C12 - 1930 5ยข Airmail
See below for details
Basic Info
5¢
Violet
Printing Method: Flat Plate
Printer: Bureau of Engraving and Printing
Subject: A pilot's wing insignia
Number issued: 97,641,200
Perforations: 11
Watermark: Unwatermarked
Scott #: C12
Issued: February 10, 1930
Value
Used
20¢
No postmark with gum (MH)
60¢ - $1
Full perfect gum, no postmark
no trace of stamp hinge mark (MNH)
$1 - $1.60
Flat Press?
For the reasons of economy some of these stamps were printed using the Rotary Press, instead of the Flat Plate press.
The difference between the printings is Flat perf is perforated 11 on all sides whilst the rotary press is perforated 11 on only two sides, the other two sides are perforated 10 ½.
Plate #'s
#C12 was issued with the following plate #'s
19942-19949
20187-20190
20323
Usage
In an effort to increase the use of airmail the postage rate was halved from 10¢ to 5¢ per ounce. From this issue onwards only airmail stamps could be used on airmail, previously any current US postage stamp was accepted.
A Complete Pane
A complete pane of 50, there were four panes to a sheet of 200
The Inspiration for the Design
A pilots badge for the Airmail Service
First Day Covers
A first day cover postmarked February 10, 1930
1926-34 Airmails
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