The Nick Kirke Collection of Gem-Quality Used U.S. Stamps continued...

EXTREMELY FINE GEM. THIS STUNNING STAMP HAS BEEN GRADED SUPERB 98 JUMBO BY P.S.E. -- THIS IS THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED AND THE ONLY EXAMPLE TO ACHIEVE IT.

With 2010 P.F. and 2009 P.S.E. certificates (Superb 98 Jumbo, unpriced in SMQ above the grade of 98, SMQ $1,750.00 as 98). This is the highest grade awarded in any category, and it is the only used copy to achieve it. (Image)

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EXTREMELY FINE GEM. ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL USED 50-CENT COLUMBIANS AVAILABLE IN SUPERB QUALITY. THIS STAMP IS THE ONLY ONE GRADED SUPERB 98 BY P.S.E. -- THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED.

This value is notoriously difficult to find in used condition in such a high grade. Only 80 used examples have been submitted to P.S.E. for grading, which is approximately equal to the number of both $1.00 and $2.00 used stamps submitted. Of those 80, only 12 have been graded at 95 or above.

With 2010 P.F. and 2009 P.S.E. certificates (Superb 98, SMQ $2,700.00). According to the P.S.E. Population Report, this is the only example to have been awarded this lofty grade with none higher. (Image)

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EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB USED EXAMPLE OF THE 50-CENT COLUMBIAN ISSUE, WHICH HAS BEEN GRADED XF-SUPERB 95 JUMBO BY P.S.E.

With 1997 P.F. and 2007 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95 Jumbo, SMQ $1,200.00 as 95, $2,700.00 as 98). Only one example has been graded higher (offered in previous lot) and only one other shares this grade (Image)

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EXTREMELY FINE GEM. THE $1.00 COLUMBIAN ISSUE IS SURPRISINGLY DIFFICULT TO OBTAIN IN SUCH SUPERB USED CONDITION. THIS IS EASILY ONE OF THE FINEST WE HAVE ENCOUNTERED. THIS REMARKABLE STAMP HAS BEEN AWARDED THE GRADE OF XF-SUPERB 95 JUMBO BY P.S.E. -- THIS IS THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED AND THE ONLY EXAMPLE TO ACHIEVE IT.

Ex Tahoe. With 1999 P.F. and 2008 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95 Jumbo, SMQ $2,650.00 as 95, unpriced above the grade of 95 in SMQ). This is the highest grade awarded to a used $1.00 Columbian (there are five ordinary 95's). Among all the dollar-value Columbians, the $1.00 has the fewest stamps graded 95 or better in the P.S.E. Population Report. (Image)

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EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A GORGEOUS USED EXAMPLE OF THE $1.00 COLUMBIAN ISSUE, WHICH IS ONE OF THE MORE DIFFICULT DENOMINATIONS TO OBTAIN IN HIGHER GRADES.

With 2010 P.F. and 2003 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95, SMQ $2,650.00). Only one has graded higher (offered in previous lot) and only four others share this grade. (Image)

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EXTREMELY FINE GEM. THIS STUNNING USED EXAMPLE OF THE $2.00 COLUMBIAN ISSUE HAS BEEN AWARDED THE GRADE OF SUPERB 98 BY P.S.E. -- THIS IS THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED.

The $2.00 is one of the most difficult of all dollar-value Columbians to obtain in such superb condition. With 2012 P.F. and P.S.E. certificates (Superb 98, SMQ $7,700.00). This is the highest grade awarded and one of only three to achieve this grade. (Image)

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EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A BEAUTIFUL USED EXAMPLE OF THE $2.00 COLUMBIAN WHICH HAS BEEN GRADED XF-SUPERB 95 BY P.S.E.

With 2003 P.F. and 2008 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95, SMQ $3,300.00). Only three have graded higher (at 98) (Image)

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EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A GORGEOUS, LIGHTLY-CANCELLED AND CENTERED USED EXAMPLE OF THE $3.00 COLUMBIAN.

Approximately half the quantity 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 1990 P.F. and 2005 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95, SMQ $5,000.00). Of the Yellow Green shade $3.00 Columbian, only one stamp has graded higher (at 98). (Image)

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EXTREMELY FINE GEM. BEYOND ANY DOUBT, THIS IS ONE OF THE FINEST USED EXAMPLES OF THE $3.00 COLUMBIAN ISSUE IN EXISTENCE. THIS MAGNIFICENT STAMP HAS BEEN AWARDED THE LOFTY GRADE OF SUPERB 98 BY P.S.E. -- THIS IS THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED TO EITHER $3.00 SHADE. A TRULY SPECIAL STAMP IN EVERY RESPECT.

The dollar-value Columbians are rarely found with centering that would qualify for a high numerical grade, but in used condition they are further handicapped by heavy registry cancels, which almost invariably knock points off the final grade. The $3.00 offered here is extraordinary not only for its precise centering and wide margins, but the lightly-struck cancel leaves the entire design visible. We doubt that more than a handful of any Columbian dollar values will ever reach Superb 98 status.

With 2010 P.F. and 2008 P.S.E. certificates (Superb 98, SMQ $10,500.00). This is one of only two examples of the Olive Green $3.00 Columbian to achieve this lofty grade. (Image)

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