$5.00 Columbian (245). From the lower right corner of the pane with full corner sheet margins, original gum, lightly hinged, perfect centering, intense shade and proof-like impression, we must note that the perfs between stamp and selvage at right are slightly reinforced, a small natural wood fiber inclusion on back, small thin spot at extreme edge of right selvage -- none of these have any bearing on the grade of the stamp

EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A STUNNING CORNER SHEET-MARGIN, ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE $5.00 COLUMBIAN. THIS MAGNIFICENT STAMP HAS BEEN AWARDED THE GRADE OF SUPERB 98 BY P.S.E. -- THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED TO DATE.

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 Columbians represented a very significant expense to collectors and therefore sales were slow. This stamp, with its perfect centering and corner margin selvage is a fitting capstone to a superb set of Columbians.

From our 1988 Rarities of the World sale as a horizontal pair. With 1993 P.F. and 2005 P.S.E. certificates (OGph, Superb 98; SMQ $15,700.00). This is the highest grade awarded to date in the P.S.E. Population Report in any category and only two others share this grade.

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