The printing of the numerals on these port stamps were done with rubber mats in the same way as the printing of the wording ( overprint ) on some of the Transportation series of coils, back in the eighties. These overprints can exhibit some of the same type of "pieces" floating around. It may not be common, but in my opinion it is a "mat variety"
The denominations were applied using 100 subject rubber mattes and sometimes the mattes were bent or printing press applied just a bit too much pressure as can be seen on the top two stamps.
Since postage due stamps weren't usually seen or used by the general public quality control wasn't really a big issue.
The same was true for the documentary and stock transfer stamps of the 20th century, the paper and perfs were frequently pretty bad since only lawyers and clerks were going to see them.
Quote: Zebraman, you should get an award for best album page of the week!
I agree!!
Shifty Postage Dues
The fourth postage due design is unique in U.S. stamps. The engraved red frame was printed first and the denomination was added at a later time using rubber mattes with 100 subjects. Therefore any of the 16 denominations may exist on any of the 21 different plate numbers used to print these postage dues. These stamps were issued in June 1959 and were used until August 1986 and there were many different printings of which the last one was in November 1985. They were only sold over the counter starting in 1974 although they were available from the Philatelic Sales Division for the entire time of their usage except for the ½ cent which was withdrawn in 1962.
Since these stamps were considered utility stamps production controls were not as stringent as they were on regular commemorative and definitive postage stamps. The denominations tend to drift around the engraved part of the stamp as can be seen in the pages of this exhibit. They are either too high or low or too far to the right or left and sometimes for example too high and too far to the right. Sometimes they even touch the frame itself.
Thanks Germania, I had fun putting that page together. Thanks postagedueguy for showing that huge collection of plate blocks. I love the round-the-clock pages showing the denomination floating around the corners of the stamp.
Quote: Thanks Germania, I had fun putting that page together. Thanks postagedueguy for showing that huge collection of plate blocks. I love the round-the-clock pages showing the denomination floating around the corners of the stamp.
No problem. Glad to do it.
These were the shiny gums. The dull gums are even worse.
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Posted 03/06/2024 2:22 pm
