Sale 1219 — The Edward Morton Collection of Outstanding Quality U.S. Stamps
Sale Date — Wednesday-Thursday, 8-9 April, 2020
Category — 1893 Columbian Issue (Scott 230-245)
$5.00 Columbian (245). Exceptional centering with wide and balanced margins, intense shade on bright paper, face-free target cancelEXTREMELY FINE GEM. AN OUSTANDING USED EXAMPLE OF THE $5.00 COLUMBIAN, 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 has a face-free cancel and beautifully balanced margins.
With 1980 P.F., 2003 and 2015 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $6,750.00). Only two examples grade higher (both 98, one ex "Natalee Grace" and the other offered in Sale 1140, Lot 638).
