Sale 1174 — The J. R. Helton, Jr. Collection of Used United States Stamps
Sale Date — Wednesday, 7 March, 2018
Category — $1.00-$5.00 1893 Columbian Issue (Scott 241-245)
$5.00 Columbian (245). Choice centering with wide margins, intense shade and proof-like impression, neat strike of New York 1894 circular datestampEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A BEAUTIFUL USED EXAMPLE OF THE $5.00 COLUMBIAN COMBINING CENTERING, FRESHNESS AND AN ATTRACTIVE CANCEL.
The dollar-value Columbians are extremely difficult to obtain in superb used condition. This denomination was not designed to pay any actual postage rate, and collectors protested the high cost. Only 21,844 of the $5.00 were sold, and only a small percentage of those were used, either on philatelic covers or on heavy registered parcels. The stamps on parcels or registered mail were frequently heavily cancelled, and the large package wrappers were susceptible to damage. The stamp offered here is a notable exception. It is attractively cancelled and has balanced margins.
Ex Kirke. With 2000 and 2005 P.F. certificates. With 2008 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $6,750.00). Only two examples have graded higher, offered in the "Natalee Grace" collection (Siegel Sale 1027, lot 130) and Siegel Sale 1140, Lot 638
