Sale 1277 — The Adventurer Collection of United States Stamps
Sale Date — Tuesday-Wednesday, 7-8 March, 2023
Category — 1880 American Bank Note Company Special Printing (Scott 193-211D)
5c Gray Brown, Special Printing (205C). Without gum as issued, deep rich color and proof-like impression, choice centering with well-balanced marginsEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A STUNNING EXAMPLE OF THE 5-CENT GARFIELD 1882 SPECIAL PRINTING. ONLY 22 ARE RECORDED AND THIS IS ONE OF THE FINEST.
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 https://siegelauctions.com/census/us/scott/205C , contains 22 examples. Only three have faults. Several are centered to one side.
Census no. 205C-UNC-10. Ex Wingate and Przybyl. With 2000 P.F. certificate. Accompanied by 1944 typed note with photograph affixed and tied by signature from noted dealer Edwin Mueller guaranteeing this stamp as Scott 205C (and a Scott 204 as well).
