Basic Information
Color: Carmine
Subject: William H. Seward
Watermark: Watermarked double-lined USPS
Printing method: Flat plate
Perforations: Imperforate
Scott #: 371
Quantity issued: 530,000
Issued: June, 1909
Value for singles
An unused stamp with perfect gum: $8-$11
An unused stamp with gum and a hinge mark: $3-$4
A used stamp: $2.50-$3
Value for pairs
An unused pair with perfect gum: $10-$15
An unused pair with gum and a hinge mark: $5-$8
A used pair: $5-$8.50
About the 1909 2¢ Hudson-Yukon-Pacific stamp
An essay for #370/71 showing the original idea o using a seal for the vignette.
As it seemed to the organisers of the Alaska-Yukon-Pacific exposition, every previous expositions of note had seen a series of stamps to promote them. Thus they lobbied the Post Office Department and Congress to have a series of stamps dedicated to the Exposition. Their pleas fell on deaf ears and at the last moment the Post Office Department relented, however it would not be a series such as the Columbian Exposition. The post office would issue just one stamp, this 2¢ stamp.
Guide Lines
A guide line between each pane of 100 in a sheet of 400 was printed. Where the guide lines intersect (a centreline block), shown in the last image, is the most desirable. Guide lines should be collected in blocks of four. They do increase the price of the stamp, with MNH examples of the last block shown, can sell for a premium. Used copies are almost as valuable.
The Meekal Perforation
A Meekal private perforation.
At the time it was perceived that the government perforations were too fragile. Charles Haviland Mekeel, a prominent philatelist, publisher, and stamp dealer, applied these distinct private perforations to the edges of imperforate stamps to improve seperation.
The Vending Machine Packet
Vending machines packets
An interesting use of #371 from the US Vending Machine Company. #371 was contained in a pocket with a Franklin 1¢ (#343) or two Hudson Fulton 2¢ (#373) imperf stamps. This pocket of 5¢ stamps was dispensed from a strip of these pockets contained within the company's vending machines. The pockets value, complete with their contents, is between $750 and $1,250 depending on condition
1909 imperforate stamps and private perforations
An Attleboro private perforation
The 1909 imperforate stamps were issued without perforations specifically to supply private stamp vending and affixing machine companies. These early automated companies purchased uncut sheets of 400 stamps from the Post Office. They then cut the sheets into rolls (coils) and applied their own proprietary perforations or slots so the stamps could dispense from their machines. A guide to these proprietary perforations can be found by clicking the button below.
Vending machines required stamps with straight edges, either on the top and bottom or on both sides to operate the machines. Initially the Bureau perforated sheets in only one direction and then cut them into strips. These strips were then hand pasted into rolls and sold as a roll of coiled stamps.
The process of pasting together the strips was labor intensive and coils were not cheap to produce. The advent of the rotary press saved the day.
The blades in the both the first experimental machines were much to be desired and usually meant separating the stamps meant a torn stamp. The private perforations were employed to aid separation. Various perforations were used.
Because of high demand from philatelists, postal authorities made these imperforate sheets generally available to the collecting public, allowing them to acquire blocks, strips, and position pieces.
Usage
The earliest known use of #371, June 7th, 1909
The 2¢ stamp of 1909 paid the standard ½ ounce rate.
The Plates and a Pane
#371 was issued with the following plate #'s
Imprint and number
5235-37, 41, 49-51, 57
A full pane of #371, there were four panes to a sheet of 280
The Inspiration for the Design
Richie Alexander
photograph of William H Seward
The design vignette is from an engraving by Richie Alexander, based on a contemporary photograph of William H Seward whilst Secretary of State.
Essays and Proofs
370-E1
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370-E
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370-E2
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370-E3
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370-E4
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370-E5
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370-P1
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370-P2
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The Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition
Held in Seattle in 1909 it was held to publicize the Pacific North West and was a financial success due to it's heavy promotion by both the organizers and railway companies. It drew 3.7 million visitors. After the Exposition ended the buildings became the University of Washingon Campus. Two of the original buildings survive and are now the Architecture Hall and the Cunningham Hall.
Looking down the Court of Honor at the Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition toward Mount Rainier
The manufactures building under construction
A card advertising the 'Pay Streak' attraction at the Exposition.
The Pay Streak featured games of chance with cash prizes, it
was added after the success of a similar attraction at the Chicago Fair.
THE TEMPLE OF TIMBER (The Forestry Buiding)
Billed as the worlds largest log cabin the structure survived the Exposition.
Unfortunately it was demolished in 1930 as the logs were difficult to maintain
and no alternative use for the building could be found by the buildings new owners, the Univ. of Washington.