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). Precise centering with unusually wide margins, intense shade and proof-like impression, neat circular datestamp cancelEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SPECTACULAR USED EXAMPLE OF THE $5.00 COLUMBIAN FEATURING EXCEPTIONAL CENTERING, A NEAT CANCEL AND OVERALL FRESHNESS.
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.
With 2009 and 2016 P.F. certificates. With 2009 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $6,750.00). Only two examples have graded higher (both 98, one ex "Natalee Grace" and the other offered in Siegel Sale 1140, Lot 638).
