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SET I - The Perf 12 - Double-line Watermark - Flat Plate of 1908
In 1908 the Bureau of Engraving and Printing began printing the Washington Franklin head definitives. This first set used the standard paper, perforations (gauge 12), and
watermarks (double-line USPS) that were used in the previous two definitive issues, the Triangles of 1895 and the Definitive Series of 1902, respectively. The denominations issued ran from Franklin on the 1c, to Washington on all other denominations through the $1; these stamps are listed in Scott as numbers 331 to 342. No new $2 and $5 stamps were issued at this time since there was an adequate supply of these from the 1902 series, namely the Scott 312 and 313.
Set I Coils and Imperforates: The 1c through 5c perforated 12 coils and the imperforate stamps of this period, were made by perforating in one direction only (or not perforating at all in the case of the imperforate stamps) the same double-line USPS watermarked paper stock used to make the fully perforated 12 stamps and are thus included in this set. These stamps were produced to be distributed in vending machines, with the imperforate issues primarily produced for private vendors, such as Schermack, Brinkerhoff, and U.S. Automatic to privately perforate. These coil and imperforate stamps are listed in Scott from 343-356. Note that the 3c stamp was not issued as a coil on double-lined watermarked paper.
Next: Set II
The Blue Papers of 1909
A Guide to the Washington Franklins 1909 · 1910 · 1910 Perf 8.5 · 1912 · 1914 · 1915 · 1916 · 1916 Coils · 1917 · 1918 · 1919 · 1919 Shanghai