Lot 1039 /()
Special Delivery, 1888, 10¢ Blue, two top plate number and imprint strips, first is plate No. 552 strip of four, nicely centered with bright color, o.g., some reinforced perf separations, other is plate no. 73 top row strip of four with full selvage, deep intense color, no gum, reinforced perf separations, center stamp thinned with tiny hole, F.-V.F., A scarce pair of plate strips from the first two printing plates.Scott No. E2 $11,500.
Printing plate number 552 was the first printing plate used to print the issue. Plate number 73 was the second printing plate used after the new American Bank Note Company (ABNC) numbering system was established.
Realized: $1,100