Price History for US Scott 263 in Used 80J Grade
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Show all gradesThree things to keep in mind when looking at the above results (unsolds are not included):
- It is important to look at the individual data points listed below. Price swings up may be due to varieties such as broken hat or other positives such as cancels. Price swings down may be due to factors such as faults on items that would have graded higher if they were sound, and may not be considered as desirable as a sound copy in this grade.
- When looking at multiple grades on the graph, grades with the same population numbers may show overlapping.
- At the time of an auction, the SMQ value has already been published and is available to bidders. Increases or decreases in SMQ value prior to the auction may affect the price realized.
This information is provided for hobbyists and is not intended to represent philatelic material as an investment or financial instrument. Past performance is neither an indication nor guarantee of future performance. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information, but Siegel Auction Galleries (including its representatives and affiliates) is not liable for errors or omissions of any kind. "SMQ" refers to Stamp Market Quarterly, a copyrighted publication, and the information is used with the copyright holder's permission.
Date
$5.00 Dark Green (263). Rich color and proof-like impression on bright paper, unusually choice centering for this difficult issue with Jumbo margins, unobtrusive strike of circular datestampEXTREMELY FINE GEM. THIS IS WITHOUT QUESTION ONE OF THE FINEST USED EXAMPLES OF THE 1894 $5.00 UNWATERMARKED BUREAU ISSUE IN EXISTENCE. THIS IS THE MOST DIFFICULT DENOMINATION TO OBTAIN IN SUCH SUPERB CONDITION. THIS MAY ALSO BE THE EARLIEST DOCUMENTED USE OF THIS ISSUE.
Brookman notes "The $5 is the scarcest stamp in the 1894 series as the total issue of the stamp consisted of 6,251 stamps. It is probable that more of these stamps might have been sold were it not for the fact that speculators were dumping $5 Columbians at a discount to face because the rise they had anticipated had failed to materialize." Very few were used. A review of Power Search and P.S.E'.s Population Report found very few used and centered copies of this issue.
The cancellation on this issue reads "10-5 1895". The last digit of the yeardate is slightly smudged, but using computer enhancement we are able to discern the ball at the curve of the "5". Also, the shape of the top could not be any other number. This stamp was listed by Alan Berkun as a potential EDU pending his examination of the item. The date listed in Scott Catalogue as the EDU is July 6, 1896. Considering that this stamp was issued in December 1894, it is our opinion that this should be the new earliest documented use. No covers are known.
With 1999 P.F. and 2009 P.S.E. certificates (XF 90 Jumbo; SMQ $6,300.00 as 90, $17,900.00 as 95). Only one has graded higher to date and this is the only example to achieve this grade. Catalogue pricing also does not take into consideration the date.
Date
$5.00 Dark Green (263). Choice centering with Jumbo margins, attractive shade, bold strike of registry oval cancelEXTREMELY FINE. A SCARCE WIDE-MARGINED USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1894 $5.00 UNWATERMARKED BUREAU ISSUE.
With 1985 P.F. and 2009 P.S.E. certificates (VF-XF 85 Jumbo; SMQ $3,800.00 as 85, $6,300.00 as 90). Only two have graded higher (at 90J, EDU and ex Natalee Grace, and 98) and no others share this grade.
Date
$5.00 Dark Green (263). Huge margins, rich color, on bright paper, unusually choice centering for this difficult issue, bold strike of registry oval cancelVERY FINE AND CHOICE. A RARE JUMBO-MARGINED EXAMPLE OF THE 1894 $5.00 UNWATERMARKED BUREAU ISSUE.
With 2005 and 2007 P.F. certificates (VF 80 Jumbo). With 2007 P.S.E. certificate (VF 80 Jumbo; SMQ $2,400.00 as 80, $3,700.00 as 85). Only three have graded higher.
Date
$5.00 Dark Green (263). Deep rich color, beautifully balanced margins, light strike of oval cancelVERY FINE AND CHOICE. A LOVELY USED EXAMPLE OF THE $5.00 1894 UNWATERMARKED BUREAU ISSUE.
A Power Search review revealed very few examples that combine both choice centering and a light cancel.
With 1988 P.F. and 2010 P.S.E. certificates (VF 80; SMQ $2,400.00)