uncommonpre-1900

Columbian Exposition Issue, Complete Set of 16

Name: Columbian Exposition Issue, Complete Set of 16
Brand: United States

United States · 1893 · 1¢ to $5

This complete set of 16 stamps was issued to commemorate the 400th anniversary of Christopher Columbus's first voyage to the Americas and to promote the World's Columbian Exposition held in Chicago in 1893. Each stamp features a detailed engraving depicting a different scene from Columbus's life and voyages, from his initial plea for funding to his landing in the New World. The designs were based on various paintings and historical illustrations, creating a narrative series across the different denominations.

Issued in 1893, these were the first commemorative stamps produced by the United States. Their release for the Chicago World's Fair marked a significant moment in U.S. postal history, popularizing stamp collecting and setting a precedent for future commemorative issues.

Printing Method

Engraved

Themes

history exploration christopher-columbus ships world-fairs

Catalog Numbers

scott230-245

Image: · License:

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Estimated Values by Condition

Superb(S)

Perfectly centered, fresh, no faults

$12,000

Extremely Fine(XF)

Well centered, fresh colors

$8,500

Very Fine(VF)

Nicely centered, minor flaws

$5,500

Fine(F)

Average centering, acceptable

$2,500

Good(G)

Off-center or visible wear

$1,000

Prices are approximate market estimates for educational purposes. Actual values depend on specific factors including cancel type, margins, and provenance.