U.S. #206-09
1881-82 American Bank Note Printing

Printed By: American Bank Note Company
Printing Method: Flat plate

Watermark: none

Perforations: 12

In 1881, the American Bank Note Company decided some of the plates they were using had become too worn, and did not show enough clarity and de...  more

U.S. #206-09
1881-82 American Bank Note Printing

Printed By: American Bank Note Company
Printing Method: Flat plate

Watermark: none

Perforations: 12

In 1881, the American Bank Note Company decided some of the plates they were using had become too worn, and did not show enough clarity and detail. Plates for the 1¢, 3¢, 6¢, and 10¢ were re-engraved; various lines were deepened and certain features were sharpened.

The lines outside the medallion on #206, the 1¢ Franklin, were strengthened, causing the background of the stamp to appear almost solid. In addition, the ornaments in the upper corners were shaded.

The shading of the line surrounding the oval of #207, the 3¢ Washington, is much narrower, while the vertical lines inside the medallion were deepened, creating a solid background of color. Also, a straight dash appears under the tail of the lower-right ribbon.

Only three vertical lines can be counted from the edge of the frame to the outside edge of #208, the 6¢ Lincoln stamp; previously there were four.

On stamp $209, there were originally five vertical lines between the left edge of the Jefferson portrait oval and the edge of the shield; now there are only four. There are only four horizontal lines above the top of the shield, and the frame around “U.S. Postage” now touches the edge of the frame.