Sale 1100 — United States Stamps and Covers
Sale Date — Monday, 22 June, 2015
Category — 1893 Columbian Issue (Scott 230-241)
1c-$5.00 Columbian (230-245). Complete unused set, artfully mounted in a large frame with engraved scenes of Columbus and allegorical figures surrounding, two 50c 1892 Columbian silver commemorative coins included in the mounting, colors on some stamps are a bit faded and no doubt some small flaws would be found if disassembled, still Very Fine appearing and a striking display piece, Scott Retail for just the 50c-$5.00 stamps (assuming no gum) $4,200.00
1c Columbian (230). Mint N.H. block of four, wide margins and outstanding centering, wonderful bright color and impression, Extremely Fine, bottom pair exceptionally choice, with 2006 P.S.E. certificate, Scott Retail as four Mint N.H. singles
6c Columbian (235). Mint N.H. bottom left corner selvage imprint, plate no. 104 and letter "Z" block of fifteen, intense shade and impression, stamp above letter small thin spot, bottom left stamp small mark on gum, Fine-Very Fine appearance, Scott Retail as plate block of eight and singles
8c Columbian (236). Bottom left corner selvage imprint, plate no. 133 and letter "I I" block of ten, original gum, lightly hinged, h.r. in bottom selvage where some perf separations sensibly reinforced, Very Fine appearance
10c Columbian (237). Top imprint, plate no. 100 and letter Y block of ten with corner selvage, lightly hinged on the second stamp in the bottom row and a small hinge reinforcement in the top left selvage, otherwise Mint N.H., fresh and Fine, catalogued as a hinged plate block of eight and two Mint N.H. singles
10c Columbian (237). Mint N.H. top imprint, plate no. 99 and letter "Y" block of eight, deep rich color and proof-like impression, top left stamp small thin spot, bottom stamps natural gum creases, Fine appearance, a scarce Mint N.H. plate block
15c Columbian (238). Mint N.H. block of four, deep color on fresh paper, bottom right stamp with trivial small natural gum crease, Very Fine and choice, Scott Retail as Mint N.H. singles, with 2014 P.F. certificate
15c Columbian (238). Bottom imprint, plate no. 58 and letter "M" block of eight, original gum, lightly hinged, brilliant color and detailed impression, beautiful centering throughout, position 7 small surface scuff and crease at bottomEXTREMELY FINE APPEARANCE. A SCARCE PLATE BLOCK OF EIGHT OF THE 15-CENT COLUMBIAN ISSUE.
The plate number block of eight is more desirable than the plate block of six configuration, which lacks the letter.
Ex "Saddleback." With 2007 P.F. certificate
50c Columbian (240). Mint N.H. with wide 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 $3,750.00 as 90, $9,500.00 as 95)
50c Columbian (240). Bottom imprint and plate no. 77 block of six, original gum, lightly hinged, paper slightly toned, a few reinforced perfs at left, Fine appearance, a very scarce plate block
50c Columbian (240). Block of four, light duplex cancels, sensibly reinforced perfs and bottom left stamp with light bend, otherwise Fine-Very Fine, a scarce used block
$1.00 Columbian (241). Mint N.H., wonderfully bright and fresh, Very Fine, with photocopy of a 2013 P.F. certificate for a block of four, this the bottom right stamp