUL MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 50-CENT COLUMBIAN.
With 1994 P.S.E. certificate
$1.00 Columbian (241). Mint N.H., radiant color on bright paper, well-proportioned marginsEXTREMELY FINE. A BEAUTIFUL AND FRESH MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE $1.00 COLUMBIAN.
With 1990 and 2007 P.F. certificates
$2.00 Columbian (242). Mint N.H., deep rich color on sharp proof-like impression, wide marginsVERY FINE AND CHOICE. A BEAUTIFUL MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE $2.00 COLUMBIAN.
With 1993 P.S.E. and 1999 and 2007 P.F. certificates
$3.00 Columbian (243). Original gum, barest trace of hinging, brilliant color on bright paper, fresh and Fine, with 1989 P.S.E. and 2007 P.F. certificates
$4.00 Columbian (244). Original gum, barely hinged, radiant color on bright paper, wide margins, Very Fine, with 1983 and 2007 P.F. certificates
$5.00 Columbian (245). Mint N.H., intense shade on bright paperVERY FINE. A RARE MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE $5.00 COLUMBIAN.
We surveyed dozens of auction catalogues, searching for Mint Never-Hinged examples of the $5.00 Columbian. We found no more than ten single stamps, some from auctions dating back 40 years, and there is no guarantee that all of the stamps previously described as Mint N.H. would pass the test today. The rarity of the $5.00 Columbian in Mint N.H. condition is easily explained. For more than a century, collectors have proudly hinged this highest value of the Columbian set in their albums, and the vast majority of stamps have not escaped the hinge. Only the break-up of blocks, which rarely contain Mint N.H. stamps, has provided the few Extremely Fine Mint N.H. $5.00 Columbian stamps extant today.
With 1990 and 2007 P.F. certificates