Sale 962 — United States Stamps
Sale Date — Wednesday-Friday, 24-26 September, 2008
Category — Columbian Issue (Scott 230-245)
1c Columbian (230). Mint N.H. bottom imprint, OO and plate no. 161 block of eight, Fine-Very Fine with pos. 7 a huge Jumbo
1c Columbian (230). Mint N.H., brilliant color on post-office fresh paper, wide and balanced margins, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2007 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $600.00
3c Columbian (232). Mint N.H., rich color, wide and balanced margins, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2004 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $1,350.00)
3c Columbian (232). Mint N.H., deep rich color, unusually choice centering, fresh and Extremely Fine, with 2008 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $1,350.00)
4c-5c Columbians (233-234). Imprint and plate no. strips of four, 5c stamps Mint N.H., few natural gum bends, 5c thin spot in selvage (easily trimmed), appear Fine-Very Fine, Scott Retail as hinged
4c Columbian (233). Mint N.H., brilliant color on post-office fresh paper, mathematically perfect centering with wide margins, crisp impressionEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A MAGNIFICENT STAMP IN EVERY RESPECT -- COLOR, GUM, CENTERING, PERFORATIONS, FRESHNESS OF PAPER AND OVERALL APPEAL. THIS STAMP HAS BEEN AWARDED THE GRADE OF GEM 100 BY P.S.E. -- IT IS THE ONLY EXAMPLE TO ACHIEVE THIS PERFECT GRADE, AND ONLY ONE HAS GRADED HIGHER TO DATE. THIS IS ONE OF SIX COLUMBIAN STAMPS (FIVE VALUES) TO ACHIEVE A P.S.E. 100 GRADE.
With 2003 P.S.E. certificate (Gem 100; unpriced in SMQ above the grade of 98; SMQ $9,200.00 as 98). Only one has graded higher to date and this is the only example to achieve the grade of 100. The six Columbian stamps to achieve a P.S.E. Mint N.H. 100 grade are the 2c (100), 4c (100 and 100J), 8c (100J), 30c (100) and 50c (100).
5c Columbian (234). Mint N.H., intense shade and proof-like impression on bright paper, Jumbo balanced marginsEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A PHENOMENAL MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 5-CENT COLUMBIAN ISSUE.
With 2008 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95 Jumbo; SMQ $2,450.00 as 95, $9,000.00 as 98).
5c Columbian (234). Mint N.H., beautiful Jumbo margins and handsomely centered, rich color, sharp impression, Extremely Fine, with 1997 P.F. and 2008 P.S.E. certificates (XF 90 Jumbo; SMQ $740.00 as 90, $2,450.00 as 95)
5c Columbian (234). Mint N.H., Jumbo margins and well-centered, fresh and bright, crisp impression, Extremely Fine, with 2008 P.S.E. certificate (XF 90 Jumbo, SMQ $740.00 as 90, $2,450.00 as 95)
5c Columbian (234). Mint N.H., wide margins and beautiful centering, rich color, Very Fine and choice, with 2008 P.S.E. certificate (VF-XF 85; SMQ $415.00)
5c Columbian (234). Mint N.H. block of four, fresh and Fine-Very Fine, Scott Retail as four Mint N.H. singles
6c Columbian (235). Horizontal block of six, right block of four Mint N.H., Fine-Very Fine, Scott Retail as two hinged and four Mint N.H. singles
8c Columbian (236). Mint N.H. block of four, well-centered, especially for a multiple, fresh and bright, Very Fine, with 2008 P.S.E. certificate
8c Columbian (236). Mint N.H. block of four, deep rich color, left pair about Fine, right pair uncommonly wide margins and Extremely Fine, Scott Retail as four Mint N.H. singles
15c Columbian (238). Mint N.H., exquisite centering, incredibly fresh with wonderful color and clear impression on bright paperEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A PARTICULARLY HANDSOME MINT NEVER-HINGED 15-CENT COLUMBIAN.
With 2008 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $6,650.00). Only four others share this grade
15c Columbian (238). Mint N.H. with bottom letter "M" selvage, balanced margins and choice centering, Extremely Fine, with 2008 P.S.E. certificate (XF 90; SMQ $2,150.00)
15c Columbian (238). Original gum, lightly hinged, wide margins and superb centering, intense shade, Extremely Fine, with 2008 P.S.E. certificate (XF 90; SMQ $440.00)
15c Columbian (238). Mint N.H., exceptionally well-centered, gorgeous color and impression, Very Fine and choice, with 2008 P.F. certificate
15c Columbian (238). Original gum, minor h.r., wide margins and exceptionally well-centered, beautiful color on crisp white paper, Extremely Fine
15c Columbian (238). Original gum, single hinge mark, well-balanced margins, fresh and Extremely Fine
15c Columbian (238). Block of four, original gum, lightly hinged, Fine-Very Fine
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 TO DATE, AND THIS STAMP IS THE ONLY EXAMPLE TO ACHIEVE 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.
Regarding this extraordinary example of the 30c Columbian, a relevant commentary was recently published in Stamp Market Quarterly (July-Sep. 2008) by master grader William A. Litle. Reflecting on the 2c Columbian Mint N.H. 100 sold in our 2008 Rarities sale for $16,675, he wrote: “The 100 Mint N.H. Scott No. 231 is the only one with this ultimate grade. In fact, to date, only four other Columbians have received a 100 grade [Editor's note: now six in total]. At $16,675 the 2c Columbian brought a tidy 290 times Scott Catalog! What would a 100 N.H. $5 Columbian be worth in today’s market? Oh heck--I’d settle for finding a 100 N.H. $4 Columbian.”
