Sale 1385 — United States Stamps
Sale Date — Tuesday-Wednesday, 21-22 July, 2026
Category — Columbian Issue
3c Green, Columbian (232). Mint N.H., precise centering, Extremely Fine Gem, with 1987 P.F. and 2026 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95)
4c Ultramarine, Columbian (233). Mint N.H., near perfect centering with wide and balanced margins, brilliant color and crisp impression
EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A MAGNIFICENT MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 4-CENT COLUMBIAN, GRADED SUPERB 98 BY P.S.E.
With 1996 P.F. and 2023 P.S.E. certificates (Superb 98). Only three grade higher.
5c Chocolate, Columbian (234). Mint N.H., wide and well-balanced margins, natural gum bend not mentioned on certificate, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2005 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95)
6c Purple, Columbian (235). Mint N.H., choice centering and margins, rich color, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2010 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95)
6c Purple, Columbian (235). Mint N.H., bright color, Extremely Fine, with 1997 and 2023 P.F. certificates (XF 90), with 2023 P.S.E. certificate (XF 90)
6c Purple, Columbian (235). Complete sheet of 100 with top double "AMERICAN BANK NOTE COMPANY." imprint, "No. 104" plate number and letter "Z", sides with full imprint, bottom natural straight edge, original gum, h.r. along right selvage and some other places at center, we estimate about a third are Mint N.H., unusual pale shade (possibly the Dull Purple sub-shade), some oily soiling mostly at bottom left and mostly visible on back, few other faults to be expected on a multiple of this size
AN EXTREMELY RARE COMPLETE SHEET OF 100 OF THE 6-CENT COLUMBIAN ISSUE. THIS FORMAT WAS NOT SOLD IN POST OFFICES AND WAS ONLY AVAILABLE FROM THE PHILATELIC AGENCY IN WASHINGTON.
For the Columbian series, all of the 1c stamps and most but not all of the 2c stamps were printed from 200-subject plates, with horizontal guide arrows between the two panes of 100. The perforating machine simultaneously applied horizontal perforations and cut the 200-stamp sheets into panes of 100, normally leaving a trace of the guide arrow on the straight edge of each pane. Some of the 2c stamps and all of the 3c-$5.00 stamps were printed on smaller presses from plates of 100 subjects, with no guide arrows. When the perforating machine applied horizontal perforations to sheets from the 100-subject plates, the cutting blade, in the same position, removed either the top or bottom sheet margin (and plate number), depending on how the sheet was fed into the perforator, reducing by half the potential number of Columbian plate blocks that might have been available to collectors. This is also why so many Columbian stamps are reperforated at top or bottom rather than at the sides—10 stamps from every 100-subject sheet (or pane) would have a straight edge at either top or bottom. The 100-subject sheets were then divided into panes of 50 for distribution and sale at post offices. The undivided full sheets of 100, as offered here, were only available from the Philatelic Agency in Washington D.C.
8c Magenta, Columbian (236). Mint N.H., impeccably well-centered, lovely rich color, with a 2016 P.S.A.G. certificate graded Superb 98, however since the issuance of the certificate the perforation at the top right corner has become almost detached, so it would not receive a similar grade today, offered "as is"
8c Magenta, Columbian (236). Mint N.H., precise centering with balanced margins, rich color, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2008 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95)
8c Magenta, Columbian (236). Mint N.H., outstanding centering and bright color, Extremely Fine Gem, with 1991 and 2023 P.F. certificates (XF-Superb 95), SCV $140
8c Magenta, Columbian (236). Complete sheet of 100 with bottom double "AMERICAN BANK NOTE COMPANY." imprint, "No. 133" plate number and letters "I I", sides with full imprint, top natural straight edge, many stamps are Mint N.H., hinge slivers in places, some oily soiling, few other faults such as top right stamp with tear at top
AN EXTREMELY RARE COMPLETE SHEET OF 100 OF THE 8-CENT COLUMBIAN ISSUE. THIS FORMAT WAS NOT SOLD IN POST OFFICES AND WAS ONLY AVAILABLE FROM THE PHILATELIC AGENCY IN WASHINGTON.
