2c Black, Die II, Large Die Proof on India (73P1a). On 103 x 139mm card with full die sinkage, die no. 1030 and National Bank Note Co. imprint at bottom of India, intense proof shade showing the star on cheek and dots in upper left scroll, some thinning of the card blotter from prior mounting which has no effect on the India paper and is not visible on an album page, Very Fine, the Die I large die proof is exceedingly rare with probably fewer than five known in any size, this Die II proof is also very elusive and is frequently found as a hybrid (this example is not a hybrid)

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2c Black, Die II, Plate Proof on Card (73P4a). Complete set of the five different printings between 1879 and 1894, large margins, Very Fine, accompanied by a note from essay-proof expert James E. Lee

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2c Black Jack, Dies I, II, Trial Color Plate Proofs on India, Card (73TC3, 103TC4). Six of the India paper proofs including three on card backing, range of colors, full to large margins, a couple tiny flaws but overall Very Fine, also four Atlanta Trial Color proofs, missing only the Scarlet, Very Fine

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2c Black Jack, Die I, Trial Color Plate Proofs on India (73TC3). Three in different colors, including Light Blue, Gray Black and an unlisted color which appears as Dull Brown, each with geometric trial cancel, a few minor translucencies typical for this fragile paper, one with a small scissors-cut in top margin, Very Fine appearance, the trial cancel is found on covers from Washington D.C. and was probably obtained to test the trial color proofs, Scott value without premium for the trial cancel which is unlisted

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2c Black, Lowenberg Decalcomania Plate Essays (79-E73P5). Group of blocks on Goldbeaters or Onion Skin, including five blocks of four and a block of eight, one of the blocks on the scarcer Pale Rose tinted paper (Scott value $250.00 for single) and the others show some interesting variation of paper, printing and gum, mostly large margins, typical flaws and flaking as normal for this fragile paper, overall a Very Fine appearing and desirable group, Scott value as singles

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Black Jack Essay-Proof Balance. Group of nine items, including two different Francis Patent multiples, one is a pair on Greenish Wove with manuscript trial cancel (ex Brazer and "Lake Shore") and the other is a perforated block on very dark chemical paper with plate number selvage at bottom (selvage separated and one stamp faulty, ex Metzger), also sheet-margin plate proof pair with an odd manuscript trial cancel, a perforated proof with an experimental star cancel (ex Brazer), three plate proofs on card and a block of four on India, finally a Specimen (73S), a few small faults as expected, overall Fine-Very Fine and interesting group

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