$4.00 Columbian (244). Mint N.H. with plate letters "C C" in bottom selvage, deep rich Crimson Lake shade and proof-like impression, beautifully centered with wide and well-proportioned margins, post-office fresh

EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A MAGNIFICENT MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE $4.00 COLUMBIAN ISSUE. THIS IS ARGUABLY THE FINEST EXAMPLE IN EXISTENCE. A SUPERB STAMP IN EVERY RESPECT -- COLOR, IMPRESSION, FRESHNESS OF PAPER AND GUM AND CENTERING.

The P.S.E. Population Report lists six Mint N.H. $4.00 Columbian stamps (five No. 244 and one No. 244a) in grades of XF 90 (three) or XF-Superb 95 (three). Although this stamp did not attain a 95 rating, in our opinion it is a peer of, if not better than, the higher-graded examples. We justify our opinion with three reasons: first, its beautifully-preserved intense color is the desirable rich Crimson Lake shade; second, the paper and gum are fresh and bright, without any of the toning that often affects the Crimson Lake stamps (No. 244a is characteristically brighter); and, third, the "C C" plate selvage is unique to this example, which adds a dimension of rarity and significance lacking in the other 90 and 95 stamps.

This $4.00 Columbian is legendary among knowledgeable collectors and dealers, and its appearance in the marketplace has always established a new benchmark value for the issue. For the collector attempting to assemble the finest set of Mint Never-Hinged Columbian stamps in existence, the $4.00 is a major obstacle to completion. This extraordinary example will become the keystone to perfection.

With 2000 P.F. certificate. With 1991, 1998 and 2004 P.S.E. certificates (XF 90; SMQ $21,800.00).

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