In article , bud-- wrote:

Most of the thread uses 210.21. It says what you say above, which I
agree is odd.

No, it doesn't. Read Table 210.21(B)(3). The permitted receptacle ratings on a
15A circuit are "not over 15". On a 20A circuit, it's "15 or 20".

A while back I ran across 406.3-A which, IMHO, prohibits almost all 20A
single receptacles on a 15A circuit:

Never mind that. Table 210.21(B)(3) prohibits *all* 20A receptacles, single or
duplex, on a 15A circuit.

15/20A receptacles "shall be installed only on circuits of the voltage
class and current for which they are rated." This applies only to
"grounding-type" receptacles, so you presumably could put an ungrounded
20A single receptacle as the only receptacle on a 15A circuit (and only
in those cases where you can use an ungrounded receptacle). Oddness
remains, but is greatly limited.

No, you can't. 15A circuits may not have receptacles rated over 15A. Period.
There are no exceptions.