5c Trans-Mississippi (288). Mint N.H. with plate no. 618 and wide selvage at top, rich color and proof-like impression on bright paper, mathematically perfect centering

EXTREMELY FINE GEM. THIS SUPERB MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 5-CENT TRANS-MISSISSIPPI ISSUE HAS BEEN AWARDED THE PERFECT GRADE OF GEM 100 BY P.S.E. -- THIS IS ONE OF ONLY TWO EXAMPLES TO ACHIEVE THIS GRADE, WHICH IS THE HIGHEST AWARDED TO DATE. THIS IS ALSO ONE OF ONLY FOUR MINT NEVER-HINGED TRANS-MISSISSIPPI STAMPS IN ANY DENOMINATION TO ACHIEVE THIS GRADE.

The 1893 Columbian Issue, comprising 16 different denominations, created a backlash from collectors, who resented paying $16.34 for a complete set (the equivalent of $380 in today's dollars). For the 1898 Trans-Mississippi Exposition, held in Omaha Nebraska, the number of stamps was reduced to nine denominations up to $2.00. The $3.80 cost for the set, while still expensive ($95 in today's dollars), was at least more manageable.

The Trans-Mississippi plates were laid out with narrower space between the horizontal rows than the space between the vertical columns. The mathematically balanced margins necessary to achieve a Gem 100 grade require extra space between the horizontal rows of perforations. Anyone who has examined Trans-Mississippi sheets and multiples can testify to the rarity of stamps with perfectly balanced margins all around.

With 2009 P.S.E. certificate (Gem 100; unpriced above the grade of 98; SMQ $11,000.00 as 98). This is the highest grade awarded to date and one of only two examples to achieve this grade. The only other denomination represented by a Mint N.H. Gem 100 stamp is the 8c (two awarded, one of which is offered in the following lot).

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