Sale 951 — The Tahoe Collection of Superb Used U.S. Stamps
Sale Date — Wednesday, 27 February, 2008
Category — Columbian Issue
$3.00 Olive Green, Columbian (243a). Perfectly centered with wide margins, deep shade and sharp proof-like impression on bright fresh paper, "Lynn Mass." oval cancel leaves design clearly visibleEXTREMELY FINE GEM. BEYOND ANY DOUBT, THIS IS ONE OF THE FINEST USED EXAMPLES OF THE $3.00 COLUMBIAN ISSUE IN EXISTENCE. THIS MAGNIFICENT STAMP HAS BEEN AWARDED THE LOFTY GRADE OF SUPERB 98 BY P.S.E. -- THIS IS THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED TO EITHER $3.00 SHADE, AND THIS STAMP IS THE ONLY ONE TO ACHIEVE THIS GRADE. A TRULY SPECIAL STAMP IN EVERY RESPECT.
The dollar-value Columbians are rarely found with centering that would qualify for a high numerical grade, but in used condition they are further handicapped by heavy registry cancels, which almost invariably knock points off the final grade. The $3.00 offered here is extraordinary not only for its precise centering and wide margins, but the lightly-struck cancel leaves the entire design visible. We doubt that more than a handful of any Columbian dollar values will ever reach Superb 98 status.
With 1987 P.F. and 2008 P.S.E. certificates (Superb 98; unpriced in SMQ above the grade of 95, SMQ $5,250.00 as 95).
