Sale 1014 — Outstanding United States Stamps
Sale Date — Wednesday-Friday, 12-14 October, 2011
Category — 30c-50c 1893 Columbian Issue (Scott 239-240)
30c Columbian (239). Mint N.H., radiant color on post-office fresh paper, exceptional centering with wide marginsEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SPECTACULAR MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 30-CENT COLUMBIAN ISSUE GRADED SUPERB 98 BY P.S.E.
P.S.E. encapsulated (Superb 98; SMQ $7,500.00). Only three have graded higher to date (two graded 98J and one graded 100).
30c Columbian (239). Mint N.H., proof-like impression, radiant color on post-office fresh paper, perfectly centered with wide marginsEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SPECTACULAR MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 30-CENT COLUMBIAN ISSUE WHICH HAS BEEN GRADED SUPERB 98 BY P.S.E.
P.S.E. encapsulated (Superb 98; SMQ $7,500.00). Only three have graded higher to date (two graded 98J and one graded 100).
30c Columbian (239). Mint N.H., rich color on bright paper, wide and balanced marginsEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A BEAUTIFUL MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 30-CENT COLUMBIAN ISSUE.
With 2011 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $3,750.00).
30c Columbian (239). Mint N.H., vivid color on fresh paper, wide margins and near perfect centering, Extremely Fine
30c Columbian (239). Mint N.H., very handsome, almost perfectly balanced wide margins, pristine color on fresh paper, Extremely Fine, a very strong example of the 90 grade, with 2011 P.S.E. certificate (XF 90; SMQ $1,300.00)
30c Columbian (239). Mint N.H., vibrant color, wide and balanced margins, tiny natural inclusion speck, Extremely Fine
30c Columbian (239). Original gum, lightly hinged, almost perfectly centered, fresh, intense color, Extremely Fine, with 1999 P.F. certificate
30c Columbian (239). Original gum, lightly hinged, rich color, fresh and Very Fine
30c Columbian (239). Mint N.H. block of four with right selvage, attractive color, top left stamp natural fiber inclusion in gum, Fine-Very Fine, Scott Retail as four Mint N.H. singles
30c Columbian (239). Block of four, almost perfectly centered, warm color on crisp paper, Extremely Fine, with 1992 P.S.E. certificate
50c Columbian (240). Mint N.H. with huge bottom sheet selvage, colossal Jumbo margins and gorgeous centering, intense color and proof-like impression on fresh paperEXTREMELY FINE GEM. THIS SUPERB MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 50-CENT COLUMBIAN IS, IN OUR OPINION, THE FINEST EXTANT. A STAMP WITH TREMENDOUS VISUAL APPEAL.
While we have long been a supporter of numerical grading and often quote P.S.E. Population Report statistics, there are certain stamps that defy numerical grading. This sheet-margin example of the 50c Columbian is such a stamp. The conservative grade of XF 90 Jumbo assigned to this magnificent gem is a prime example of the limitation of numerical grading when applied to sheet-margin stamps. We have offered 50c Columbians in grades of 95 and 98, but, in our opinion, none of those exceeds the beauty of this stamp.
Ex Westchester. With 1998 P.F. and 2007 P.S.E. certificates (XF 90 Jumbo; SMQ $3.800.00 as 90, $8,500.00 as 95)
50c Columbian (240). Original gum, very lightly hinged, with part imprint selvage at bottom, deep rich color, Jumbo marginsEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A JUMBO-MARGINED ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE 50-CENT COLUMBIAN ISSUE.
With 2010 P.S.E. certificate (OGph, XF-Superb 95 Jumbo; SMQ $1,650.00 as 95, $3,500.00 as 98)
50c Columbian (240). Original gum, barely hinged, wide margins, deep shade, Extremely Fine
50c Columbian (240). Brilliant original gum, lightly hinged, choice centering, Very Fine and choice
50c Columbian (240). Original gum, lightly hinged, intense shade and impression, well-proportioned margins, Very Fine and choice, with 2010 P.F. certificate (VF-XF 85), with 2009 P.S.E. certificate (OGph, VF-XF 85; SMQ $575.00)
50c Columbian (240). Original gum, attractive margins and centering, intense color, Very Fine, with 2008 P.S.E. certificate
50c Columbian (240). Block of four, original gum, lightly hinged, clear impression, Fine-Very Fine, with 1997 P.F. certificate
50c Columbian (240). Uncharacteristically wide Jumbo margins and very well-centered, intense shade, light San Francisco double-oval cancel, Extremely Fine, with 2011 P.S.E. certificate (XF 90 Jumbo; SMQ $450.00 as 90, $1,200.00 as 95)