Sale 1057 — The Curtis Collection: 1847-1901 Issues
Sale Date — Thursday, 7 November, 2013
Category — 1893 Columbian Issue (Scott 230-245)
1c Columbian (230). Mint N.H., almost mathematically perfect centering with wide margins, rich color, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2004 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98; SMQ $1,250.00), only five graded higher (all at 98J)
2c Columbian, Broken Frame Line (231 var.). Mint N.H., beautiful color clearly showing the variety at lower right, choice centering with Jumbo margins, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2005 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95 Jumbo; SMQ $280.00 as 95, $1,375.00 as 98 for normal), Scott Retail for normal
3c Columbian (232). Mint N.H., unusually deep rich color and proof-like impression on bright paper, Jumbo margins, small natural gum skips, still Extremely Fine Gem quality, with 2006 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95 Jumbo; SMQ $475.00 as 95, $2,000.00 as 98)
6c Columbian (235). Mint N.H., radiant color on post-office fresh paper, Jumbo margins, fresh and Extremely Fine, with 1999 P.F. and 2006 P.S.E. certificates (XF 90 Jumbo; SMQ $450.00 as 90, $875.00 as 95)
8c Columbian (236). Mint N.H., rich color, detailed impression, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2012 P.S.A.G. certificate (XF-Superb 95)
8c Columbian (236). Mint N.H., slightly brownish original gum described on accompanying certificate as "minor gum toning", rich color, huge margins, Extremely Fine, small blue backstamp, with 2002 P.S.E. certificate
10c Columbian (237). Mint N.H., detailed impression and rich color, perfectly centered with long and full perforations all aroundEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A STUNNING MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 10-CENT COLUMBIAN ISSUE, WHICH HAS BEEN GRADED SUPERB 98 BY P.S.E.
With 2010 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98; SMQ $5,150.00). Only two have graded higher (at 98J) and only six others share this grade
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 EXAMPLE OF THE 15-CENT COLUMBIAN.
With 2010 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $4,550.00)
30c Columbian (239). Mint N.H., exceptionally wide margins, the term "Jumbo" barely does the side margins justice, rich color and choice centeringEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A COLOSSAL MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 30-CENT COLUMBIAN ISSUE, WHICH HAS BEEN GRADED XF-SUPERB 95 JUMBO BY THE PHILATELIC FOUNDATION.
With 1991 and 2005 P.F. certificates (XF-Superb 95 Jumbo)
30c Columbian (239). Mint N.H., intense color and impression, choice balanced marginsEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A BEAUTIFUL MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 30-CENT COLUMBIAN ISSUE.
With 1990 P.F. and 2004 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $2,750.00).
50c Columbian (240). Original gum, balanced margins, tiny sealed teat at top right corner, Extremely Fine appearance, with clear 1981 P.F. certificate
$1.00 Columbian (241). Original gum, small h.r., brilliant color and remarkably detailed impression, perfectly centered, long and full perforations all aroundEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A STUNNING ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE $1.00 COLUMBIAN ISSUE, WHICH HAS BEEN GRADED SUPERB 98 BY P.S.E. -- THIS IS THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED IN ANY CATEGORY.
According to Brookman, only 55,050 copies of the $1.00 Columbian were issued. It was sold out before all of the other dollar values, probably because it was the most affordable of the dollar-value stamps. Speculation soon drove the price to $5.00 but it soon fell again, to about $1.50.
The theme of the stamp, Isabella pledging her jewels to finance Columbus's voyage, is known to most fifth-grade students who study the voyage of Columbus. However, the offer was never accepted, as financing was found elsewhere.
Ex Merlin. With 2011 P.S.E. certificate (OGph, Superb 98; SMQ $8,100.00). This is the highest grade awarded in any category (the highest Mint N.H. and used grades are 95). Only one other original gum stamp has graded 98.
$2.00 Columbian (242). Original gum, lightly hinged, rich color, outstanding centering with wide marginsEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A BEAUTIFUL ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE $2.00 COLUMBIAN ISSUE.
Ex Merlin. With 2000 P.F. and 2005 P.S.E. certificates (OGph, XF-Superb 95; SMQ $4,000.00). Only three have graded higher.
$2.00 Columbian (242). Original gum, paper h.r. and adherences on gum, rich color, beautifully balanced margins, small thin spot at left, appears Extremely Fine, with clear 1970 A.P.S. certificate
$3.00 Columbian (243). Original gum, lightly hinged, deep rich color, perfectly centered with wide and balanced marginsEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A DAZZLING ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE $3.00 COLUMBIAN ISSUE, WHICH HAS BEEN GRADED SUPERB 98 BY P.S.E.
With 2006 P.S.E. certificate (OGph, Superb 98; SMQ $8,600.00). Only one has graded higher and four others share this grade.
$4.00 Columbian (244). Original gum, lightly hinged, brilliant color, gorgeous centering with Jumbo margins, long and full perforations all aroundEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SPECTACULAR ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE $4.00 COLUMBIAN, WHICH HAS BEEN GRADED XF-SUPERB 95 JUMBO BY P.S.E.
Ex Killien and Merlin. With 2000 P.F. and 2006 P.S.E. certificates (OGph, XF-Superb 95 Jumbo; SMQ $6,300.00 as 95, $13,500.00 as 98). Only one has graded higher (at 98) and one other shares this grade.
$4.00 Rose Carmine, Columbian (244). Original gum, lightly hinged, pale shade, choice centering with wide marginsVERY FINE AND CHOICE ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE $4.00 COLUMBIAN ISSUE IN THE ROSE CARMINE SHADE.
With 1993 P.F. certificate
$5.00 Columbian (245). Unused (regummed), gorgeous centering, deep shade, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2007 P.S.E. certificate (RG, XF-Superb 95; SMQ $2,200.00)