Scotts #212 US stamps

#212 - 1887 1¢

1¢
Ultramarine, bright ultramarine, deep blue

Subject: Benjamin Franklin
Number issued: 1,325,000,000
Perforations: P12
Printer: American Bank Note Co.
Paper: Soft Porous Paper
Scott #: 212
Date of Issue: June 11th, 1887

Value

Used
25¢ - 40¢
No postmark with gum (MH)
$6 - $20
Full perfect gum, no postmark
no trace of stamp hinge mark (MNH)
$40 - $50

Earliest documented use

The earliest known documented use of #212, July 15th, 1887

A Full Pane

A full pane of 100 of #212, there were two panes to a sheet of 200

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.

A New Stamp

The previous one cent design had been used for 27 years and the reason for the change is probably because the American Bank Note Company thought it was time for a change.

Inspiration for the design

The source for the design was this bust by Jean-Antoine Houdon

Plate #'s

#212 was issued with the following plate #'s

200 subject panes

R 573-577, S 578-582, T 583-587, F.F. 644-648, G.G. 649-653, J.J. 664-668,
P.P. 694-698, U.U. 719-723