Sale 1212 — Superb United States Stamps and Private Die Proprietary Stamps
Sale Date — Wednesday-Thursday, 20-21 November, 2019
Category — 1893 Columbian Issue
1c Columbian (230). Mint N.H., colossal Jumbo margins and precise centering, rich color and proof-like impression on post office fresh paperEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SPECTACULAR MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE ONE-CENT COLUMBIAN ISSUE, GRADED SUPERB 98 JUMBO BY P.S.E.
With 2019 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98 Jumbo; SMQ $1,900.00). This is the highest grade awarded to a Mint N.H. Scott 230 and it is shared by only five others.
1c Columbian (230). Mint N.H. with part imprint top selvage, wide margins and choice centering, lovely rich color, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2005 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $350.00)
2c Columbian (231). Mint N.H., wonderful rich color and detailed impression, gorgeous centering with Jumbo margins, Extremely Fine Gem, a beautiful stamp, ex Merlin, with 2006 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98 Jumbo; SMQ $1,850.00), only three grade higher
2c Columbian (231). Mint N.H., with broken frameline variety, perfectly centered with unusually wide margins, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2011 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98 Jumbo; SMQ $1,850.00 with no premium for the Scott-listed variety), only three grade higher
3c Columbian (232). Mint N.H., deep rich color and proof-like impression, beautiful centering, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2009 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98; SMQ $2,000.00)
4c Columbian (233). Mint N.H., brilliant color, beautiful centering with Jumbo margins, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2010 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95 Jumbo; SMQ $1,150.00)
5c Columbian (234). Mint N.H., rich color and proof-like impression on bright paper, perfectly centered with Jumbo marginsEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A STUNNING MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 5-CENT COLUMBIAN, GRADED SUPERB 98 JUMBO BY P.S.E. ONLY ONE GRADES HIGHER.
With 1991, 2003 P.F. and 2008 P.S.E. certificates (Superb 98 Jumbo; SMQ $4,500.00). Only one grades higher (at 100, last offered by us in 2012) and five others share this desirable grade. This is the first in this grade we have offered since 2012.
6c Columbian (235). Mint N.H., precise centering with wide margins, brilliant color, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2019 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $900.00)
10c Columbian (237). Mint N.H., well-centered with balanced margins, Extremely Fine, with 1987 P.F. and 2004 P.S.E. certificates (XF 90; SMQ $550.00)
15c Columbian (238). Mint N.H., mathematically perfect centering with huge Jumbo margins, deep rich color and proof-like impression, post office fresh in every respectEXTREMELY FINE GEM. AN ASTONISHING MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 15-CENT COLUMBIAN, WITH THE ULTIMATE P.S.E. GRADE OF GEM 100 JUMBO -- THE HIGHEST GRADE POSSIBLE, THE ONLY STAMP TO ACHIEVE IT AND THE HIGHEST DENOMINATION COLUMBIAN AT 100 JUMBO.
Among the entire 16-stamp Columbian Issue, only six Mint N.H. stamps covering five denominations have achieved the highest possible grade of Gem 100 Jumbo from P.S.E., as follows: one 2c (1.46 billion issued), two 3c (11.5 million issued), one 4c (19 million issued), one 8c (10.5 million issued) and this single 15c (1.5 million issued). This is the highest denomination of the set at the Gem 100 Jumbo grade, and given that the next closest is the 8c with 7-times as many issued, the true rarity of this stamp becomes even more evident. This stamp is from an old-time quality collection which has been off the market for more than 40 years. This is its first auction appearance.
With 2019 P.S.E. certificate (Gem 100 Jumbo; unpriced in SMQ above the grade of 98J, SMQ $16,500.00 as 98J). The SMQ value even for a 98J is outdated, as the sole stamp at that grade realized $35,000 hammer in our 2019 Rarities sale. This 100 Jumbo is the highest grade possible and the only example to achieve it.
$1.00 Columbian (241). Original gum, lightly hinged with part imprint left selvage, deep rich color and detailed impression, unusually choice centeringEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A GORGEOUS PART IMPRINT, ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE $1.00 COLUMBIAN ISSUE.
With 1992 P.F. and 2017 P.S.E. certificates (OGph, XF-Superb 95; SMQ $3,800.00). Only two grade higher (at 98). For reference, the highest grade awarded for a Mint N.H. stamp is also 95.
$3.00 Columbian (243). Original gum, lightly hinged, deep rich color and intense impression, exceptionally choice centering with wide and balanced marginsEXTREMELY FINE GEM LIGHTLY-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE $3.00 COLUMBIAN ISSUE.
With 2019 P.S.E. certificate (OGph, XF-Superb 95; SMQ $4,800.00).
$5.00 Columbian (245). Unused (regummed), wide margins and well-centered, Extremely Fine