$2.00 Columbian (242).
Brilliant Mint N.H., incredibly deep shade with color and paper as
fresh as the day it was issued, perfectly centered with full perfs all
aroundEXTREMELY FINE GEM. THIS MINT NEVER HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE $2.00 COLUMBIAN COMES FROM THE MAINE SAFE DEPOSIT BOX FIND AND RANKS AMONG THE TWO OR THREE FINEST KNOWN.
Typically, when a collector is assembling an Extremely Fine, Mint Never Hinged set of Columbians, the scarcity-and-demand factor leaves the $2.00 space empty to the very end. It is simply one of the rarest stamps of the set in this condition. The Zoellner collection sold by the Siegel firm had a lightly hinged stamp. The Weisman collection had a Mint N.H. stamp, but it was not centered, and the Lyons collection had a used $2.00 (both sold by Shreves). The Scott value of $3,000.00 for a Mint N.H. stamp (in Very Fine grade) does not begin to reflect the true rarity of such examples. (Image)
$5.00 Columbian (245).
Pristine Mint N.H. state, perfectly centered with massive margins
evenly framing design, intense shade and proof-like impression on brilliant
white paper, long full perforationsEXTREMELY FINE GEM. AS PERFECT AND FRESH AS THE DAY IT WAS PURCHASED AT THE POST OFFICE IN 1893. ARGUABLY THE FINEST MINT NEVER HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE $5.00 COLUMBIAN IN EXISTENCE.
We could not begin to count the number of $5.00 Columbian stamps sold by the Siegel firm over 70 years. However, the number of Extremely Fine, Mint Never Hinged, examples could probably be counted on two hands, and, if they were assembled for comparison, we seriously doubt if any could surpass (or match) the stamp offered here. This gem from the Maine Safe Deposit Box find must have been carefully selected from a sheet in 1893 and kept hidden from light, moisture and handling for the past 107 years. (Image)
$1.00 Trans-Mississippi
(292). Mint N.H., intense shade and impression, remarkably bright paper
and freshEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A MAGNIFICENT MINT NEVER HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE $1.00 TRANS-MISSISSIPPI.
The $1.00 Trans-Mississippi is considered by many to be the most beautiful of all United States postage stamps. Although Mint Never Hinged examples have been supplied from blocks and sheets broken over the years, the centering of this example is unusually choice. Again, the person who purchased it -- probably direct from the post office -- was careful to choose the best-centered stamp in the sheet. (Image)
$2.00 Trans-Mississippi
(293). Mint N.H., remarkably wide margins framing the design with
white, rich color and sharp proof-like impression, bright and
freshEXTREMELY FINE. AN EXCEPTIONALLY CHOICE EXAMPLE OF ONE OF THE MOST DIFFICULT OF ALL COMMEMORATIVES TO OBTAIN IN THIS QUALITY. A TRUE CONDITION RARITY.
The last of the gems from the Maine Safe Deposit Box find is this $2.00 Trans-Mississippi, from the first commemorative issue printed by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing. It appears as though just ordered from a new-issue service. The color, paper and gum are brighter and fresher than we have ever seen. (Image)