In 1875, the U.S. Post Office decided to re-issue all previously released stamps for public display and sale during the nation's Centennial celebrations. Because the original 1873 stamps were still in use, these new versions were printed on without gum, distinguishing them from the regular "soft paper" issues meant for general postal use.

: Printed by the Continental Bank Note Co. using line-engraved intaglio on flat plates.

Due to its scarcity, an unused Scott #167 is valued between depending on its condition and centering. Sound examples with perforations on all sides are particularly rare, as many surviving copies have one or more straight edges.

While these were official government issues, the term "private" is often associated with specific historical collections that handled these reprints.