The Merlin Collection of Superb Quality 19th and 20th Century United States Stamps continued...

EXTREMELY FINE GEM. CERTAINLY ONE OF THE WIDEST-MARGINED AND BEST-CENTERED ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLES OF THE 15-CENT COLUMBIAN ISSUE EXTANT.

With 1987 P.F. (stating that it is genuine which implies Mint N.H.) and 2006 P.S.E. certificates (OGph, Superb 98 Jumbo, unpriced in SMQ above the grade of 98, SMQ $1,600.00 as 98). This is the highest grade awarded in any category (one Mint N.H. and one used share this grade) and it is the only hinged copy to attain this grade. (Image)

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EXTREMELY FINE GEM. THIS MAGNIFICENT MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 30-CENT COLUMBIAN ISSUE HAS BEEN AWARDED THE GRADE OF GEM 100 BY P.S.E. -- THIS IS THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED, AND ONLY ONE OTHER HAS ACHIEVED THIS PERFECT GRADE. IT IS A KEY TO A SET OF HIGH-GRADE COLUMBIANS, WHICH IS ONE OF THE MOST POPULAR ISSUES IN UNITED STATES PHILATELY.

The scene depicted on the 30c is based on the story that Columbus stopped at the convent at Santa Maria de La Rabida on his way to France after being rejected at the Spanish Court. The friar of the convent, after hearing his plan, persuaded him to stay. While at the convent he gained support from some of the more important people in the neighborhood and, his faith renewed, decided to apply for aid from the Spanish court once again, where he was successful. This marked a turning-point in his struggles for financial backing.

With 2009 P.S.E. certificate (Gem 100, unpriced in SMQ above the grade of 98, SMQ $7,000.00 as 98). (Image)

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EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A STUNNING ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE $1.00 COLUMBIAN ISSUE, WHICH HAS BEEN GRADED SUPERB 98 BY P.S.E. -- THIS IS THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED IN ANY CATEGORY AND ONLY ONE OTHER SHARES IT.

According to Brookman, only 55,050 copies of the $1.00 Columbian were issued. It was sold out before all of the other dollar values, probably because it was the most affordable of the dollar-value stamps. Speculation soon drove the price to $5.00 but it soon fell again, to about $1.50.

The theme of the stamp, Isabella pledging her jewels to finance Columbus's voyage, is known to most fifth-grade students who study the voyage of Columbus. However, the offer was never accepted, as financing was found elsewhere.

With 2011 P.S.E. certificate (OGph, Superb 98, SMQ $8,100.00). This is the highest grade awarded in any category (the highest Mint N.H. is a 95) and only one other shares this grade. (Image)

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EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A BEAUTIFUL ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE $2.00 COLUMBIAN ISSUE.

With 2000 P.F. and 2005 P.S.E. certificates (OGph, XF-Superb 95, SMQ $3,850.00). Only two have graded higher. (Image)

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

With 2010 P.S.E. certificate (OGh, Superb 98 Jumbo, unpriced in SMQ above the grade of 98, SMQ $9,500.00 as 98). This is the highest grade awarded and the only example to achieve it. (Image)

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EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SPECTACULAR ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE $4.00 COLUMBIAN, WHICH HAS BEEN GRADED SUPERB 95 JUMBO BY P.S.E.

With 2000 P.F. and 2006 P.S.E. certificates (OGph, XF-Superb 95 Jumbo, SMQ $6,750.00 as 95, $13,500.00 as 98). Only one has graded higher (at 98) and one other shares this grade. (Image)

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EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE $5.00 COLUMBIAN ISSUE.

With 1988 P.F. and 2006 P.S.E. certificates (OGph, XF-Superb 95 Jumbo, SMQ $7,250.00 as 95, $16,250.00 as 98). Only three have graded higher. (Image)

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