1981-84 10.9c Hansom Cab, precancel

U.S. #1904a
1982 10.9¢ Hansom Cab
Transportation Series

Issue Date: March 26, 1982
City: Chattanooga, TN
Quantity: 159,505,000

Printed By: Bureau of Engraving and Printing

Printing Method: Engraved

Perforations: 10 vertically

Color: Pur...  more

U.S. #1904a
1982 10.9¢ Hansom Cab
Transportation Series

Issue Date: March 26, 1982
City: Chattanooga, TN
Quantity: 159,505,000

Printed By: Bureau of Engraving and Printing

Printing Method: Engraved

Perforations: 10 vertically

Color: Purple

During the late 1800s, the Hansom cab was widely used as a taxicab in many of America's big cities. An elevated driver's seat in the rear was the distinctive feature of this two-wheeled enclosed carriage. Passengers entered from the front through a folding door, and the driver spoke to them through a trap door on top.

The Transportation Series

A ground-breaking stamp was quietly issued on May 18, 1981. For the first time in U.S. history, a coil stamp featured its own unique design rather than simply copying that of the current definitive stamp. Fifty more coil stamps would be issued over the course of the next 15 years, each picturing a different mode of transportation. 

The various denominations provided face values to exactly match the rates for several categories of Third Class mail (bulk rate and quantity-discounted mail). As the rates changed, new stamps with new values were added. Never before had a stamp series included so many fractional cent values.

Most of the stamps in the Transportation Series were printed by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, although a few were printed by private contractors. All but a few of the later stamps were produced by engraved intaglio. Differences in precancels, tagging, paper and gum provide a large number of varieties.