Sale 968A — The Alan B. Whitman Collection, Part Two: 1870-1901 Issues
Sale Date — Tuesday-Wednesday, 14-15 April, 2009
Category — 1880-83 American Bank Note Co. Special Printing (Scott 192-211D)
5c Gray Brown, Special Printing (205C). Without gum as issued, deep rich color and proof-like impression, beautifully centeredEXTREMELY FINE. THE 5-CENT GARFIELD IS ONE OF THE RAREST OF THE SPECIAL PRINTINGS. THIS SUPERB EXAMPLE IS ONE OF 21 RECORDED.
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 http://www.siegelauctions.com/dynamic/census/205C/205C.pdf ) illustrates the 21 recorded examples (only three have faults).
Census No. 205C-UNC-09. Ex Cole. With 1988 and 1995 P.F. and 2008 P.S.E. certificates (XF 90). All four graded copies have graded 90; based on our census, it is uncertain if any would grade 95 at P.S.E.
