Sale 1032 — The Nick Kirke Collection of Gem-Quality Used U.S. Stamps
Sale Date — Tuesday-Wednesday, 23-24 October, 2012
Category — 1893 Columbian Issue (Scott 230-245)
1c Columbian (230). Mathematically perfect centering, rich color and proof-like impression on bright paper, neat strike of Mass. machine cancelEXTREMELY FINE GEM. THIS PHENOMENAL ONE-CENT COLUMBIAN HAS BEEN AWARDED THE PERFECT GRADE OF GEM 100 BY P.S.E. THIS IS THE ONLY EXAMPLE TO ACHIEVE THIS LOFTY GRADE.
With 2010 P.F. and 2009 P.S.E. certificates (Gem 100; unpriced in SMQ above the grade of 98, SMQ $400.00 as 98)
2c Columbian (231). Jumbo margins and essentially perfect centering, brilliant color on fresh paper, neat duplex cancel, Extremely Fine Gem, a magnificent stamp, with 2010 P.F. and 2008 P.S.E. certificates (Superb 98 Jumbo; SMQ $400.00 as 98, unpriced in higher grade), this is the highest grade awarded and it is shared by only one other
2c Columbian, "Broken Hat" (231 var). Deep rich color, beautifully balanced margins, neat strike of small target cancel, Extremely Fine Gem, a superb used example of this popular plate variety, with 2010 P.F. and 2005 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95; unpriced in SMQ as "Broken Hat" variety, SMQ $135.00 as normal), Scott Retail for this variety is more than 10x the normal used stamp, extrapolating from SMQ values for the normal stamp would give this stamp an SMQ value of more than $1,300.00
2c Columbian, "Broken Frame Line" (231 var). Huge margins and near mathematical perfect centering, light cancel, Extremely Fine Gem, a superb used example of the "Broken Frame Line" plate variety, with 2010 P.F. and 2010 P.S.E. certificates (Superb 98; unpriced in SMQ as "Broken Frame Line" variety, SMQ $400.00 as normal), Scott Retail for this variety is 1.5x the normal used stamp
3c Columbian (232). Huge perfectly balanced margins, deep rich color on fresh paper, unobtrusive cancel leaves entire design visible, Extremely Fine Gem, a superb used example of the 3c Columbian, with 2010 P.F. and 2009 P.S.E. certificates (Superb 98; SMQ $650.00), this is one of only two examples to achieve this grade, which is the highest awarded
4c Columbian (233). Vivid color, wide and beautifully balanced margins, neat strike of target cancel, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2012 P.F. and 2011 P.S.E. certificates (Superb 98; SMQ $575.00), only five have graded higher (all at 98J)
5c Columbian (234). Perfectly centered with wide balanced margins, rich color and detailed impression, light duplex cancel, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2007 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98; SMQ $750.00), only three have graded higher
5c Columbian (234). Unusually choice centering with Jumbo margins, rich color on white paper, bold duplex cancel, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2011 P.F. and 2007 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95 Jumbo; SMQ $225.00 as 95, $750.00 as 98)
6c Columbian (235). Jumbo margins and choice centering, bright color, unobtrusive strike of duplex cancel, Extremely Fine Gem, a superb stamp in every respect, with 2010 P.F. and 2004 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95 Jumbo; SMQ $300.00 as 95, $725.00 as 98), only two have graded higher and only one other shares this grade
8c Columbian (236). Wonderfully well centered with Jumbo margins, rich color on bright paper, neat strike of target cancel, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2010 P.F. and 2008 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95 Jumbo; SMQ $250.00 as 95, $620.00 as 98), only one has graded higher (at 98) and only three others share this grade
10c Columbian (237). Mathematically perfect centering with massive Jumbo margins, rich color and clear impression, long and full perforations, light strike of duplex cancel leaves design clearly visibleEXTREMELY FINE GEM. THIS SUPERB EXAMPLE OF THE 10-CENT COLUMBIAN ISSUE HAS BEEN AWARDED THE ULTIMATE GRADE OF GEM 100 JUMBO BY P.S.E.
With 2009 P.S.E. certificate (Gem 100 Jumbo; unpriced in SMQ above the grade of 98, SMQ $625.00 as 98). This is one of only two used Columbians to be awarded the highest possible grade of Gem 100 Jumbo. The other is a 6c. The next highest graded used 10c is a single example at 98J.
