U.S. #209
1881-82 10¢ Jefferson
American Bank Note Printing

Earliest Known Use: May 4, 1882
Quantity issued: 151,479,420 (estimate)
Printed by: American Bank Note Company
Method: Flat plate
Watermark: None
Perforation: 12
Color: Brown

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U.S. #209
1881-82 10¢ Jefferson
American Bank Note Printing

Earliest Known Use: May 4, 1882
Quantity issued: 151,479,420 (estimate)
Printed by: American Bank Note Company
Method: Flat plate
Watermark: None
Perforation: 12
Color: Brown

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.

Originally, there were 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.