The Scarsdale Collection, Part One continued...

EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A MINT NEVER-HINGED 8-CENT COLUMBIAN OF GARGANTUAN PROPORTIONS.

With 1982 and 1999 P.F. certificates. With 2004 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95 Jumbo, SMQ $1,150.00 as 95, $2,650.00 as 98) (Image)

EXTREMELY FINE. A MAGNIFICENT MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 10-CENT COLUMBIAN ISSUE.

With 2002 P.F. certificate. With 2004 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95, SMQ $2,150.00). Only three other 10c Columbian stamps have higher P.S.E. grades. (Image)

EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 15-CENT COLUMBIAN ISSUE. ONE OF THE MOST DIFFICULT VALUES OF THE SET TO OBTAIN IN SUCH CHOICE CONDITION. A REMARKABLE STAMP IN EVERY RESPECT.

With 1986 and 1999 P.F. certificates. With 2004 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95, SMQ $3,800.00). Only one stamp has been graded higher in the P.S.E. Population Report. Only three others have been given the grade of 95. (Image)

EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 30-CENT COLUMBIAN ISSUE.

With 1998 and 2000 P.F. certificates. With 2004 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95, SMQ $4,600.00) (Image)

EXTREMELY FINE GEM. THIS IS WITHOUT QUESTION THE FINEST EXAMPLE OF THE 50-CENT COLUMBIAN ISSUE WE HAVE EVER OFFERED. THIS STAMP STANDS ALONE IN BEING THE ONLY 50-CENT COLUMBIAN TO RECEIVE THE LOFTY GRADE OF SUPERB 98 FROM PROFESSIONAL STAMP EXPERTS. THE ESSENCE OF PERFECTION.

With 1992 and 2000 P.F. certificates. With 2004 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98, SMQ $18,700.00) (Image)

EXTREMELY FINE. A BEAUTIFUL AND REMARKABLY FRESH MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE $1.00 COLUMBIAN ISSUE.

The $1.00 Columbian is a very difficult stamp to find in such choice Mint N.H. condition. The P.S.E. Population Report records only four graded 90 and three graded 95 (none higher).

With 1991 and 2000 P.F. certificates. With 2004 P.S.E. certificate (XF 90, SMQ $12,000.00) (Image)

EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A MAGNIFICENT MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE $2.00 COLUMBIAN ISSUE. THIS IS THE ONLY EXAMPLE TO ACHIEVE THE GRADE OF SUPERB 95 FROM PROFESSIONAL STAMP EXPERTS, WHICH IS THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED TO ANY $2.00 COLUMBIAN.

Typically, when a collector assembles an Extremely Fine, Mint Never-Hinged set of Columbians, the $2.00 space remains empty to the very end due to the low supply and high demand. It is simply one of the rarest stamps of the set in this condition, because very few multiples containing Mint N.H. stamps have been available. The Scott value of $3,650.00 for a Mint N.H. stamp (in Very Fine grade) does not begin to reflect the true rarity of such examples. We offered a Mint N.H. stamp in our Sale 872, which realized $30,000.00 hammer (ex Cohen), but the example offered here is superior in centering.

With 1975 and 1999 P.F. certificates. With 2004 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95, SMQ $27,000.00) (Image)

EXTREMELY FINE. A REMARKABLY FRESH MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE $3.00 COLUMBIAN ISSUE. A DIFFICULT COLUMBIAN DOLLAR VALUE TO OBTAIN IN SUCH PRISTINE, CENTERED, MINT NEVER-HINGED CONDITION.

As a demonstration of its rarity, P.S.E. has certified only one Mint N.H. $3.00 Columbian as XF 90, and two as XF-Superb 95.

With 1991 and 2000 P.F. certificates. With 2004 P.S.E. certificate (XF 90, SMQ $15,000.00) (Image)

EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A MAGNIFICENT MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE $4.00 COLUMBIAN ISSUE. THIS IS ARGUABLY THE FINEST EXAMPLE IN EXISTENCE. A SUPERB STAMP IN EVERY RESPECT -- COLOR, IMPRESSION, FRESHNESS OF PAPER AND GUM AND CENTERING.

The P.S.E. Population Report lists six Mint N.H. $4.00 Columbian stamps (five No. 244 and one No. 244a) in grades of XF 90 (three) or XF-Superb 95 (three). Although this stamp did not attain a 95 rating, in our opinion it is a peer of, if not better than, the higher-graded examples. We justify our opinion with three reasons: first, its beautifully-preserved intense color is the desirable rich Crimson Lake shade, second, the paper and gum are fresh and bright, without any of the toning that often affects the Crimson Lake stamps (No. 244a is characteristically brighter), and, third, the "C C" plate selvage is unique to this example, which adds a dimension of rarity and significance lacking in the other 90 and 95 stamps.

This $4.00 Columbian is legendary among knowledgeable collectors and dealers, and its appearance in the marketplace has always established a new benchmark value for the issue. For the collector attempting to assemble the finest set of Mint Never-Hinged Columbian stamps in existence, the $4.00 is a major obstacle to completion. This extraordinary example will become the keystone to perfection.

With 2000 P.F. certificate. With 1991, 1998 and 2004 P.S.E. certificates (XF 90, SMQ $21,800.00). (Image)

EXTREMELY FINE GEM. ONLY THREE MINT NEVER-HINGED $5.00 COLUMBIAN STAMPS HAVE BEEN CERTIFIED IN GRADES OF 90 OR 95 BY PROFESSIONAL STAMP EXPERTS, AND WE REGARD THIS EXAMPLE AS AN EQUAL AMONG THEM.

The P.S.E. Population Report lists three Mint N.H. examples of the $5.00 Columbian: one XF 90 and two XF-Superb 95. We know of three other Mint N.H. stamps that might achieve comparable grades when certified.

Comparing this stamp with the two previously graded XF-Superb 95, we have difficulty reconciling why this stamp did not achieve a 95 grade. Its margins are wide and balanced, the perforations are fully formed, and the shade and paper are extraordinarily fresh. While microscopic measurements might show a very slight difference between the left and right margins, we still feel strongly that this stamp meets all criteria for XF-Superb 95.

With 1992 and 2000 P.F. certificates. With 2004 P.S.E. certificate (XF 90, SMQ $25,000.00) (Image)