3c Blue Green, Special
Printing (169). Without gum as issued, full perforations all around and
without the usual scissors-separations, selvage at bottom with part
imprint, rich colorVERY FINE AND CHOICE. A MAGNIFICENT EXAMPLE OF THE 1875 3-CENT CONTINENTAL BANK NOTE COMPANY SPECIAL PRINTING. FROM THE EARL OF CRAWFORD STRIP. EASILY ONE OF THE FINEST COPIES IN EXISTENCE.
Our recently updated records for Scott 169 contain 34 examples that have been certified as genuine by the Philatelic Foundation. The Earl of Crawford owned a bottom selvage strip of four, with plate no. at right and part of the imprint on the left two stamps (photo accompanies). This strip was evidently spared the usual fate of scissors-separation, probably due to its location at the bottom of the sheet.
Ex Earl of Crawford. With 1992 and 2002 P.F. certificates. (Image)
10c Pale Brown, Special
Printing (172). Without gum as issued, scissors-separated as usual but
leaving full perforations on three sides and part of the fourth, remarkably
choice centering for this difficult issueVERY FINE EXAMPLE OF THE 10-CENT 1875 CONTINENTAL SPECIAL PRINTING. A MAGNIFICENT STAMP AND VERY RARE IN THIS CONDITION.
Our recently updated census records for Scott 172 contain 36 copies that have been certified as genuine by the Philatelic Foundation. A majority of these have been scissors-separated into the perforations on at least one side. Of the eleven copies with full perforations, most have either pulled perforations or are not well-centered.
Ex Matthies. With 1998 P.F. certificate. (Image)
12c Dark Violet, Special
Printing (173). Without gum as issued, deep rich color and proof-like
impression, full perforations all aroundVERY FINE AND CHOICE EXAMPLE OF THE 1875 12-CENT CONTINENTAL BANK NOTE COMPANY SPECIAL PRINTING.
Our recent review of copies certified by the Philatelic Foundation found approximately 60 examples of Scott 173.
Ex Bingham. With 1938 A.P.S. and 2000 P.F. certificates. (Image)
15c Bright Orange, Special
Printing (174). Without gum as issued, brilliant color on bright paper,
scissors-separated as usual but leaving intact perforations on all
sides, choice centeringEXTREMELY FINE. A LOVELY EXAMPLE OF THE 1875 15-CENT CONTINENTAL BANK NOTE COMPANY SPECIAL PRINTING.
Our recent review of records at the Philatelic Foundation produced only 38 certified examples of Scott 174.
Ex West. With 1957 P.F. certificate (Image)
24c Dull Purple, Special
Printing (175). Without gum as issued, intense shade and proof-like
impression, intact perforations all around, natural paper inclusion
in vignetteVERY FINE EXAMPLE OF THE 24-CENT 1875 CONTINENTAL SPECIAL PRINTING. SCARCE WITH PERFORATIONS ON ALL SIDES.
Approximately 80-90 examples are believed to exist. With 1986 P.F. certificate (Image)
90c Violet Carmine, Special
Printing (177). Without gum as issued, well-centered with mostly
complete perfs all around, beautiful deep color and nice
impressionVERY FINE AND CHOICE EXAMPLE OF THE RARE 1875 90-CENT CONTINENTAL BANK NOTE SPECIAL PRINTING. SCARCE IN SUCH CHOICE CONDITION.
Our recent review of records at the Philatelic Foundation found only 44 certified examples of Scott 177.
Ex Caspary. With 1957 and 1984 P.F. certificates. (Image)
2c Carmine Vermilion, Special
Printing (180). Without gum as issued, intense color and proof-like
impression, full and intact perfs all around without any
scissors-separationFRESH AND FINE EXAMPLE OF THE 1875 2-CENT CARMINE VERMILION CONTINENTAL SPECIAL PRINTING. ONE OF THE RAREST OF ALL BANK NOTE SPECIAL PRINTINGS. ONLY 24 EXAMPLES ARE RECORDED IN OUR CENSUS.
Our census of Scott 181 published in the Zoellner catalogue (and updated at our website at: http://siegelaucti ons.com/enc/census/180/180.htm) records 24 examples of this rare Special Printing, one of which is in the New York Public Library collection.
Census No. 180-UNC-04. With 1948, 1965 and 2002 P.F. certificates. (Image)