Sale 973 — 2009 Rarities of the World

Sale Date — Saturday, 13 June, 2009

Category — 1880 American Bank Note Company Special Printing

Lot
Symbol
Photo/Description
Cat./Est. Value
Realized
148°
og
Sale 973, Lot 148, 1880 American Bank Note Company Special Printing5c Gray Brown, Special Printing (205C). Without gum as issued, deep rich color and proof-like impression, beautifully centered

EXTREMELY 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.

85,000
75,000