2c Dark Brown, Special
Printing (168). Without gum as issued, choice centering with full
perforations all around, rich colorEXTREMELY FINE. A SUPERB EXAMPLE OF THE 2-CENT 1875 CONTINENTAL BANK NOTE COMPANY SPECIAL PRINTING IN THE FINEST CONDITION ATTAINABLE.
Probably less than 75 are known. A review of the records at the Philatelic Foundation and our Levi records found only two other examples of comparable quality to the example offered here, as most are either off-center or have perfs that are scissors-separated.
Ex Kantor. With 1950, 1967 and 2002 P.F. certificates. (Image)
3c Blue Green, Special
Printing (169). Without gum as issued, full perforations on three
sides, straight edge at right is apparently natural as we detect a trace of
the arrow at bottom right, dark color on fresh paper, wide
marginsEXTREMELY 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 three sides, and with wide margins, is one of the finest examples known of this rarity.
With 1967 and 2001 P.F. certificates (Image)
6c Dull Rose, Special
Printing (170). Without gum as issued, brilliant color,
scissors-separated as usual but leaving intact perfs on all
sidesEXTREMELY 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.
With 1988 and 1999 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.
Ex Engel. With 1947 A.P.S. and with 1958, 1992 and 2004 P.F. certificates (Image)
12c Dark Violet, Special
Printing (173). Without gum as issued, scissors-separated as almost
always but with full perforations all around, choice centering, rich color
and proof-like impressionEXTREMELY FINE. A SUPERB EXAMPLE OF THE 12-CENT 1875 CONTINENTAL BANK NOTE SPECIAL PRINTING. APPROXIMATELY 60 ARE BELIEVED TO EXIST.
A survey of our Levi records and past auction catalogues shows that many examples have perforations scissors-separated on at least one side. There are perhaps twenty sound copies with perforations intact on all sides, and most do not rate the grade of Extremely Fine.
With 1983 and 2002 P.F. certificates. (Image)
24c Dull Purple, Special
Printing (175). Without gum as issued, intense shade and proof-like
impression, full and intact perforations all around, almost perfectly
centeredEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB EXAMPLE OF THE 24-CENT 1875 CONTINENTAL SPECIAL PRINTING. FEW ARE KNOWN IN SUCH SUPERB CONDITION.
Approximately 80-90 examples are believed to exist. With 1991 and 2001 P.F. certificates (Image)
90c Violet Carmine, Special
Printing (177). Without gum as issued, beautiful bright color on fresh
paper, scissors-separated as usual but leaving full and intact perfs on all
four sidesEXTREMELY FINE EXAMPLE OF THE 90-CENT 1875 CONTINENTAL SPECIAL PRINTING. APPROXIMATELY 40 ARE BELIEVED TO EXIST.
Scarce with full perforations on all sides and with such choice centering. With 1986 and 2000 P.F. certificates (Image)