#493 - 1917 3ยข Type I, No watermark, perf. 10 vertically
See below for details
Basic Info
3¢ Reddish violet, violet, dull violet
TYPE I
(Scroll down below for help identifying a type I)
Subject: George Washington
Printing Method:: Rotary press
Perforations: 10 vertically
Watermark:: no watermark
Scott #: 493
Quantity Issued: 243,504,000
Issued: July 23rd, 1917
Value for pairs
Used
$4 - $15
No postmark with gum (MH)
$60 - $90
Full perfect gum, no postmark
no trace of stamp hinge mark (MNH)
$400 - $900
Joint Lines
A solid line between two stamps, seen along the perforations in the middle, was the joint where two plates meet, the ink fills in the gap. They would be placed between each pane of 17 stamps. They can triple the value of the pair.
Precancels
Precancels on this issue were cylinder printed, and can appear sideways as apposed to the upright version on stamps with perforations on all four sides.
The right perforation
Prior to this stamp coils had been issued in all manner of perforations. If the perforation was too large the stamps tore whilst separating from each other. Too small and the coils of stamps broke apart before they could be sold. The 10 perforation proved to be the ideal balance for coil stamps, and from this point on all coil stamps were issued with this perforation.
Earliest documented use
Earliest documented date of use, November 2nd, 1917
Counterfeits
Almost every coil number will have a few examples which have had the joint line drawn in. This is an example of such fakery.
How to Identify Type I
Lip and toga rope differences
The 1916-22 Coils
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