#497 - 1922 10ยข No watermark, perf. 10 vertically
See below for details
Basic Info
10¢ orange yellow
Subject: Benjamin Franklin
Printing Method:: Rotary press
Perforations: 10 vertically
Watermark:: no watermark
Scott #: 497
Quantity Issued: 13,477,490
Issued: January 31st, 1922
Value for pairs
Used
$11 - $14
No postmark with gum (MH)
$9 - $12
Full perfect gum, no postmark
no trace of stamp hinge mark (MNH)
$20 - $30
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.
The stamp was in production for 4 years.
First Day Cover
A first day cover of #497 dated Jan 31st, 1922
Fake Joint Lines
On almost every coil, somewhere, you can find an example of a fake joint line drawn in. The line should be identical ink, spaced equally between the stamps, and square with the stamp
The 1916-22 Coils
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