15c Columbian (238). Perfectly centered with Jumbo margins, long and full perforations all around, unobtrusive strikes of quartered cork and purple cancels, bright and freshEXTREMELY FINE GEM. THIS STUNNING STAMP HAS BEEN GRADED SUPERB 98 JUMBO BY P.S.E. -- THIS IS THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED AND THE ONLY EXAMPLE TO ACHIEVE IT.
With 2010 P.F. and 2009 P.S.E. certificates (Superb 98 Jumbo; unpriced in SMQ above the grade of 98, SMQ $1,750.00 as 98). This is the highest grade awarded in any category, and it is the only used copy to achieve it.
30c Columbian (239). Bright color, Jumbo margins and choice centering, neat strike of Cincinnati registry oval cancel, crisp and fresh, Extremely Fine Gem, rare with these dimensions, with 2002 and 2005 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95 Jumbo; SMQ $850.00 as 95, $1,950.00 as 98), this is one of only two 30c Columbians to achieve this desirable grade, with only one higher (at 98)
30c Columbian (239). Wonderfully well-balanced margins, fresh color, unobtrusive cancel at bottom, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2012 P.F. and 2011 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $850.00), only three have graded higher
50c Columbian (240). Perfectly centered within choice balanced margins, magnificent intense color, large unobtrusive circular datestamp cancelEXTREMELY FINE GEM. ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL USED 50-CENT COLUMBIANS AVAILABLE IN SUPERB QUALITY. THIS STAMP IS THE ONLY ONE GRADED SUPERB 98 BY P.S.E. -- THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED.
This value is notoriously difficult to find in used condition in such a high grade. Only 80 used examples have been submitted to P.S.E. for grading, which is approximately equal to the number of both $1.00 and $2.00 used stamps submitted. Of those 80, only 12 have been graded at 95 or above.
With 2010 P.F. and 2009 P.S.E. certificates (Superb 98; SMQ $2,700.00). According to the P.S.E. Population Report, this is the only example to have been awarded this lofty grade with none higher.
50c Columbian (240). Wonderfully well-centered with Jumbo margins, deep rich color on bright paper, duplex cancel leaves design clearly visibleEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB USED EXAMPLE OF THE 50-CENT COLUMBIAN ISSUE, WHICH HAS BEEN GRADED XF-SUPERB 95 JUMBO BY P.S.E.
With 1997 P.F. and 2007 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95 Jumbo; SMQ $1,200.00 as 95, $2,700.00 as 98). Only one example has been graded higher (offered in previous lot) and only one other shares this grade
$1.00 Columbian (241). Choice centering with unusually wide margins for this issue, brilliant color, neat strike of "Liebenthal Kans. Aug. 21, 1902" circular datestampEXTREMELY FINE GEM. THE $1.00 COLUMBIAN ISSUE IS SURPRISINGLY DIFFICULT TO OBTAIN IN SUCH SUPERB USED CONDITION. THIS IS EASILY ONE OF THE FINEST WE HAVE ENCOUNTERED. THIS REMARKABLE STAMP HAS BEEN AWARDED THE GRADE OF XF-SUPERB 95 JUMBO BY P.S.E. -- THIS IS THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED AND THE ONLY EXAMPLE TO ACHIEVE IT.
Ex Tahoe. With 1999 P.F. and 2008 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95 Jumbo; SMQ $2,650.00 as 95, unpriced above the grade of 95 in SMQ). This is the highest grade awarded to a used $1.00 Columbian (there are five ordinary 95's). Among all the dollar-value Columbians, the $1.00 has the fewest stamps graded 95 or better in the P.S.E. Population Report.
$1.00 Columbian (241). Choice centering with wide and balanced margins, intense fiery color on fresh paper, lightly struck mute double oval cancelEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A GORGEOUS USED EXAMPLE OF THE $1.00 COLUMBIAN ISSUE, WHICH IS ONE OF THE MORE DIFFICULT DENOMINATIONS TO OBTAIN IN HIGHER GRADES.
With 2010 P.F. and 2003 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $2,650.00). Only one has graded higher (offered in previous lot) and only four others share this grade.
$2.00 Columbian (242). Perfectly centered with wide and balanced margins, deep rich color on bright paper, neat strike of "New York Jan. 15 2:30 PM 94" circular datestamp, long and full perforationsEXTREMELY FINE GEM. THIS STUNNING USED EXAMPLE OF THE $2.00 COLUMBIAN ISSUE HAS BEEN AWARDED THE GRADE OF SUPERB 98 BY P.S.E. -- THIS IS THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED.
