Cost of US Stamp Scott 243: 1893 US$3.00 Columbian Exposition: Columbus Describing His Third Voyage. Page 12

1893, $3 Columbian (Scott 243), without gum, unbelievable example in a quality rarely seen on this issue, perfectly centered amid massive boardwalk margins, and tremendously rich color, for any collector who isn’t hooked on gum, this is the quintessential $3 Columbian, Superb, 1987 P.F. certificate. Scott $800. Estimate price $1,500 – 2,000.

Daniel Kelleher Auctions, Mar 2013, Sale 635, Lot 368

1893, $3 Columbian (Scott 243), o.g., previously hinged, sensational deep rich color, completely sound and choice, Very Good to Fine. Scott $1,600. Estimate price $400 – 600.

Daniel Kelleher Auctions, Feb 2013, Sale 634, Lot 169

o U.S.; General Issues, 1893, $3 Columbian, #243. Used, tiny corner perf crease, Fine. Scott $900. Estimate $250-300.

Harmer-Schau Auction Galleries, Jan 2013, Sale 96, Lot 511

$3.00 Columbian (Scott 243). Disturbed original gum, h.r., deep rich color, few small faults, Very Fine appearance

Robert Siegel Auction Galleries, Dec 2012, Sale 1037, Lot 1849

$3.00 Columbian (Scott 243). Original gum, few small thin spots, Fine appearance

Robert Siegel Auction Galleries, Dec 2012, Sale 1037, Lot 1848

$3.00 Columbian (Scott 243). Original gum, three wide margins, bit closer at top, lovely pastel color, Fine and attractive, with 1992 P.F. certificate

Robert Siegel Auction Galleries, Dec 2012, Sale 1037, Lot 1847

$3.00 Columbian (Scott 243). Disturbed original gum, wonderfully well-centered, rich color, tiny thin spot, Extremely Fine appearance

Robert Siegel Auction Galleries, Dec 2012, Sale 1037, Lot 1846

$3.00 Columbian (Scott 243). Bright color, neat strike of New York oval registry cancel, single short perf at lower right, otherwise Very Fine

Robert Siegel Auction Galleries, Dec 2012, Sale 1037, Lot 1851

$3.00 Columbian (Scott 243). Unused (regummed), wide margins, Very Fine

Robert Siegel Auction Galleries, Dec 2012, Sale 1037, Lot 1850

$3.00 Columbian, Plate Proof on India (Scott 243P3). Block of four, large even margins, vivid color, Very Fine

Robert Siegel Auction Galleries, Dec 2012, Sale 1037, Lot 1214

$3.00 Columbian (Scott 243). Original gum, hinge marks, perfectly centered with Jumbo margins, deep rich color and proof-like impression 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 value $9,500.00 as 98). This is the highest grade awarded and the only example to achieve it.

Robert Siegel Auction Galleries, Nov 2012, Sale 1034, Lot 223

United States 1893 Columbian Exposition Issue 1893 $3 yellow green, used, well centered, fresh and fine, with 1984 PFC

Cherrystone Auctions, Oct 2012, Sale 201210, Lot 113

$3.00 Olive Green, Columbian (Scott 243a). Mint N.H., lovely bright color, wide margins and nice centering for this difficult issue VERY FINE. A RARE AND DESIRABLE MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE $3.00 COLUMBIAN ISSUE. THIS IS ONE OF THE MOST DIFFICULT DENOMINATIONS TO OBTAIN IN MINT NEVER-HINGED CONDITION. A review using Power Search shows that we have offered an average of one Mint N.H. example of the $3.00 Columbian a year in any grade. With 2000 P.S.E. certificate

Robert Siegel Auction Galleries, Oct 2012, Sale 1033, Lot 4134

$3.00 Olive Green, Columbian (Scott 243a). Perfectly centered with wide margins, deep shade and sharp proof-like impression on bright fresh paper, “Lynn Mass.” oval cancel leaves design clearly visible 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 price $10,500.00). This is one of only two examples of the Olive Green $3.00 Columbian to achieve this lofty grade.

Robert Siegel Auction Galleries, Oct 2012, Sale 1032, Lot 3357

$3.00 Columbian (Scott 243). Vivid color, wide beautifully balanced margins, lightly cancelled 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 value $5,000.00). Of the Yellow Green shade $3.00 Columbian, only one stamp has graded higher (at 98).

Robert Siegel Auction Galleries, Oct 2012, Sale 1032, Lot 3356