Dominican Republic Columbus Lighthouse sheet with folder in demand

Stamp Market Tips by Henry Gitner and Rick Miller

The Dominican Republic occupies the eastern two-thirds of the island of Hispaniola in the Caribbean Sea. Christopher Columbus made the first European landfall on the island of Hispaniola on Dec. 6, 1492. Hispaniola became the first Spanish colony in the New World.

On Jan. 6, 1953, the Dominican Republic issued three postage stamps (Scott 450-452) and seven airmail stamps (C80-86) commemorating the Columbus Lighthouse. The Columbus Lighthouse is also a mausoleum intended to house the remains of Christopher Columbus. However, the remains housed there are no longer believed to be those of Columbus.

Design and planning began on the mausoleum and lighthouse in 1928. Actual construction began in 1986 and was completed in 1992. The completed edifice is the largest monument to Columbus in the world.

The Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue also lists a souvenir sheet of 10 (Scott C86a). The note following the listing states: “No. C86a is lithographed and contains Nos. 450-452 and C80-C86, in slightly different shades. Sheet measures 190X130mm and is imperf. with simulated perforations. A miniature sheet similar to No. C86a, but measuring 200x163mm and in folder, exists. Value $130.”

Our tip is for the larger souvenir sheet that is noted and valued but not listed in the Scott Standard catalog. The sheet with folder is uncommon and in demand. One recently sold in an online auction for about $75.

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