US Airmail stamps 1930 5¢ Airmail C16

C16 - 1931 5¢ Airmail

5¢
Violet

Printing Method: Rotary Press
Printer: Bureau of Engraving and Printing
Subject: A pilot's wing insignia
Number issued: 57,340,050
Perforations: 10 ½ x 11
Watermark: Unwatermarked
Scott #: C16
Issued: August 19, 1931

Value

Used
20¢
No postmark with gum (MH)
60¢ - $1
Full perfect gum, no postmark
no trace of stamp hinge mark (MNH)
$1.25 - $2

Rotary Press?

For the reasons of economy some of these stamps were printed using the Rotary Press, instead of the Flat Plate press.

The difference between the printings is Flat perf is perforated 11 on all sides whilst the rotary press is perforated 11 on only two sides, the other two sides are perforated 10 ½.

First Day Covers

The was no first day of issue. The Rotary press stamps were introduced in the flat plate production run. No date was recorded when this first occured.

Usage

In an effort to increase the use of airmail the postage rate was halved from 10¢ to 5¢ per ounce. From this issue onwards only airmail stamps could be used on airmail, previously any current US postage stamp was accepted.