Caution! Not Rare Swiss Color Trial Proofs

For 26 years from 1882 to 1908, the higher value definitives of Switzerland were an engraved series now popularly referred to as the Standing Helvetias. After the issue was rendered obsolete, engraved plates of the 25¢ and 40¢ values were privately transferred to a printer in Paris who produced large quantities of imperforate replicas in many colors. Because of their appearance, they are often offered in the market as color trial proofs for high prices. A fair price for these replicas might be dollar or so per vignette. As you can see, they are not rare.