Lot 2210
1893, 4¢ Columbian, blue color error, o.g., lightly hinged, choice centering amid nicely balanced margins, deep intense color on fresh paper, Extremely Fine; with 1962, 1998 P.F. certificates and 2004 P.S.E. Graded certificate (XF 90, SMQ $40,000).Scott No. 233a $17,500.
A WONDERFULLY CHOICE MINT EXAMPLE OF THE 4¢ COLUMBIAN ERROR OF COLOR. THE HIGHEST AWARD GRADED EXAMPLE IN BOTH MINT OR USED CONDITION.
The 4¢ Columbian color error was a result of using the blue ink intended for the 1¢ Columbian value. At least two sheets where printed coming from plates D17 and D18 (the plate numbers from these sheets still exist) with very few examples, both mint and used, surviving from these printings. It should be noted that many of the survivors are of inferior condition and centering, with only a few examples of exceptional nature.