12c Blackish Purple, Special Printing (198). Without gum as issued, intense shade and impression on bright paper, Jumbo margins

EXTREMELY FINE GEM. THIS IS PROBABLY THE FINEST EXAMPLE OF THE 1880 12-CENT AMERICAN BANK NOTE COMPANY SPECIAL PRINTING IN EXISTENCE. A PHENOMENAL STAMP IN EVERY RESPECT.

Our census of Scott 198 contains 65 examples, including one in the Miller collection owned by The New York Public Library, leaving 64 available to collectors. Of these, at least one-third have flaws. Many have poor centering as well. Only thirteen are confirmed as sound, and of these only seven have decent centering. A significant portion of the population -- 28 -- have not been examined in many years so their condition is not confirmed. Very few of these have decent centering, so the population of sound and centered examples is very small indeed.

Census no. 198-UNC-17. Ex Gorham. With 1966, 1989, 2004 and 2016 P.F. certificates.

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