Sale 1057 — The Curtis Collection: 1847-1901 Issues
Sale Date — Thursday, 7 November, 2013
Category — 1893 Columbian Issue (Scott 230-245)
$1.00 Columbian (241). Original gum, small h.r., brilliant color and remarkably detailed impression, perfectly centered, long and full perforations all aroundEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A STUNNING ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE $1.00 COLUMBIAN ISSUE, WHICH HAS BEEN GRADED SUPERB 98 BY P.S.E. -- THIS IS THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED IN ANY CATEGORY.
According to Brookman, only 55,050 copies of the $1.00 Columbian were issued. It was sold out before all of the other dollar values, probably because it was the most affordable of the dollar-value stamps. Speculation soon drove the price to $5.00 but it soon fell again, to about $1.50.
The theme of the stamp, Isabella pledging her jewels to finance Columbus's voyage, is known to most fifth-grade students who study the voyage of Columbus. However, the offer was never accepted, as financing was found elsewhere.
Ex Merlin. With 2011 P.S.E. certificate (OGph, Superb 98; SMQ $8,100.00). This is the highest grade awarded in any category (the highest Mint N.H. and used grades are 95). Only one other original gum stamp has graded 98.
