Own a Seldom-Seen 1919 Imperforate “Coil Waste” Pair

The term “coil waste” refers to U.S. stamps created for use as coils, but due to poor centering or other defects, set aside as “waste.”  These stamps, which may or may not have been perforated, were usually destroyed.  However, in an economy measure, the Bureau of Engraving and Printing had them perforated and sold as sheets.  This 1¢ Washington stamp was given 10-gauge perforations vertically and then set aside as waste.  Most were then perforated 11 horizontally, resulting in #538.  However, #538a is an example of this stamp which did not receive horizontal perforations.