For the Columbian series, all of the 1c stamps and most but not all of the 2c stamps were printed from 200-subject plates, with horizontal guide arrows between the two panes of 100. The perforating machine simultaneously applied horizontal perforations and cut the 200-stamp sheets into panes of 100, normally leaving a trace of the guide arrow on the straight edge of each pane. Some of the 2c stamps and all of the 3c-$5.00 stamps were printed on smaller presses from plates of 100 subjects, with no guide arrows. When the perforating machine applied horizontal perforations to sheets from the 100-subject plates, the cutting blade, in the same position, removed either the top or bottom sheet margin (and plate number), depending on how the sheet was fed into the perforator, reducing by half the potential number of Columbian plate blocks that might have been available to collectors. This is also why so many Columbian stamps are reperforated at top or bottom rather than at the sides—10 stamps from every 100-subject sheet (or pane) would have a straight edge at either top or bottom. The 100-subject sheets were then divided into panes of 50 for distribution and sale at post offices. The undivided full sheets of 100, as offered here, were only available from the Philatelic Agency in Washington D.C.
10c Black Brown, Columbian (237). Mint N.H., deep rich color and beautifully balanced margins
EXTREMELY FINE GEM MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 10-CENT COLUMBIAN ISSUE, graded xf-superb 95 by ps.e.
With 2011 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95).
10c Black Brown, Columbian (237). Mint N.H., deep rich color and proof-like impression, beautiful centering with wide and balanced margins
EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A GORGEOUS MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 10-CENT COLUMBIAN ISSUE, graded xf-superb 95 by p.s.e.
With 2000 P.F. and 2007 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95).
10c Black Brown, Columbian (237). Mint N.H., crisp impression, well-balanced margins, Extremely Fine, with 1992 and 2004 P.F. and 2022 P.S.E. certificates (XF 90)
15c Dark Green, Columbian (238). Mint N.H., vivid color and proof-like impression, outstanding centering with balanced margins
EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 15-CENT COLUMBIAN ISSUE.
With 2019 P.F. certificate (XF-Superb 95). SCV $700.
15c Dark Green, Columbian (238). Mint N.H., rich color on bright paper, fresh and Very Fine, with 1999 P.F. certificate
15c Dark Green, Columbian (238). Mint N.H., well-centered, wonderfully bright and fresh, Very Fine, with 2017 P.S.A.G. certificate
15c Dark Green, Columbian (238). Mint N.H., wide margins and bright color, Very Fine
30c Orange Brown, Columbian (239). Mint N.H., intense color on bright paper, beautifully centered with wide and balanced margins, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2001 P.F. and 2023 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95)
30c Orange Brown, Columbian (239). Mint N.H., intense color and proof-like impression, beautifully centered with wide and balanced margins, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2010 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95)
30c Orange Brown, Columbian (239). Mint N.H., well-centered with wide margins, Very Fine and choice, with 1997 P.F. certificate for a block of four (top left stamp)
30c Orange Brown, Columbian (239). Mint N.H., rich color, Very Fine and attractive, with 1996 P.F. certificate
50c Slate Blue, Columbian (240). Mint N.H., unusually choice centering, intense color and impression
EXTREMELY FINE. A MARVELOUS MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 50-CENT COLUMBIAN ISSUE.
With 2007 P.S.E. certificate (XF 90).
50c Slate Blue, Columbian (240). Mint N.H., exceptional centering, rich color, minuscule corner crease, still Extremely Fine, with 2018 P.S.E. certificate (VF-XF 85, downgraded for the tiny crease)
50c Slate Blue, Columbian (240). Mint N.H., excellent centering with wide margins, light vertical crease at right, Extremely Fine appearance, with 2026 P.S.E. certificate (VF 80), obviously downgraded due to the crease
50c Slate Blue, Columbian (240). Mint N.H., intense shade, nicely centered, Very Fine and choice, with 1998 P.F. certificate
50c Slate Blue, Columbian (240). Mint N.H., rich color in a dark shade, Very Fine, with 2009 P.F. certificate
50c Slate Blue, Columbian (240). Original gum, lightly hinged, intense shade and choice centering, Extremely Fine, with 2023 P.F. certificate (XF 90)
50c Slate Blue, Columbian (240). Original gum, lightly hinged, well-centered with wide top and bottom margins, intense shade, Very Fine and choice, 2010 P.S.E. certificate no. 1216528 no longer accompanies (OGph, VF-XF 85)
50c Slate Blue, Columbian (240). Bottom imprint, plate no. 77 and letter "S" strip of four, original gum, deep rich color and proof-like impression, the left stamp shows a clear plate scratch at top in "Postage" (this has been plated to Position 47 of the left pane), few perf separations sensibly reinforced, top left stamp small toned spot from gum at top, second spot in selvage at center, second stamp from right tiny tear at right, Very Fine appearance, a scarce 50c Columbian imprint and plate number strip, ex Schwartz and Petersen
$1.00 Salmon, Columbian (241). Mint N.H., brilliant color and crisp impression, well-proportioned margins
EXTREMELY FINE MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE $1.00 COLUMBIAN ISSUE.
