$5.00 Black, Columbian (245). Mint N.H. with right part imprint selvage, intense shade and proof-like impression, unusually choice centering with well-proportioned margins, long and full perforations

EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A PHENOMENAL MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE $5.00 COLUMBIAN WITH RIGHT PART IMPRINT SELVAGE. THIS STAMP HAS IT ALL—GUM, CENTERING, IMPRESSION AND OVERALL FRESHNESS. IT IS GRADED XF 90 BY P.S.E. ONLY TWO GRADE HIGHER AND ONLY TWO OTHERS SHARE THIS DESIRABLE GRADE.

The $5.00 Columbian features a portrait of Columbus which was taken from the design of a contemporary medal cast in Madrid. A 50-cent coin was also minted for the Columbian Exposition based on the original medal, and the stamp's design was taken from this twice-removed design.

For many collectors, acquisition of the $5.00 Columbian represents the ultimate achievement in classic philately. When issued in 1893, this was the highest denomination and first $5.00 United States stamp. The high total face value of the dollar-value Columbian stamps represented a very significant expense to collectors and therefore sales were slow. A total of 21,844 were issued.

The $5.00 Columbian is very elusive in Mint N.H. condition. For P.S.E.-graded, there are four at 80, one at 85, three at 90 and two at 95. We have not offered one graded 95 since 2010. This is the first time we have offered one graded XF 90 since our 2016 "Hanover" sale. For P.F.-graded, there is one at 85 and one at 90 with none higher (the 90 at P.F. is the "Hanover" stamp, which has certificates from both grading services). For collectors who have been searching for this stamp in higher grades, this presents a rare opportunity.

With 1992 P.F. and 2024 P.S.E. certificates (XF 90). Only two grade higher and two others share this desirable grade.

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