# 514 - 1917 15c Franklin, gray
U.S. #514
1917-19 15¢ Franklin
While some stamps saw their usage jump with the change in wartime rates, U.S. #514 saw an increase in usage after World War I. With open trade and shipping restored, the 15¢ fee paid for registered overseas letters. This stamp also paid the three-ounce Universal Postal Union international rate
Flat Plate, Perf. 11
The Bureau of Engraving and Printing continued to use the 10 gauge perforation machines on flat plate stamp sheets even after 11 perf. stamps proved successful. In an effort to save money, they used the perf. 10 wheels until they wore out. Beginning in early 1917, stamps produced on flat plate presses were given 11 gauge perfs.
That marked the beginning of the flat plate perforated 11 Series of 1917-19 stamps. Perf. 12 had proven too flimsy, and perf. 10 was too difficult to separate without damaging the stamp, so perf. 11 became a satisfactory solution.
15¢ Franklin
Issue Date: May 1917
Category: Definitive
Printed by: Bureau of Engraving and Printing
Printing Method: Flat plate, using plates of 400 with four panes of 100
Watermark: None
Perforation: 11
Color: Gray
Water-activated Gum
U.S. #514
1917-19 15¢ Franklin
While some stamps saw their usage jump with the change in wartime rates, U.S. #514 saw an increase in usage after World War I. With open trade and shipping restored, the 15¢ fee paid for registered overseas letters. This stamp also paid the three-ounce Universal Postal Union international rate
Flat Plate, Perf. 11
The Bureau of Engraving and Printing continued to use the 10 gauge perforation machines on flat plate stamp sheets even after 11 perf. stamps proved successful. In an effort to save money, they used the perf. 10 wheels until they wore out. Beginning in early 1917, stamps produced on flat plate presses were given 11 gauge perfs.
That marked the beginning of the flat plate perforated 11 Series of 1917-19 stamps. Perf. 12 had proven too flimsy, and perf. 10 was too difficult to separate without damaging the stamp, so perf. 11 became a satisfactory solution.
15¢ Franklin
Issue Date: May 1917
Category: Definitive
Printed by: Bureau of Engraving and Printing
Printing Method: Flat plate, using plates of 400 with four panes of 100
Watermark: None
Perforation: 11
Color: Gray
Water-activated Gum