Sale 973 — 2009 Rarities of the World
Sale Date — Saturday, 13 June, 2009
Category — 1880 American Bank Note Company Special Printing
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-07. Ex Floyd. P.F. certificate nos. 410 and 254720 no longer accompany. With 2009 P.S.E. certificate (XF 90; SMQ $154,000.00). Only one has graded higher to date and only three others share this grade.
