Sale 1108 — The Robert Bowman Collection of Superb U.S. Stamps
Sale Date — Tuesday, 29 September, 2015
Category — 1893 Columbian Issue (Scott 237-245)
10c Columbian (237). Deep rich color and proof-like impression, choice centering with Jumbo margins, duplex cancel, Extremely Fine Gem, surprisingly difficult to obtain in the higher grades, with 2007 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95 Jumbo; SMQ $350.00), only two have graded higher and one other shares this grade
30c Columbian (239). Brilliant color, choice centering with wide margins, neat strike of "Registered" boxed handstamp, Extremely Fine, a beautiful stamp, with 1987 P.F. certificate
50c Columbian (240). Deep rich color and proof-like impression, perfectly centered with Jumbo margins, unobtrusive cancel, Extremely Fine Gem, a phenomenal stamp, with 1994 P.F. and 2007 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95 Jumbo; SMQ $1,650.00), only one has graded higher (at 98, ex Kirke) and one other shares this grade, a statistic that has not changed since 2007
$1.00 Columbian (241). Beautifully centered with balanced margins, rich color, neat strike of Hoboken N.J. circular datestampEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB USED EXAMPLE OF THE $1.00 COLUMBIAN.
With 2000 P.F. and 2008 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $2,750.00). Only one has graded higher (at 95J) and only five others share this desirable grade.
$2.00 Columbian (242). Intense color and proof-like impression on bright paper, gorgeous centering with unusually wide and balanced margins, Chicago World's Fair receiving datestamp used as a cancelling device after the close of the Exposition and dated Nov. 20, 1893EXTREMELY 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 Columbian Exposition was open from May 1 to October 30, 1893, and the use of this exposition marking is very unusual. The $2.00 is one of the most difficult of all dollar-value Columbians to obtain in such superb condition.
With 1992 P.F. and 2008 P.S.E. certificates (Superb 98; SMQ $8,000.00). This is the highest grade awarded and only three others share it.
$3.00 Olive Green, Columbian (243a). Perfect centering with wide and balanced margins, radiant color, face-free strike of target cancel at top leaves entire design clearly visibleEXTREMELY FINE GEM. THIS IS WITHOUT QUESTION ONE OF THE FINEST USED EXAMPLES OF THE $3.00 COLUMBIAN ISSUE IN EXISTENCE. THIS PHENOMENAL STAMP HAS BEEN AWARDED THE GRADE OF SUPERB 98 BY P.S.E., WHICH IS THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED.
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 1999 P.F. and 2008 P.S.E. certificates (Superb 98; SMQ $10,500.00). This is the highest grade awarded to Scott 243a and only one other shares it, a statistic that has not changed since 2008. Only one example of the main shade, Scott 243, has achieved this grade.
$5.00 Columbian (245). Crisp impression, neat strike of New York registry oval cancel, Very Fine and choice, a pretty stamp, with 1996 P.F. certificate