Identifying the circular dies, the Washington/Franklins of
Bill Lehr
This material was published as a series of articles in US Stamp News,
The circular die envelopes were printed by Middle West Supply Company from 1915 through 1928. The International Envelope Company continued printing the series from 1929 through 1950. These dies were ell documented in the philatelic press as the various dies were issued. Catalog descriptions tend to be short and confusing. Envelope size, knife (shape), watermark and color can all help with proper identification. Specific features and measurements can be used to verify proper identification for entires or for cut squares.
NOTES: Die numbers are given as UPSS/Thorp-Bartels/(Scott). All measurements in millimeters.
1¢, green, bust of Franklin (facing left) surrounded by two
colorless circles with inscription between; figures of value in small circles
at the sides below the center; UNITED STATES POSTAGE above,
Distance across
Die 127
Die 127/A(1) UNITED is small and closer to the inner circle.
1st issued 1917 E
of
Circular
C in
Distance across
NT
of
Heavy, well formed lettering.
Printed on the Huckins rotary press.
Low back entires with rounded ends; also high back entires.
Used for precancelled envelopes.
Also used on manila wrappers and on both glazed and unglazed brown wrappers.
Die 128
Die 128/B(2) UNITED is centered between the circles.
1st issued 1917 Circular
C in
Distance across
NT
of
First S of STATES is larger than the last S of STATES.
NT
of
Outline of the letters is sharp and distinct.
Printed on the Smithe rotary press.
All entires are low back with square ended side flaps.
Printed on paper with watermarks 19 and 20 only.
All entires of Die 128 were produced without gum.
Die 128 entires were produced only in size 23 (105 X 241 mm).
Die 128 occurs on white or on amber paper only.
Die 129
Die 129/C(3) Hair projects strongly at the back (hair forms a knob).
1st issued 1919 Circular
C in
Distance across
NT
of
C
of
Printed
on the
Printed on high back envelopes only; no window envelopes were produced.
Also printed on manila wrapper.
Die 130
Die 130/D(4) UNITED is closer to the outer circle.
1st issued 1920 Circular
C in
Distance across
NT
of
C
of
NT
of
Printed on the Kenny rotary press; entires tend to have rough/ragged edges.
Low back envelopes with 18 mm square ends on the side flaps
Die 131
Die 131/E(5) C
of
1st issued 1930 O and G of POSTAGE are very narrow and oval shaped.
Heavy, well formed lettering.
Printed on the Harris rotary press.
Used for precancelled envelopes.
Die 131 is not known on oriental buff.
TABLE 1 Major features and measurements:
|
DIE |
Major feature(s) |
A |
B |
C |
|
|
|
length of |
|
NT of |
|
|
|
|
across bottom |
across bottom |
|
127/A/(4) |
UNITED
closer to inner circle |
9 |
6.5 |
4.5 |
|
128/B/(2) |
UNITED is
centered; first S of STATES larger than last S |
9 |
6.75 |
4.5 |
|
129/C/(3) |
Hair forms
a knob; C of |
9.5 |
7.25 |
4.75 |
|
130/D/(4) |
UNITED
closer to outer circle; C of |
9 |
7 |
4.5 |
|
131/E/(5) |
C, O, G
narrow and oval shaped |
|
|
|
TABLE 2 Paper color/Scott # vs die (X indicates NOT ISSUED):
|
Die/ Paper |
White |
amber |
oriental buff |
blue |
manila |
manila wrapper |
glazed brown |
glazed brown |
unglazed brown |
unglazed brown |
|
127/A/(4) |
U420 |
U421 |
U422 |
U423 |
U424 |
W425 |
U426 |
W427 |
U428 |
W429 |
|
128/B/(2) |
U420a |
U421a |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
|
129/C/(3) |
U420b |
U421b |
X |
U423a |
X |
W425a |
X |
X |
X |
X |
|
130/D/(4) |
U420c |
U421c |
U422a |
U423b |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
|
131/E/(5) |
U420d |
U421d |
X |
U423c |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
TABLE 3 Watermark vs die (X indicates watermark used):
|
WM/DIE |
127 |
128 |
129 |
130 |
131 |
|
17 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
18 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
19 |
X |
X |
X |
X |
|
|
20 |
X |
X |
X |
|
|
|
