2c Dark Brown, Special Printing (168). Without gum as issued, bottom selvage with plate no. "161, full perforations without the usual scissors-separation, deep shade and proof-like impression, choice centering for this difficult issue

VERY FINE AND CHOICE. ONLY TWO ARE RECORDED WITH THE PLATE NUMBERS, AND THIS IS THE FINER OF THE TWO. ASIDE FROM THE PLATE NUMBER, THE STAMP ITSELF IS ONE OF THE MOST DESIRABLE EXAMPLES OF THE 2-CENT DARK BROWN 1875 CONTINENTAL BANK NOTE COMPANY SPECIAL PRINTING. FROM THE EARL OF CRAWFORD STRIP.

Our recently updated census records for Scott 168 contain only 55 copies certified as genuine. Of these, 22 have straight edges on at least one side and several are faulty. In fact, almost all known examples of the 2c 1875 Special Printing are off center. One other is known with the plate number (at top) but the leftmost number is not visible. The stamp offered here comes from the Earl of Crawford bottom selvage strip of four with the plate number and imprint. This strip was spared the usual fate of scissors-separation.

Unpublished Census No. 168-UNC-54. Ex Earl of Crawford, Ackerman, Concord and Hinrichs. With 2004 P.F. certificate

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