Sale 1288 — The Nelson Berman Collection of Outstanding United States Stamps
Sale Date — Thursday, 22 June, 2023
Category — 1880-83 American Bank Note Company Special Printings (Scott 192-211D)
5c Gray Brown, Special Printing (205C). Without gum as issued, deep rich color and proof-like impression, almost perfectly centeredEXTREMELY FINE GEM. ONE OF THE FINEST OF THE 22 RECORDED EXAMPLES OF THE 5-CENT GARFIELD 1882 SPECIAL PRINTING. THIS MAGNIFICENT STAMP IS GRADED XF-SUPERB 95 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 Asst. PMG, 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 , illustrates the 22 recorded examples. This is easily one of the finest.
Census no. 205C-UNC-18. Ex Caspary as a block of four. With 1957 and 1989 P.F. certificates. With 2010 and 2023 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95; unpriced in this grade in SMQ, SMQ $95,000.00 as 90). This is the highest grade awarded and it is shared by only two others.
