Sale 1027 — The Natalee Grace Collection of Used U.S. Stamps, Part Two: 1869 to Pan-American Issues
Sale Date — Wednesday, 19 September, 2012
Category — Columbian Issue (Scott 230-245)
1c-10c Columbian (230-232, 235a, 237). Five stamps, choice centering, several with Jumbo margins, rich colors, neat circular datestamp or duplex cancels, Extremely Fine, since they do not catalogue very much the lower denominations are difficult to find in superior condition, an excellent opportunity to acquire a group of attractive Columbians all at once
4c Columbian (233). Beautiful centering with Jumbo margins, radiant color as fresh as the day it was printed, long and even perforations, neat strike of duplex cancel, Extremely Fine Gem, a superb stamp in every respect, with 2009 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98 Jumbo; unpriced in SMQ above the grade of 98, SMQ $575.00 as 98), this is the highest grade awarded to date and one of only five to achieve this grade
4c Columbian, Error of Color (233a). Beautiful centering with Jumbo margins, intense color in the darker of the two shades, with three-leafs variety at right, bold strike of duplex datestamp and oval grid numeral cancelEXTREMELY FINE. THIS IS THE ONLY SOUND AND CENTERED USED COPY OF THIS ERROR IN EXISTENCE. THIS IS BY FAR THE FINEST USED EXAMPLE OF THE 4-CENT COLUMBIAN ERROR OF COLOR. ONLY TWELVE USED EXAMPLES HAVE BEEN CERTIFIED AS GENUINE. ONE OF THE GREAT RARITIES OF USED UNITED STATES PHILATELY AND OF THE POPULAR COLUMBIAN ISSUE.
The 4c Columbian color error was caused by the use of a wrong batch of ink, and spectrographic analysis has shown that the blue inks of the 4c error and 1c Columbian have the same components. Stamps from at least three panes reached collectors, and the few cancelled examples indicate that stamps used by the public came from at least one additional pane. It is likely that a number of full sheets were printed using the wrong ink, and most of the stamps have simply been lost to philately.
Our census of used Scott 233a, illustrated at left and available at http://www.siegelauctions.com/dynamic/census/233a/233a.pdf , contains 13 stamps which at one time have been certified as genuine used examples. One was originally certified as Deep Ultramarine and subsequently received a certificate as the genuine Blue error of color. Another was originally certified as the genuine error of color and received a recent certificate as the Dark Ultramarine sub-shade. The copy offered here is the only one confirmed as sound. Census Nos. 4 and 7 may be sound but have not been seen in many years. Even if they are sound, neither has choice centering. Only the stamp offered here is sound and centered.
Census No. 233a-CAN-01. With 1999 and 2009 P.S.E. certificates (VF-XF 85 Jumbo). This is the only graded used example of this issue. Scott Catalogue notes that "No. 233a used is valued with small faults, as almost all examples come thus."
5c Columbian (234). Deep rich color and proof-like impression, unusually choice centering with Jumbo margins, gorgeous long perforations all around, unobtrusive duplex cancel leaves entire design clearly visible, Extremely Fine Gem, a superb stamp in every respect, with 2005 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95 Jumbo; SMQ $225.00 as 95, $750.00 as 98)
6c Columbian (235). Intense shade and impression, wide and balanced margins, light strike of oval cancel, Extremely Fine Gem, a superb stamp in every respect, with 2007 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $300.00), only four have graded higher to date
8c Columbian (236). Brilliant color, detailed impression, beautiful centering with wide and balanced margins, neat strike of target cancel and also part of circular datestamp at right, Extremely Fine Gem, a superb stamp in every respect, this was issued to pay the reduced 8c registry fee and was the first 8c denomination ever issued (the 8c 1890-93 Issue, Scott 225, was issued a few weeks later), Brookman notes that it is surprisingly difficult to find a really choice used copy
15c Columbian (238). Jumbo margins all around, rich color and crisp impression on bright paper, neat strike of boxed handstamp cancel, Extremely Fine Gem, a huge stamp with an unusual cancel, with 2003 P.F. certificate
30c Columbian (239). Radiant color and proof-like impression on bright paper, choice centering with Jumbo margins, perfect strike of New York oval registry cancel, Extremely Fine Gem, a stunning stamp in terms of color, centering, cancel and overall eye appeal, with 1998 P.F. certificate
50c Columbian (240). Enormous margins, deep rich color on fresh paper, bold strike of oval registry cancel, Extremely Fine Gem, with 1997 P.F. and 2009 P.S.E. certificates (XF 90 Jumbo; SMQ $450.00 as 90, $1,200.00 as 95)
$1.00 Columbian (241). Brilliant color as fresh as the day it was printed, detailed impression, well-struck New York oval registry cancel, phenomenal centering with well-balanced marginsEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB USED EXAMPLE OF THE $1.00 COLUMBIAN ISSUE, WHICH IS ONE OF THE MOST DIFFICULT DOLLAR-VALUE COLUMBIANS TO OBTAIN IN SUCH SUPERB CONDITION
With 1995 P.F. certificate
$2.00 Columbian (242). Perfectly centered with wide and balanced margins, radiant color and crisp impression on bright paper, neat strike of circular datestamp at topEXTREMELY FINE GEM. THIS STUNNING STAMP HAS BEEN AWARDED THE GRADE OF SUPERB 98 BY P.S.E. -- THIS IS THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED TO DATE AND ONE OF ONLY THREE TO ACHIEVE THIS GRADE.
