#531 - 1919 1ยข no watermark, offset, imperforate
See below for details
Basic Info
1¢ green, grey green, dark grey green
Subject: George Washington
Printing Method: Offset (see below)
Perforations: Imperforate
Watermark: unwatermarked
Scott #: 531
Issued: January 21st, 1919
Value
Used
$3 - $4
No postmark with gum (MH)
$4 - $6
Full perfect gum, no postmark
no trace of stamp hinge mark (MNH)
$8 - $12
Plate Numbers
#531 was issued with the following plate #'s
Number only
9402
9509-21, 23, 27, 40, 58
9808-19, 28, 30
9951-52, 65
Centerline Blocks
The most desirable example of this inexpensive stamp is the centreline block, shown above. The stamp came in sheets of 400, and those sheets were separated into 4 panes of 400. There is a guide line between each pane and where the four panes meet, in the center, you find the centerline block. Value about $65 (MH)
A change to Offset
The poor quality of the ink that could be obtained at the time wore out the plates quickly. By switching to offset printing the plates lasted longer. The use of offset press would stay in place until the quality of available ink improved, which was expected to happen once world trade had gone back to normality after the disruption of WWI.
A fair quantity of this stamps printing went to the Schermack company for their type III perforated stamps (see below). Most desirable in pairs and multiples thereof.
Earliest documented use
Earliest known use of #531
March 17, 1919
Offset Printing
Probably the easiest method to tell an offset printing stamp is by its general appearance. Looking at the two halves of stamp below you can see what I mean, offset stamp has a very clear printing. To be more exact look at the eyebrows on George Washington
The 1919-21 Definitives
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