3c War, "Sepcimen" Error (O85Sa). Without gum as issued, s.e. at left, color slightly faded (not noted on accompanying certificate), the certificate does note perfs trimmed at left (which we believe to be incorrect)

VERY FINE. THIS IS ONE OF TWO RECORDED EXAMPLES OF THE 3-CENT WAR DEPARTMENT WITH THE "SEPCIMEN" ERROR. A PHENOMENAL RARITY.

The 3c War Department Special Printing was made from printed sheets of 200, which were divided into panes of 100 before overprinting. Position 21, the "Sepcimen" error, could conceivably come with or without a straight edge, depending on whether the underlying stamp was in the left or right pane (Position 21 Right has a straight edge at left).

The other recorded example, from the Framingham Find and ex Sheriff, has perfs on all sides and was most recently offered in our Sale 1003 of 2010 (lot 5548, realized $21,000 hammer).

Ex Markovits. With 2004 P.F. certificate

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