With 1985 and 2007 P.F. certificates (VF-XF 85).
$1.00 Salmon, Columbian (241). Original gum, lightly hinged, radiant color, well-balanced margins, Extremely Fine, with 2006 P.S.E. and 2009 P.S.E. certificates (both OGph, XF 90)
$1.00 Salmon, Columbian (241). Original gum, lightly hinged, choice centering, fresh color, small natural inclusion at right (not mentioned on certificate), Extremely Fine, with 2018 P.S.A.G. certificate (OGph, VF-XF 85)
$1.00 Salmon, Columbian (241). Original gum, lightly hinged, brilliant color, Very Fine and choice
$1.00 Salmon, Columbian (241). Original gum, lightly hinged, bright color, Very Fine, with 1983 P.F. certificate
$2.00 Brown Red, Columbian (242). Mint N.H., natural gum skip, bright color, fresh and Fine, with 2018 P.S.E. certificate
$2.00 Brown Red, Columbian (242). Slightly disturbed original gum, detailed impression, choice centering, Extremely Fine, with 2026 P.S.E. certificate (DOG, XF 90)
$2.00 Brown Red, Columbian (242). Original gum, barest trace of hinging, bright and fresh, Very Fine and choice, a pretty stamp, with 1999 P.F. certificate
$2.00 Brown Red, Columbian (242). Original gum, lightly hinged, deep rich color, well-centered, Very Fine and choice, with 2000 P.F. certificate
$2.00 Brown Red, Columbian (242). Original gum, lightly hinged, strong rich color, Very Fine, with 2007 P.S.E. certificate (OGph, VF 80)
$3.00 Yellow Green, Columbian (243). Mint N.H., deep rich color and proof-like impression
FRESH AND FINE MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE $3.00 COLUMBIAN.
Ex Przybyl. With 2007 P.S.E. certificate.
$3.00 Yellow Green, Columbian (243). Original gum, well-proportioned margins, bright color
EXTREMELY FINE. A HANDSOME ORIGINAL-GUM $3.00 COLUMBIAN.
With 1998 P.F. certificate
$3.00 Yellow Green, Columbian (243). Original gum, lightly hinged, bright shade, well-balanced margins, Extremely Fine, scarce with such choice centering, with 1994 P.F. certificate
$3.00 Yellow Green, Columbian (243). Original gum, rich color, fresh and Fine, with 2025 P.S.E. certificate
$3.00 Yellow Green, Columbian (243). Disturbed original gum, rich color, small thin spots, Very Fine appearance
$4.00 Crimson Lake, Columbian (244). Mint N.H., fresh color
FINE AND ATTRACTIVE MINT NEVER-HINGED $4.00 COLUMBIAN.
With 2021 P.F. certificate.
$4.00 Crimson Lake, Columbian (244). Original gum, brilliant color, unusually wide margins
EXTREMELY FINE ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE $4.00 COLUMBIAN ISSUE.
With 2000 P.F. certificate.
$4.00 Crimson Lake, Columbian (244). Original gum, brilliant color, well-balanced margins, Extremely Fine, with 1985 P.F. and 2015 P.S.E. certificates (OGh, VF-XF 85)
$4.00 Crimson Lake, Columbian (244). Original gum, nicely centered with wide margins, brilliant color
VERY FINE AND CHOICE ORIGINAL-GUM $4.00 COLUMBIAN.
With 2004 P.S.E. certificate.
$4.00 Crimson Lake, Columbian (244). Original gum which covers small thinning at left center, rich color, Fine appearance, with 1993 P.F. certificate
$5.00 Black, Columbian (245). Mint N.H., intense shade on bright white paper, fresh in every respect
FINE. A LOVELY AND SCARCE MINT NEVER-HINGED $5.00 COLUMBIAN.
As the top value of the popular Columbian issue, the $5.00 has been proudly hinged into albums for more than a century, leaving few Mint N.H. examples available to today's collectors.
With 2018 P.S.E. certificate.
$5.00 Black, Columbian (245). Original gum, faint h.r., exceptionally fresh, with a deep shade and highly detailed impression on bright white paper
VERY FINE. A DESIRABLE ORIGINAL-GUM $5.00 COLUMBIAN.
With 2022 P.S.A.G. certificate (OGh, VF 80).
$5.00 Black, Columbian (245). Redistributed original gum over a small thin spot, intense shade, two unpunched perfs, Extremely Fine appearance
$5.00 Black, Columbian (245). Original gum, lightly hinged, intense shade and impression, Fine