Scotts #471 US stamps

#471 - 1916 - Perf. 10 - Unwatermarked

9¢ Salmon red

Printing Method: Flat Plate
Subject: Benjamin Franklin
Number issued: 665,000
Perforations: 10
Watermark: Unwatermarked
Scott #: 471
Issued: July, 1916

Value

Used
$4 - $9
No postmark with gum (MH)
$17 - $45
Full perfect gum, no postmark
no trace of stamp hinge mark (MNH)
$80 - $200

Usage

This denomination was issued especially for use on parcel post packages, after the discontinuance of the distinctive stamps used for this service.

Earliest Known Date of Use

The earliest known date of use, August 6th, 1916

The Bureau

1917 Outside the main Post Office, US Liberty Bond mail bags

Woman mail carrier in 1917

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.

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.

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.