6c Pink (186). Original
gum, unusually well-centered, deep rich color and incredibly intense
impression showing all of the engraving lines in sharp detail -- rarely
seen on this issue, which is normally found with a weak mottled impression
on yellowish paperEXTREMELY FINE AND CHOICE. AN OUTSTANDING EXAMPLE OF THE 6-CENT AMERICAN BANK NOTE ISSUE.
With 2000 P.F. certificate (Image)
30c Full Black (190).
Original gum, lightly hinged, wide balanced margins and choice centering,
intense impressionEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB EXAMPLE OF THE 30-CENT AMERICAN BANK NOTE COMPANY PRINTING. A NOTORIOUSLY DIFFICULT STAMP TO OBTAIN IN CHOICE ORIGINAL-GUM CONDITION.
With 1999 P.F. certificate (Image)
3c Blue Green, Special
Printing (194). Without gum as issued, intense shade and sharp
impression, centered to right as are several of the few recorded examples,
slightly and naturally elongated perf hole at lower rightVERY FINE. THE 3-CENT AMERICAN BANK NOTE COMPANY SOFT-PAPER SPECIAL PRINTING IS ONE OF THE RAREST OF ALL SPECIAL PRINTINGS -- NO MORE THAN 20 EXAMPLES ARE LIKELY TO EXIST, AND ONLY 12 HAVE BEEN CERTIFIED BY THE PHILATELIC FOUNDATION.
We credit Larry Lyons with illuminating the extreme rarity of Scott 194. After our 1998 Zoellner sale, in which he acquired a 3c American Special Printing similar to the stamp offered here, he commented to us that his research revealed only a handful of examples in the marketplace over 20 years. He paid $27,000 hammer for the Zoellner stamp, and his judgement was vindicated when he sold the stamp in Shreves' January 2000 sale for $40,000 hammer.
Ex Crocker. With 1971 P.F. certificate. (Image)
5c Indigo, Imperforate
(216a). Top margin plate no. 539, imprint and letter strip of five,
original gum, rich color, two insignificant tiny thin spots between stamps
do not detractEXTREMELY FINE. POSSIBLY A UNIQUE IMPERFORATE IMPRINT AND PLATE NUMBER STRIP OF FIVE THAT HAS NOT BEEN ON THE MARKET IN OVER 50 YEARS.
Unlisted as a plate number strip. Scott Retail as stamps (Image)