1908 1c Franklin, Blue Green, Vertical Perf. 12 Coil

Rare #318 Coil Pair Will Be the Showcase of Your Collection

If you’re looking to add something special to your U.S. stamp collection, the 1908 1¢ Franklin horizontal coil pair is a true gem.  Issued on July 31, 1908, it features straight edges on the top and bottom with vertical perforations, earning it the nickname “sidewise coil” or “perf vertical coil.”

As one of earliest coil stamps issue by the US Post Office, US #318 has always been scarce.  It was produced experimentally in limited quantities and distributed to only a few locations. This stamp is even more rare in a coil pair.

History Behind Experimental Coil Stamps

Coil stamps were produced in response to a growing need for stamps used in vending and affixing machines.  The machines required stamps to have straight edges on opposite sides (either top and bottom or right and left).  The Bureau of Engraving and Printing responded to the need by perforating sheets of 400 stamps in one direction, then cutting them into strips along the uncut edges.  The strips were then pasted together to form rolls of 500 or 1,000.  This pair is part of that experiment.  The experiment didn’t last long, because this series was replaced less than a year later. 

Make this rare coil pair a standout piece of your collection.  Our stock is very limited – don’t miss out on your chance to own this scarce piece of stamp history.