Help On Odd Markings On A Scott 69

I had watched, and bid briefly, on a Sc 69 on ebay. It caught my eye due to an odd marking I had not noticed before in the word POSTAGE. Then I saw it again just a bit ago on an unused 69 up for sale in the Spink auction. Is this a common variation?

caper - good eye.

Its clearly a constant variety, as that is the same stuff on each stamp.

Unfortunately, I don't know anything about this stamp issue.
I'm sure someone else will.

This variety was reported by Roland Rustad in 1974 (see CHRONICLE #83), with a follow-up in 1979 (CHRONICLE 102). he was unable to identify the plate position.

Interesting...dirty transfer roll or possibly plate damage.

Thanks for the sanity check, thought I was just seeing things.

My first thought was a cracked plate.

Sort of reminded me of the 1c Franklin curl on shoulder variety, but not so visible due to the heavier dark printing outside the border and letters on the 69. Apparently not yet considered an 'official' listed variety as it's plate position has yet to be ID'd.

Was unable to find the markings on any of the multiples on the Siegel site. Did find 3 examples on the PF site: Cert #'s 534494, 504622, and 487313. Gross probably had a sheet or two of them.