1c Ultramarine, Special
Printing (167). Without gum as issued, beautifully centered, bright
shade with slight dry print or surface disturbance in vignette,
scissors-separated but perfs virtually complete, small thin
spotEXTREMELY FINE APPEARANCE. AN OUTSTANDING EXAMPLE OF THE ONE-CENT 1875 CONTINENTAL BANK NOTE COMPANY SPECIAL PRINTING.
Approximately 40 examples of Scott 167 are believed to exist. The typical centering is quite poor, unlike this superbly-centered example.
With 2001 A.P.S. and 2002 P.F. certificates (Image)
2c Dark Brown, Special
Printing (168). Without gum as issued, deep color and proof-like
impression, scissors-separated as almost always leaving straight edge at
bottom and almost full perfs on other three sidesA FINE AND ATTRACTIVE EXAMPLE OF THE 2-CENT DARK BROWN 1875 CONTINENTAL SPECIAL PRINTING.
Approximately 75-80 examples are known. With 1986 P.F. certificate. (Image)
2c Dark Brown, Special
Printing (168). Without gum as issued, deep color and proof-like
impression, centered to topFINE EXAMPLE OF THE 2-CENT DARK BROWN 1875 CONTINENTAL SPECIAL PRINTING.
Approximately 75-80 examples are known. Ex Ballman. With 2003 P.F. certificate. (Image)
3c Blue Green, Special
Printing (169). Without gum as issued, dark color on fresh paper,
scissors-separated leaving full and almost intact perforations on three
sides and full perforations at topVERY FINE. LESS THAN 40 OF THE 1875 3-CENT CONTINENTAL SPECIAL PRINTING ARE BELIEVED TO EXIST.
The Scott catalogue notes that "Although perforated, these stamps were usually cut apart with scissors. As a result, the perforations are often much mutilated and the design is frequently damaged." For additional information, please see an article by William E. Mooz in Chronicle 183 titled "Scissors Cutting of the 1875 Special Printing Issues." The example offered here, with its design complete and perforations intact on two sides, is among the finer examples known of this rarity.
Ex Sheriff. With 1948 and 1992 P.F. certificates (Image)
6c Dull Rose, Special Printing
(170). Without gum as issued, brilliant color, scissors-separated as
usual but leaving intact perfsEXTREMELY FINE. AN OUTSTANDING EXAMPLE OF THE 6-CENT 1875 CONTINENTAL SPECIAL PRINTING. ONE OF THE FINEST COPIES CONTAINED IN OUR RECORDS -- FEWER THAN 35 ARE KNOWN TO EXIST.
Ex Lessin. With 1960 and 2002 P.F. certificates (Image)
7c Reddish Vermilion, Special
Printing (171). Without gum as issued, bright color, full perfs all
aroundEXTREMELY FINE. EASILY ONE OF THE FINEST OF THE APPROXIMATELY 50 OF THE 7-CENT 1875 CONTINENTAL SPECIAL PRINTING THAT ARE BELIEVED TO EXIST.
Most stamps of the Continental Special Printings were scissors-separated, affecting the perforations on at least one side and in some cases two or three sides. The stamp offered here, with full perforations on all sides, is a true condition rarity.
With 1979 P.F. certificate. (Image)
7c Reddish Vermilion, Special
Printing (171). Without gum as issued, bright color, choice centering
with full perforations all aroundVERY FINE AND CHOICE. APPROXIMATELY 50 OF THE 7-CENT 1875 CONTINENTAL SPECIAL PRINTING ARE BELIEVED TO EXIST.
This example is more desirable than most, due to its sound condition and full perforations on all four sides.
With 1967 and 1990 P.F. certificates (Image)
7c Reddish Vermilion, Special
Printing (171). Without gum as issued, bright color, full perfs all
aroundVERY FINE AND CHOICE EXAMPLE OF THE 7-CENT 1875 CONTINENTAL SPECIAL PRINTING.
Approximately 50 are believed to exist. With 1968 P.F. certificate (Image)
10c Pale Brown, Special
Printing (172). Without gum as issued, incredibly bright color, wide
margins, scissors-separated as usual but leaving almost full intact perfs
on three sidesEXTREMELY FINE. A BEAUTIFULLY-CENTERED SOUND EXAMPLE OF THE 10-CENT 1875 CONTINENTAL SPECIAL PRINTING.
Fewer than 40 are believed to exist. Of these, very few are as well-centered as the stamp offered here.
Ex Lilly. With 1966 P.F. certificate (Image)
10c Pale Brown, Special
Printing (172). Without gum as issued, full perfs on two sides,
wide-margin s.e. other two sides, bright colorVERY FINE EXAMPLE OF THE 10-CENT 1875 CONTINENTAL SPECIAL PRINTING.
Approximately 40 are believed to exist. Ex Caspary and Lessin. With 1960 and 2002 P.F. certificates (Image)
12c Dark Violet, Special
Printing (173). Without gum as issued, rich color, choice centering,
scissors-separated as usual but leaving perfs all aroundEXTREMELY FINE. ONE OF THE FINEST OF APPROXIMATELY 60 EXAMPLES OF THE 12-CENT 1875 CONTINENTAL SPECIAL PRINTING BELIEVED TO EXIST.
Ex Lutwak and Zoellner. With 1955 and 1976 P.F. certificates (Image)