Sale 1032 — The Nick Kirke Collection of Gem-Quality Used U.S. Stamps
Sale Date — Tuesday-Wednesday, 23-24 October, 2012
Category — 1893 Columbian Issue (Scott 230-245)
$3.00 Olive Green, Columbian (243a). Perfectly centered with wide margins, deep shade and sharp proof-like impression on bright fresh paper, "Lynn Mass." oval cancel leaves design clearly visibleEXTREMELY FINE GEM. BEYOND ANY DOUBT, THIS IS ONE OF THE FINEST USED EXAMPLES OF THE $3.00 COLUMBIAN ISSUE IN EXISTENCE. THIS MAGNIFICENT STAMP HAS BEEN AWARDED THE LOFTY GRADE OF SUPERB 98 BY P.S.E. -- THIS IS THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED TO EITHER $3.00 SHADE. A TRULY SPECIAL STAMP IN EVERY RESPECT.
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 2010 P.F. and 2008 P.S.E. certificates (Superb 98; SMQ $10,500.00). This is one of only two examples of the Olive Green $3.00 Columbian to achieve this lofty grade.
