Scotts #205 US stamps

#205 - 1882 Brown 5¢

5¢
Yellow brown, brown, dark brown

Subject: James Garfield
Number issued: 167,351,000
Perforations: P12
Printer: American Bank Note Co.
Paper: Soft porous paper
Scott #: 205
Date Issued: April 10th, 1882

Value

Used
40¢ - $1
No postmark with gum (MH)
$22.50 - $60
Full perfect gum, no postmark
no trace of stamp hinge mark (MNH)
$115 - $225

Sample stamps

Similar to Trial Color Proofs, samples were plate printed stamps in different colors and shades for the purpose of selecting a color. Value approximately $30.

Specimen stamps

Specimen overprint - value about $30

A Change of Color

Proposed color

Issued color

The proposed color of the stamp was black.The 15¢ Lincoln mourning stamp (#77) had been issued in black, so it was natural that black should be the color mourning the recently assassinated President James Garfield. When the proof in black was shown to Mrs Garfield she objected to the black color, so it was issued in brown.