U.S. #206
1881-82 1¢ Franklin
American Bank Note Printing

Earliest Known Use: November 2, 1881
Quantity issued: 2,202,470,800 (estimate)
Printed by: American Bank Note Company
Method: Flat plate
Watermark: None
Perforation: 12
Color: Gray blue

U.S. #206
1881-82 1¢ Franklin
American Bank Note Printing

Earliest Known Use: November 2, 1881
Quantity issued: 2,202,470,800 (estimate)
Printed by: American Bank Note Company
Method: Flat plate
Watermark: None
Perforation: 12
Color: Gray blue

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 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.