21 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
22 |
X |
|
X |
X |
|
|
23 |
X |
|
X |
X |
|
|
24 |
X |
|
X |
X |
|
|
25 |
X |
|
X |
X |
|
|
26 |
|
|
X |
|
|
|
27 |
X |
|
X |
X |
|
|
28 |
X |
|
X |
|
X |
|
28a |
X |
|
X |
|
X |
|
29 |
X |
|
X |
|
X |
|
30 |
X |
|
X |
|
X |
|
30a |
X |
|
X |
|
X |
|
31 |
X |
|
|
|
X |
|
32 |
X |
|
|
|
X |
|
33 |
X |
|
|
|
X |
|
35 |
X |
|
|
|
X |
|
36 |
X |
|
|
|
X |
|
38 |
X |
|
X |
|
X |
|
39 |
X |
|
X |
|
X |
|
40 |
X |
|
X |
|
|
|
41 |
X |
|
X |
|
X |
|
42 |
X |
|
|
|
X |
|
43 |
X |
|
|
|
X |
|
44 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
0 (wove) |
|
|
|
|
|
Identifying the circular dies, the Washington/Franklins of
Bill Lehr
1 ½ ¢, brown, bust of Washington (facing left) surrounded by two colorless circles with inscription between; figures of value are in small circles at the sides below the center; UNITED STATES POSTAGE above, CENTS below; colored circle surrounds the whole. Two die varieties. Dies are the same as for the 2¢ die varieties but with the numerals of value changed. Neither of the 1 ½ ¢ dies occurs on oriental buff paper.
Head size and slope of the numerals are the major identifying elements.
NOTES: Die numbers are given as UPSS/Thorp-Bartels/(Scott). All measurements in millimeters.
Distance across CENTS is measured from the lower left of the C to the upper right of the S.
Die 132
Die 132/A(1) Large head 9 ¼ mm
1st issued 1925 Both numerals are horizontal.
UNITED is closer to the inner circle than to the outer circle.
C of CENTS is round and open.
Distance across CENTS is 9 ¾ mm.
EN of CENTS is 4 ½ mm across the bottom.
U of UNITED is ½ mm from the left circle of value.
Lettering is heavy (broad) but well formed.
E of CENTS is closer to the inner circle than the N of CENTS.
Cross bars of “T”s measure 1 ½ mm
Printed on the Huckins rotary press
Made from the 2¢ master for Die A
White, amber, blue and manila envelopes, manila wrapper
Die 132 is also known printed in the purple of the 3¢ dies
Die 133
Die 133/H2(8)
Both numerals slope downward to the right, especially the left numeral.
Embossing is usually very sharp and clear.
Cross bars of all T’s are wide (1 ¾ mm across).
C of CENTS is round
Distance across CENTS measures barely less than 10 mm.
U of UNITED is ½ mm from the left circle of value.
Made from the 2¢ master for Die H2.
White, amber and blue envelopes only.
Die 133 does not occur on manila paper (neither envelope nor wrapper).
TABLE 1 Features and measurements
|
Die |
Slope |
Slope |
H |
A |
D |
U |
|
|
|
Left numeral |
Right numeral |
Head Size |
length of |
EN of
CENTS |
U of UNITED |
crossbar of |
|
|
|
|
|
CENTS |
at bottom |
to left
circle of value |
T's |
|
132/A(1) |
horizontal |
horizontal |
9 1/4 |
9.75 |
4.5 |
0.5 |
1.5 |
|
133/H2(8) |
slightly to the right |
slightly to the right |
9 |
almost 10 |
4.5 |
0.5 |
1.75 |
TABLE 2 Die/Scott # vs paper color (X indicates NOT ISSUED)
|
Die |
white |
amber |
oriental buff |
blue |
manila |
manila wrapper |
|
132/A(1) |
U481 |
U482 |
X |
U483 |
U484 |
W485 |
|
133/H2(8) |
U481a |
U482a |
X |
U483a |
X |
X |
TABLE 3 Die vs watermark (X indicates issued)
|
WM/DIE |
132 |
133 |
|
17 |
|
|
|
18 |
|
|
|
19 |
|
|
|
20 |
|
|
|
21 |
|
|
|
22 |
|
|
|
23 |
|
|
|
24 |
|
|
|
25 |
|
X |
|
26 |
X |
X |
|
27 |
X |
X |
|
28 |
X |
X |
|
28a |
X |
X |
|
29 |
X |
X |
|
30 |
X |
X |
|
30a |
X |
X |
|
31 |
X |
|
|
32 |
X |
|
|
33 |
X |
X |
|
35 |
X |
|
|
36 |
X |
|
|
38 |
X |
X |
|
39 |
X |
X |
|
40 |
X |
X |
|
41 |
X |
X |
|
42 |
X |
|
|
43 |
X |
|
|
44 |
|
|
|
0 |
X |
|
Identifying the circular dies, part 3
Bill Lehr
2¢, carmine, bust of Washington (facing left) surrounded by two colorless circles with inscription between; figures of value in small circles at the sides below the center; UNITED STATES POSTAGE above, CENTS below; colored circle surrounds the whole. Nine master die varieties exist. Numerous minor varieties are the result of using electroplates for the actual printing process.
