Scotts #440 US stamps

#440 - 1915 - Perf. 10 - Single line USPS wmk

50¢ Violet, Dull Violet brown
Printing Method: FLAT PLATE
Subject: Benjamin Franklin
Number issued: 3,350,000
Perforations: 10
Watermark: Single line USPS wmk
Scott #: 440
Issued: March 10, 1915

Value

Used
$4 - $16
No postmark with gum (MH)
$190 - $350
Full perfect gum, no postmark
no trace of stamp hinge mark (MNH)
$550 - $750

The Watermark

The watermark consists of single lined USPS letters. A stamp may show only part of a letter or letters

Useage

Like the twenty cent stamp this clenomination was issued primarily for use on Parccl Post after the discontinuance of distinctive stamps for this service.

Scenes from the Bureau

Horse drawn mail truck and postal staff outside the Bureau of Engraving, Washington DC, circa 1914

Bureau of Engraving, Washington DC, 1910. interior view with women working at tables in the stamp division of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing.

An Unwanted Stamp

This stamp was only current for little over a year and dealers who loaded to financial capacity with former issues did very little to help collectors to obtain copies for their collection by stocking up on this stamp while it was current. As a result, this stamp is less common and of higher value. Unlike the rest of this series, they were issued in sheets of 200.