#463a
1916 - Perf. 10 - Unwatermarked Booklet .
See below for details
Basic Info
2¢ Rose carmine, carmine
Booklet pane of 6
Printing Method: FLATE PLATE
Subject: George Washington
Perforations: 10
Watermark: Unwatermarked
Scott #: 463a
Issued: October 8, 1916
Value
Used
$25 - $35
No postmark with gum (MH)
$15 - $25
Full perfect gum, no postmark
no trace of stamp hinge mark (MNH)
$30 - $40
A full sheet of 360 of the 2¢ booklet pane, in this case a proof sheet. The siderographers, or persons who created the plate from a transfer roll, signed the proof off in the bottom right corner.
Plate Numbers
Number only
7555-57, 60
7881-82, 85, 87
7968-71
A change to Unwatermarked paper
During the World War I questions of economy were paramount and the Bureau finding that unwatermarked paper could be bought at considerable saving specified this for their contracts effective July 1, 1916. On August 22 this new paper was first used.
These stamps were almost entirely overlooked by both collectors and dealers. The single line watermark on the previous stamps was almost invisible and this unwatermarked variety not being an obvious change either as to design or perforation comparatively few were saved. It was current for less than six months and is one of the most desirable one cent regular issued stamps of the twentieth century. Because of the obscurity of the watermark on the previous issue care should be taken when classifying a stamp of this variety.
While these stamps were current, the Bureau of Engraving and Printing made the first experimental precanceled stamps. 'These were prepared for Augusta, Me., New Orleans, La., and Springfield, Mass.
The inspiration
Bust of George Washington
by Jean-Antoine Houdon
1785
The source of the design
Booklets
There are four different booklet covers for the 2¢ #463a. Each pane was separated from the next by a glassine, semi-opaque sheet. There is a tendency, over time, for these glassine sheets to stick to the stamps thus rendering the booklet almost valueless. In good condition with its contents complete they can fetch from $900 to $3,000 each.
The 1916 Definitive Issue Perf 10
