Lot
4289 
1916, 1¢ Dark Green on Gray, Die 2, Mint card without printed address, deep rich color, clearly showing the die type with distinctive coat and queue lines, Extremely Fine and choice. USPCC No. S39. Scott No. UX27D $20,000.
ONE OF THE FINEST OF ONLY SIX RECORDED EXAMPLES OF DIE II DESIGN ON PROVISIONAL GRAY ROUGH-SURFACED CARD.
This issue was printed on substandard card stock, because of wartime paper shortages. Due to initial poor impressions, the die was recut to improve the design, resulting in this Die II variety. Proper card stock was obtained soon after the die recut was made so the Die II on this stock was used for a short period of time. It was sold only in sheets to printers for application of printed addresses. However, a small quantity is believed to have been issued at the Hagerstown Md. post office.