The Natalee Grace Collection of Used Stamps of the United States, Part Two continued...

EXTREMELY 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. (Image)

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EXTREMELY 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. (Image)

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EXTREMELY 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 (Image)

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EXTREMELY 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 (Image)

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EXTREMELY 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. (Image)

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