interested in purchasing it for use on this site.
#233 and 233a
Picturing the Fleet of Columbus, the flagship of Christopher Columbus, Santa Maria is prominent
in the center. #233a is the color error of this stamp, being printed with a blue ink, instead
of ultramarine. Two sheets, #17 and #18 were purchased whole, the plate numbers from
these sheets still exist. There were other sheets printed and sold as postage, these
appear occasionally appear at auctions at a hefty premium over the standard #233.
Nineteen million stamps were issued.
The origin of the image is unknown. One theory is that it came from an American book,
the other is that it is a Spanish engraving. It is more than likely that it is a US engraving
based on a Spanish Original.
I have not located a copy of the essay of the 3c, if you possess one I would be
interested in purchasing it for use on this site.
233 (showing three leaf variety)
233a Color Error, deep blue
Showing normal two leaf
233 Three Leaf variety
233-E2b
Large Die Essay on India
82 x 70mm card with full die sinkage
#233 Diagonal Bisect on Cover
2008 Siegal Auction - $350
#233 Vertical Bisect on Cover
2008 Siegal Auction - $425
Partial pane of #233
#233a Color Error
2008 Auction $170,000
Siegal Auctoins
For details of this color error and the strip above click here