Scotts #473 US stamps

#473 - 1916 - Perf. 10 - 11¢ Unwatermarked

11¢ Dark green

Printing Method: Flat Plate
Subject: Benjamin Franklin
Number issued: 5,792,000
Perforations: 10
Watermark: Unwatermarked
Scott #: 473
Issued: October 16th, 1916

Value

Used
$5 - $15
No postmark with gum (MH)
$30 - $55
Full perfect gum, no postmark
no trace of stamp hinge mark (MNH)
$65 - $80

Covers

I can find no image of #473 on cover, nor has there been any record of a cover in an auction. If you have such a cover I will PayPal the owner $10 for a decent size image

Plate Numbers

#473 was issued with the following plate #'s

Number only
7498-99
7504-05

A short life

The stamps on unwatermarked paper were current for a little over five months. They have never been plentiful and are relatively scarce. This unwatermarked paper was used with the old perf. 10 machines while the Bureau was waiting for the perforating wheels to wear out prior to changing all machines to 11 gauge. The use of this new paper before this change was unexpected by collectors. As a result, this perf. 10 unwatermarked variety was almost entirely overlooked.

Due to the color of the stamp the watermark on the previous issue is difficult to see, extreme care should be used in classifying it. Several tests may be necessary to be sure that no watermark exists.

Precancels

While these stamps were current, the Bureau of Engraving and Printing made the first experimental precanceled stamps. An example of precancel is shown above. Almost all precancels have a solid line above and below the location name.