#534B - 1920 2ยข no watermark, offset, imperforate - type VII
See below for details
Basic Info
2¢ carmine rose, carmine
TYPE VII (see below)
Subject: George Washington
Printing Method: Offset
Perforations: Imperforate
Watermark: unwatermarked
Scott #: 534B
Issued: April 25th, 1920
Value
Used
$100 - $135
No postmark with gum (MH)
$275 - $400
Full perfect gum, no postmark
no trace of stamp hinge mark (MNH)
$600 - $2,000
Plate Numbers
#534B was issued with the following plate #'s
Number only
12200-09, 52, 74-80, 88
12305
12809
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.
Centerline Blocks
The most desirable example of this stamp is the centreline block, shown above. The stamp came in sheets of 400 and 800 (source Durland Catalog). These sheets were separated into 4 panes of equal amount. There is a guide line between each pane and where the four panes meet, in the center, you find the centreline block. Value about $9,500 (MNH)
The 1919-21 Definitives
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