Sale 1014 — Outstanding United States Stamps
Sale Date — Wednesday-Friday, 12-14 October, 2011
Category — 30c-50c 1893 Columbian Issue (Scott 239-240)


EXTREMELY FINE GEM. THIS SUPERB MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 50-CENT COLUMBIAN IS, IN OUR OPINION, THE FINEST EXTANT. A STAMP WITH TREMENDOUS VISUAL APPEAL.
While we have long been a supporter of numerical grading and often quote P.S.E. Population Report statistics, there are certain stamps that defy numerical grading. This sheet-margin example of the 50c Columbian is such a stamp. The conservative grade of XF 90 Jumbo assigned to this magnificent gem is a prime example of the limitation of numerical grading when applied to sheet-margin stamps. We have offered 50c Columbians in grades of 95 and 98, but, in our opinion, none of those exceeds the beauty of this stamp.
Ex Westchester. With 1998 P.F. and 2007 P.S.E. certificates (XF 90 Jumbo; SMQ $3.800.00 as 90, $8,500.00 as 95)