Scotts #338 US stamps

#338 - 1909 Double Line USPS Watermark P12 10¢

10¢ - Yellow

Printing Method: FLAT PLATE
Subject: George Washington
Number issued: 197,000,000
Perforations: P12
Watermark: Double Line USPS
Scott #: 338
Issued: January 7, 1909

Value

Used
$1
No postmark with gum (MH)
$15 - $45
Full perfect gum, no postmark
no trace of stamp hinge mark (MNH)
$100 - $120

Plate #'s

#338 was issued with the following plate #'s

Imprint and number
4940-41, 43-44

The watermark

An illustration of the double line USPS watermark found on this stamp

Experimental Paper ?

Sometimes you will see very expensive copies of #338 advertised as experimental paper or CHINA CLAY PAPER. There is no such thing, what exists are stamps which have "dirty water" paper because silica in the water became embedded in paper produced during drought conditions when the mill pond was low.

There are some old PF certificates still around that state that a stamp is a "China Clay' stamp. The PF no longer recognises China Clay stamps and has ceased certifying them.

Do not be tempted to buy something that does not exist.

Useage

The 10¢ value was created for registered mail within the US and foreign bound letters weighing more than one ounce. An example of the oval registered mail cancellation is shown above. The rate for registered mail increased from 8¢ to 10¢ on November 1 1909, registered cancels on the 10¢ prior to his date are infrequently found.

Covers

Finding #338 on cover is hard. There are very few survivors. Shown above is the earliest known cover, dated February 1, 1909. The earliest known stamp is dated January 28, 1909.

The letter was addressed to Fresno, a photo of the city in 1909 is shown at the top of this page.