1c Deep Brown, Special Printing (J8). Mint N.H., beautiful intense shade and sharp proof-like impression on bright paper

FINE. A WONDERFUL MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE RARE ONE-CENT POSTAGE DUE SPECIAL PRINTING.

The 1c, 2c and 3c are undoubtedly the rarest values of the American Bank Note Co. Postage Due Special Printings, although the sold quantities in the official records are relatively high. William E. Mooz, in an article on the 1c appearing in Chronicle No. 170, May 1996, offers evidence to support his theory that the actual number of true Special Printings sold was significantly lower than the reported figures. For the 1c, Mooz estimates 500 sold, but it is possible that as many as 400 purchased by G. B. Calman were destroyed. It is widely accepted that nearly 9,000 1c stamps sold as Special Printings were actually regular issues.

As an indication of rarity, we have only sold two others in Mint N.H. condition. The most recent, with similar centering, realized $35,000 hammer in our 2005 Rarities sale.

With 1994 P.S.E. and 2005 P.F. certificates. Scott Retail as hinged

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