Sale 1159 — 2017 Rarities of the World
Sale Date — Tuesday, 27 June, 2017
Category — 1880-83 American Bank Note Co. Soft Paper Special Printing (Scott 192-203, 205C, 211D)
Lot
Symbol
Photo/Description
Cat./Est. Value
Realized
196
5c Gray Brown, Special Printing (205C). Without gum as issued, deep rich color and proof-like impression, choice centering with wide marginsVERY FINE AND CHOICE EXAMPLE OF THE 5-CENT GARFIELD 1882 SPECIAL PRINTING. ONLY 21 ARE RECORDED.
This elusive Special Printing was the subject of an informative article by William E. Mooz in the Chronicle, February 1992. His research provides strong evidence that the stamps recognized as Scott 205C are a small part of the 2,463 sold as Special Printings through the Third Assistant Postmaster General's office, and that regular issues were used to fill the backlog of orders for the 5c Garfield.
Our census of Scott 205C (available at http://www.siegelauctions.com/dynamic/census/205C/205C.pdf ) illustrates the 21 recorded examples (only three have faults).
Census No. 205C-UNC-02. Ex Meilstrup. With 1964 and 2008 P.F. certificates
60,000
45,000