1978 15c Fort McHenry, Gray Omitted Error

U.S. #1618Cf- Gray Omitted

1978 15¢ Fort McHenry Coil
Americana Series

Here’s a striking error you don’t see every day. This 1995 15¢ “Home of the Brave” Flag coil is missing the gray ink entirely – no denomination, no slogan, just red and blue. That missing color was supposed to print the “USA 1...  more

U.S. #1618Cf- Gray Omitted

1978 15¢ Fort McHenry Coil
Americana Series

Here’s a striking error you don’t see every day. This 1995 15¢ “Home of the Brave” Flag coil is missing the gray ink entirely – no denomination, no slogan, just red and blue. That missing color was supposed to print the “USA 15” and the words “Home of the Brave” along the bottom. But on this error, it’s all gone.

Collectors love dramatic color-omitted errors, and this one’s especially eye-catching. A fun reminder that even a small shift on the printing press can turn an everyday stamp into a standout.

Issue Date: June 30, 1978
City: Boston, MA
Printed By: Bureau of Engraving and Printing
Color: Blue, red, gray

On September 13, 1814, Francis Scott Key watched from the Chesapeake Bay as the British bombarded Fort McHenry. In the “dawn’s early light” of the next morning, he saw the 15-star, 15-stripe American flag still flying over the Fort and was inspired to write his immortal poem, “Defense of Fort McHenry.” We know it as our national anthem, “The Star Spangled Banner.”