Sale 1185 — 2018 Rarities of the World
Sale Date — Wednesday, 27 June, 2018
Category — Columbian Issue, 1894-98 Bureau Issue
$5.00 Columbian (245). Exceptional centering with wide and balanced margins, intense shade and razor-sharp impression, light face-free target cancelEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB 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. None of the denominations were issued to pay any actual postage rate, and collectors protested the high cost. Only 21,844 of the $5.00 were sold, and 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.
With 2010 and 2013 P.S.E. certificates (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).