We can try to answer Dr. Litle’s rhetorical question. Auction realizations for 19th century and early 20th century commemoratives in 100 N.H. grade have been averaging 12-15 times SMQ for 95 N.H. and 5 times SMQ for 98 N.H. The multiples seem to be higher when only one or two have reached a Perfect 100 grade. So, to answer Dr. Litle, based on the available sales data, a $5.00 Columbian 100 N.H. would probably realize in excess of one million dollars, and even the $4.00 would approach the million-dollar mark. Now, we’re not saying this is a sure thing, but that is what the numbers indicate.
The highest grade we currently have for either the $4.00 or $5.00 Columbian in N.H. condition is 95. So, as of now there is no stamp to test the market. The highest Columbian value in 100 N.H. grade is the 50c (one reported). The second highest value to achieve a Perfect 100 is the 30c offered here, which is the only Mint N.H. example to reach 100.
With 2008 P.S.E. certificate (Gem 100; unpriced in SMQ above the grade of 98, SMQ $24,500.00 as 98). The Columbian denominations to achieve the grade of Mint N.H. Gem 100 are: 2c (one 100) 4c (100 and 100J, see lot 2491), 8c (100J), 30c (100) and 50c (100). Aside from these five denominations, represented by six stamps, no other Columbian has been awarded the perfect grade of Gem 100.
30c Columbian (239). Mint N.H., deep rich color and proof-like impression on post-office fresh paper, beautiful centering with balanced marginsEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 30-CENT COLUMBIAN ISSUE, WHICH HAS BEEN GRADED XF-SUPERB 95 BY P.S.E.
With 2008 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $7,600.00)
30c Columbian (239). Original gum, unusually wide Jumbo margins, rich color and detailed impression, Extremely Fine, with 2008 P.S.E. certificate (XF 90 Jumbo; SMQ $510.00 as 90, $880.00 as 95)
30c Columbian (239). Original gum, well-centered with extra wide margins, bright color, Extremely Fine, with 2008 P.S.E. certificate (XF 90; SMQ $510.00)
30c Columbian (239). Original gum, faintly hinged if at all, gorgeous balanced margins, excellent color on crisp white paper, Extremely Fine, a beauty
30c Columbian (239). Block of four, slightly disturbed original gum, minor gum toning on one, otherwise Fine-Very Fine
50c Columbian (240). Original gum, nearly perfect centering, Very Fine and choice, with 2008 P.S.E. certificate (VF-XF 85; SMQ $780.00)
$1.00 Columbian (241). Radiant color on bright paper, well-struck Baltimore duplex cancel, tiny natural inclusion, fresh and Very Fine
$1.00 Columbian (241). Nicely centered, New York oval registry cancel, Very Fine, with 2008 P.S.E. certificate
$1.00 Columbian (241). Bright shade, bold strike of "5" duplex cancel, Very Fine, with 1994 A.P.S. certificate
$2.00 Columbian (242). Original gum, lightly hinged, brilliant color on crisp paper, unusually wide and balanced margins for this difficult issueEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE $2.00 COLUMBIAN ISSUE, WHICH HAS BEEN GRADED SUPERB 98 BY P.S.E. -- THIS IS THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED TO DATE AND IS THE ONLY EXAMPLE TO ACHIEVE THIS GRADE. ONE OF THE KEYS TO A HIGH-GRADE SET OF THE COLUMBIAN ISSUE.
The $2.00 Columbian Issue is notorious for being one of the most difficult denominations to obtain with choice centering or with wide margins. For hinged and Mint N.H. categories, the next-highest grade is XF-Superb 95 (one used copy has also been graded 98).
With 2008 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98; SMQ $9,250.00).
$2.00 Columbian (242). Original gum, fairly lightly hinged, rich color, Fine, with 2008 P.S.E. certificate
$3.00 Columbian (243). Original gum, bright color, expertly reperfed, Extremely Fine appearance
$4.00 Columbian (244). Original gum, lightly hinged, magnificent bright color (more Rose Carmine than Crimson Lake), clear impression, Very Fine, with 2008 P.S.E. certificate
$4.00 Columbian (244). Original gum, excellent color and attractive centering, Very Fine, with 2008 P.S.E. certificate
$4.00 Columbian (244). Original gum, strong color and sharp impression, Fine and quite attractive, with 2008 P.S.E. certificate
$4.00 Rose Carmine, Columbian (244a). Slightly disturbed original gum, pretty shade in the Rose Carmine sub-shade, Very Fine
$4.00 Columbian (244). Slightly disturbed original gum, bright color, wide margins, Very Fine
$4.00 Columbian (244). Wide margins and handsome centering, excellent color and impression, light slightly overlapped target cancels which essentially leave the two portraits distraction free, Very Fine and choice, with 2008 P.S.E. certificate (VF-XF 85; SMQ $1,850.00)
$5.00 Columbian (245). Disturbed original gum, h.r., crisp impression, Very Fine
$5.00 Columbian (245). Slightly disturbed original gum, very well-centered, reperfed at bottom, Extremely Fine appearance
$5.00 Columbian (245). Disturbed original gum, detailed impression, tiny natural inclusion, Fine