Used examples of the $2.00 Columbian are difficult to find in high grades. The margins are never Jumbo, and are rarely wide. It is often found with a heavy cancel which obliterates part of the design. The stamp offered here is the exception -- the margins are wide and perfectly balanced, the color is beautiful, the perforations are long and even, and the cancel is well-placed and not too heavy. It is easily the finest we have ever encountered.
With 1994 P.F. and 2009 P.S.E. certificates (Superb 98; SMQ $7,700.00). This is the highest grade awarded to date and only two others have achieved this grade.
$3.00 Columbian (243). Deep rich color and proof-like impression on crisp paper, unusually choice centering with wide and balanced margins, bold strike of New York oval registry cancel at center and with part of blue crayon cancel at leftEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB USED EXAMPLE OF THE $3.00 COLUMBIAN. A BEAUTIFUL STAMP IN EVERY RESPECT. THIS HAS BEEN GRADED XF-SUPERB 95 BY P.S.E. -- ONLY ONE HAS GRADED HIGHER TO DATE.
Approximately half the number of $3.00 Columbian stamps was issued compared to each of the $1.00 and $2.00. We do not know the distribution of quantity for the two shades. Sales of the Columbians were disappointing to the post office, as collectors complained about the high price of the stamps. Plans to print additional quantities were cancelled. There was speculation in the dollar-value Columbians at the time they were issued, and the quantity which were used was fairly small.
From our 1999 Hillmer sale, where Scott Catalogue value was exactly the same. With 1991 P.F. and 2009 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $5,000.00). Only one has graded higher to date (at 98) and only five others share this grade.
$3.00 Olive Green, Columbian (243a). Intense color and proof-like impression in the distinct Olive Green shade, choice centering with well-proportioned margins, neat strike of circular datestamp at left, almost perfectly centeredEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB USED EXAMPLE OF THE $3.00 COLUMBIAN IN THE OLIVE GREEN SHADE.
Approximately half the number of $3.00 Columbian stamps was issued compared to each of the $1.00 and $2.00. We do not know the distribution of quantity for the two shades. Sales of the Columbians were disappointing to the post office, as collectors complained about the high price of the stamps. Plans to print additional quantities were cancelled. There was speculation in the dollar-value Columbians at the time they were issued, and the quantity which were used was fairly small.
With 2002 P.F. certificate.
$4.00 Columbian (244). Rich color and proof-like impression, choice centering with well-proportioned margins, perfect strike of New York oval registry cancelEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A BEAUTIFUL USED EXAMPLE OF THE $4.00 COLUMBIAN, WITH WONDERFUL COLOR AND A PERFECT CANCEL.
Brookman notes that "this stamp is very difficult to find in fine used condition as the shades of the stamp seem to lend themselves to showing up the cancellations. In addition to the difficulty of the cancellations, the stamp tends to fade badly and it is very much the exception to the rule to find a copy in the rich color in which it was issued."
With 1981 and 1999 P.F. certificates
$4.00 Rose Carmine, Columbian (244a). Radiant color in the distinctive Rose Carmine shade, superior centering with wide and balanced margins, neat strike of oval registry cancelEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB USED EXAMPLE OF THE ROSE CARMINE SHADE OF THE $4.00 COLUMBIAN.
Compared with the Crimson Lake stamp offered in the previous lot, the Rose Carmine is clearly a significantly different shade. The true Rose Carmine offered here, with crisp impression and overall freshness, is a difficult shade to obtain in such choice condition.
With 2000 and 2009 P.F. certificates
$5.00 Columbian (245). Perfectly centered with unusually wide margins, intense shade and proof-like impression, long and full perforations all around, unobtrusive cancel at upper rightEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A PHENOMENALLY BEAUTIFUL USED EXAMPLE OF THE $5.00 COLUMBIAN. THIS STUNNING STAMP HAS BEEN GRADED SUPERB 98 BY P.S.E. -- THIS IS THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED TO DATE AND THE ONLY EXAMPLE TO ACHIEVE THIS GRADE.
The dollar-value Columbians are extremely difficult to obtain in superb used condition. For the five denominations a total of seven copies have graded 98 and none have graded higher, as illustrated in the chart below. None has graded 98 for the $1.00 and $4.00, and this is the only $5.00 to receive this grade. The denomination was not designed to pay any actual postage rate, and collectors protested the high cost. Only 21,844 were sold, and only a small percentage of those were used, either on philatelic covers or on heavy registered parcels. The stamps on parcels or registered mail were frequently heavily cancelled, and the large package wrappers were susceptible to damage. The stamp offered here is a notable exception. It is lightly cancelled, the paper is fresh and bright, the impression and shade and beautiful, and it is perfectly centered. It is truly a condition rarity.
With 1988 P.F. and 2009 P.S.E. certificates (Superb 98; SMQ does not price this in the grade of 98, SMQ $6,850.00 as 95). This is the highest grade awarded to date and the only example to achieve this grade.