Sale 1179 — United States and Possessions
Sale Date — Tuesday, 27 March, 2018
Category — $1.00-$5.00 1893 Columbian Issue (Scott 241-245)
$5.00 Columbian (245). Remarkably well-centered with balanced margins, bold color and proof-like impression, lightly cancelledEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A HANDSOME USED EXAMPLE OF THE $5.00 COLUMBIAN, WHICH IS GRADED XF-SUPERB 95 BY P.S.E.
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 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 lightly cancelled and has balanced margins.
P.S.E. Encapsulated (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $6,750.00). Only two examples grade higher (both 98, one ex "Natalee Grace" and the other offered in Siegel Sale 1140, Lot 638).
