Sale 1239 — 2021 Rarities of the World
Sale Date — Thursday, 24 June, 2021
Category — 1870-88 Bank Note Issues
5c Gray Brown, Special Printing (205C). Without gum as issued, deep rich color and detailed impression, choice centering with well-proportioned marginsEXTREMELY FINE. THE 5-CENT GARFIELD 1882 SPECIAL PRINTING IS ONE OF THE RAREST OF ALL THE BANK NOTE SPECIAL PRINTINGS. THIS SUPERB EXAMPLE IS ONE OF ONLY 22 RECORDED, AND IS GRADED XF 90 BY P.S.E.
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 our website at https://siegelauctions.com/census/us/scott/205C , contains 22 examples.
Census no. 205C-UNC-04. Ex Lilly and Chapin. With 1949, 2003 P.F. and 2005 P.S.E. certificates (XF 90; SMQ $95,000.00). Only two grade higher (at 95) and four others share this grade.
