Scotts #218 US stamps

#218 - 1888 Purple 90¢

90¢
Purple, bright purple

Printing Method: Engraved
Subject: Commodore Perry
Number issued: 135,000 (estimated)
Perforations: P12
Printer: American Bank Note Co.
Scott #: 218
Earliest Date of Use: February 28th, 1888

#218 Value

Used
$40 - $60
No postmark with gum (MH)
$115 - $75
Full perfect gum, no postmark
no trace of stamp hinge mark (MNH)
$1,000 - $2,000

#218a

Imperforate
#218a

#218a Single Value

Used
No sales recorded
No postmark with gum (MH)
$1,800
Full perfect gum, no postmark
no trace of stamp hinge mark (MNH)
No recent sales recorded

Earliest documented use

The earliest known documented use of #218, October 10th, 1888

Usage

Almost all of the 90¢ stamps were used on heavy parcels and a result few survive on piece. Above is one of the rare instances that the stamp was used on cover.

A Change of Color

#191

#218

In 1888 the color of the 90¢ was changed from the carmine of #191 to purple

Inspiration for the design

The vignette may have been based on the statue of Commodore Perry in Front Park, Buffalo, NY. The closest likeness to the vignette that I could find.

Plate #'s

#218 was issued with the following plate #

200 subject panes

23
(an old National Bank Company Plate)

A $1,000 parcel

The largest surviving multiple, obviously used for a parcel. The equivalent value today is $1,000. It was probably attached to a parcel label and the parcel was gold bullion.