The $2.00 is one of the most difficult of all dollar-value Columbians to obtain in such superb condition. With 2012 P.F. and P.S.E. certificates (Superb 98; SMQ $7,700.00). This is the highest grade awarded and one of only three to achieve this grade.
$2.00 Columbian (242). Radiant color on fresh paper, vignett-free light strike of target cancel leaves design fully visible, wide and balanced marginsEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A BEAUTIFUL USED EXAMPLE OF THE $2.00 COLUMBIAN WHICH HAS BEEN GRADED XF-SUPERB 95 BY P.S.E.
With 2003 P.F. and 2008 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $3,300.00). Only three have graded higher (at 98)
$3.00 Columbian (243). Vivid color, wide beautifully balanced margins, lightly cancelledEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A GORGEOUS, LIGHTLY-CANCELLED AND CENTERED USED EXAMPLE OF THE $3.00 COLUMBIAN.
Approximately half the quantity of $3.00 Columbian stamps was issued compared to each of the $1.00 and $2.00. We do not know the distribution of quantity for the two shades. Sales of the Columbians were disappointing to the post office, as collectors complained about the high price of the stamps. Plans to print additional quantities were cancelled. There was speculation in the dollar-value Columbians at the time they were issued, and the quantity which were used was fairly small.
With 1990 P.F. and 2005 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $5,000.00). Of the Yellow Green shade $3.00 Columbian, only one stamp has graded higher (at 98).
$3.00 Olive Green, Columbian (243a). Perfectly centered with wide margins, deep shade and sharp proof-like impression on bright fresh paper, "Lynn Mass." oval cancel leaves design clearly visibleEXTREMELY FINE GEM. BEYOND ANY DOUBT, THIS IS ONE OF THE FINEST USED EXAMPLES OF THE $3.00 COLUMBIAN ISSUE IN EXISTENCE. THIS MAGNIFICENT STAMP HAS BEEN AWARDED THE LOFTY GRADE OF SUPERB 98 BY P.S.E. -- THIS IS THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED TO EITHER $3.00 SHADE. A TRULY SPECIAL STAMP IN EVERY RESPECT.
The dollar-value Columbians are rarely found with centering that would qualify for a high numerical grade, but in used condition they are further handicapped by heavy registry cancels, which almost invariably knock points off the final grade. The $3.00 offered here is extraordinary not only for its precise centering and wide margins, but the lightly-struck cancel leaves the entire design visible. We doubt that more than a handful of any Columbian dollar values will ever reach Superb 98 status.
With 2010 P.F. and 2008 P.S.E. certificates (Superb 98; SMQ $10,500.00). This is one of only two examples of the Olive Green $3.00 Columbian to achieve this lofty grade.
$4.00 Columbian (244). Jumbo margins and almost perfect centering, radiant color on bright paper, long and full perforations all around, corner strike of circular datestamp cancel leaves entire design fully visibleEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB USED EXAMPLE OF THE $4.00 COLUMBIAN, WHICH HAS BEEN GRADED XF-SUPERB 95 JUMBO BY P.S.E. THIS IS THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED AND THIS STAMP IS THE ONLY ONE TO ACHIEVE IT.
With 2000 P.F. and 2009 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95 Jumbo; unpriced in SMQ above the grade of 95, SMQ $7,000.00 as 95). This is the highest grade awarded and no other examples have achieved this grade
$4.00 Rose Carmine, Columbian (244a). Beautiful vivid color, choice margins and centering, neat registry oval cancel, Very Fine, with 1977 and 2010 P.F. certificates
$4.00 Rose Carmine, Columbian (244a). Wide margins, bold registry cancel, slightly toned, otherwise Very Fine, with 2002 P.F. certificate (does not mention toning)
$5.00 Columbian (245). Choice centering with wide margins, intense shade and proof-like impression, neat strike of New York 1894 circular datestampEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A BEAUTIFUL USED EXAMPLE OF THE $5.00 COLUMBIAN COMBINING CENTERING, FRESHNESS AND AN ATTRACTIVE CANCEL.
The dollar-value Columbians are extremely difficult to obtain in superb used condition. This denomination was not designed to pay any actual postage rate, and collectors protested the high cost. Only 21,844 were sold, and only 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 is attractively cancelled and has balanced margins.
With 2000 and 2005 P.F. certificates. With 2008 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $6,500.00). Only one example has graded higher, offered in the Natalie Grace collection (Siegel Sale 1027, lot 130)