The 1875 Special Printings

In 1876 the United States celebrated 100 years of nationhood. A huge International Exhibition in Philadelphia, parades and events around the country were held as part of the celebrations. For it's part the Post Office re-issued all the stamps that had been issued up to 1875. They did not sell well and most of the production had to be destroyed. With the exception of the 1847 stamps they were valid for postage so used examples can be found.

These have been called the “special printings" of 1875. All the original plates were used bar US #1 and #2. The 1847 plates had to be reproduced as the originals were lost to history.

All the printings were on harder whiter paper than the originals and most had a shade difference from the originals. The 80% of the large banknote special printings have at least one side that has been cut with scissors.

1875 vs. 1880 Special Printings

The 1875 special printings were printed by the Continental Bank Note Co. on hard white paper. The 1880 special printings were printed by the Amercican Bank Note Co. on soft porous paper. The 1875 printings are bright vibrant colors, the 1880 printings are a little duller.