$1 violet brown, dull violet brown, dark violet brown
Subject: Benjamin Franklin
Printing Method: Flat Plate
Perforations: 11
Watermark: no watermark
Scott #: 518
Quantity Issued: 20,978,866
Issued: May 19th, 1917
Used
50¢ - $2
No postmark with gum (MH)
$12.50 - $30
Full perfect gum, no postmark
no trace of stamp hinge mark (MNH)
$50 - $90
#518b
Deep Brown
Used
$1 - $2
No postmark with gum (MH)
$50 - $80
Full perfect gum, no postmark
no trace of stamp hinge mark (MNH)
$60 - $120
A full pane of 100 of #518, there were two panes to a sheet of 200
This variety was current for almost six years and is quite common. The use of the Parcel Post service increased tremendously after the close of World War I and the higher values were used in larger quantities than ever before. This caused numerous printings and this stamp is found in a wide range of shades.
#518 was issued with the following plate #'s
Number only
5782
This stamp was commonly precancelled, an example is shown above.