U.S. #207
1881-82 3¢ Washington
American Bank Note Printing

Earliest Known Use: August 7, 1881
Quantity issued: 1,482,380,900 (estimate)
Printed by: American Bank Note Company
Method: Flat plate
Watermark: None
Perforation: 12
Color: Blue green

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U.S. #207
1881-82 3¢ Washington
American Bank Note Printing

Earliest Known Use: August 7, 1881
Quantity issued: 1,482,380,900 (estimate)
Printed by: American Bank Note Company
Method: Flat plate
Watermark: None
Perforation: 12
Color: Blue green

In 1881, the American Bank Note Company decided some of the plates they were using had become too worn, and did not show enough clarity and detail. Plates for the 1¢, 3¢, 6¢, and 10¢ were re-engraved; various lines were deepened and certain features were sharpened.

The shading of the line surrounding the oval of the 3¢ Washington is much narrower, while the vertical lines inside the medallion were deepened, creating a solid background of color. Also, a straight dash appears under the tail of the lower-right ribbon.