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Scott # 205P2a

1915 5c Garfield ABNCo Issue Panama-Pacific Exposition Small Die Proof

1915 5c yellow brown Garfield American Bank Note Company Issue Panama-Pacific Exposition small die proof single. Wide margins and rich color exhibited on soft yellowish wove paper. This proof is accompanied by a 2007 Philatelic Foundation Certificate and is in sound condition. This is unheard of for these proofs, which characteristically have faults due to previous handling - and the nature of their fragile paper. With only 3 to 5 examples of each proof believed to exist, Panama-Pacific small die proofs are the most rare production proofs in all of United States philately. This proof would be an essential showpiece of any 5c Garfield Issue collection or exhibit, as well as a highlight of any United States stamp and proof collection.

The 1915 Panama-Pacific Exposition officially commemorated the 400th anniversary of the discovery of the Pacific Ocean by Vasco Nunez de Balboa and the completion of the Panama Canal. Similar in concept to previous World's Fairs held in the United States, a variety of buildings and pavilions were constructed to highlight various themes and exhibits.

The Post Office Department issued four commemorative stamps featuring Balboa, The Gatun Locks of the Panama Canal, The Discovery of San Francisco Bay and The Golden Gate at San Francisco. To be included as part of the Exposition’s exhibits, the Post Office Department commissioned the Bureau of Engraving and Printing to produce a set of proofs of every United States stamp issued to date. The complete set included 413 small die proofs of regular issue, commemorative, back of the book and possessions postage stamps. A complete set of the Panama-Pacific small die proofs was give to the Smithsonian Institution in 1915.

Certificate: PF Certificate

Certificate Date: 2007

Country: United States

ID: 000670

Our Price: $3,500.00