Main identifying features for the 2¢ dies are the head size and the orientation of the figure “2”’s, both in combination with other features. Other measurable values as well as knife, watermark, and sometimes paper color can be used to verify identification.
Die 134
Die 134/A(1) Large head 9 ¼ mm
Both 2’s are horizontal.
E of CENTS is closer to the inner circle than the N of CENTS.
C of CENTS is round and open.
Distance across CENTS measures 9 ¾ mm.
EN of CENTS is 4 ½ mm across the bottom.
U of UNITED is ½ mm from the left circle of value (close).
Lettering is heavy (broad) but well formed.
U of UNITED is medium in width
E of POSTAGE is close to the figure of value
E of POSTAGE slopes down to the right
N of CENTS is wide and tapers outward at the bottom
S of CENTS is very short at the upper end.
S of CENTS is some distance from the right circle of value.
Distance between the D of UNITED and the first S of STATES is wide.
Printed on the Huckins rotary press.
Most common die of this series.
High back envelopes and low back with rounded ends on side flaps
Die 134 is the only 2¢ die used on wrappers.
Rare “laid paper” errors exist with Die 134.
Die 135
Die 135/B(2) Very large (fat) head 9 ½ mm
Both 2’s slope downward to the right.
U of UNITED is 7/8 (1) mm (far) from the left circle and almost horizontal
C of CENTS is round but more closed than in Die A
Distance across CENTS measures 10 ¼ mm.
EN of CENTS is 4 ½ mm across the bottom.
Top stroke of the S of CENTS is long.
C and E of CENTS are close at the top.
G and E of POSTAGE almost touch.
Lettering and inner circle are fairly heavy and well formed.
Die 135 is Die 136(C) re-engraved.
Printed on the Smithe rotary web press.
Uncommon; watermarks 19 and 20 only
No window envelopes
Low back envelopes with narrow square ends on the side flaps
Size 10, knife 60 or Size 13, knife 81
Very rare on buff paper.
Die 136
Die 136/C(3) Very large (fat) head 9 ½ mm
Both 2’s slope very slightly downward to the right.
U of UNITED is far (1 mm) from the left circle of value and is very broad.
Inner circle and numeral circles are very fine (extremely thin).
Lettering is fine but well formed.
Outer circle is the same as for the other dies.
C of CENTS is round and closed to the same extent as the C in Die B.
Distance across CENTS measures 10 ¼ mm.
EN of CENTS measures 4 ½ mm across the bottom.
Distance between D of UNITED and first S of STATES is very wide
Distance between last S of STATES and the P of POSTAGE is wide
O of POSTAGE is a large and wide-open oval.
C of CENTS is far from the left circle of value.
NT of CENTS is widely spaced at the bottom.
Die 136 is the rejected die.
Printed on the Smithe rotary web press.
Die 136 was used on white and on blue papers only. NO amber, NO buff.
No window envelopes
Envelopes are low back with narrow square cut ends, size 10, knife 60 only
Uncommon; entires are found with watermarks 19 on white and 20 on blue only.
Die 137
Die 137/D(4) Large head 9 ¼ mm
Left 2 is horizontal, the right 2 slopes downward to the right.
Left 2 is larger than the right 2.
C of CENTS is (very) close to the left circle; ends of the C are very short.
C of CENTS is round and open.
Distance across CENTS: 10 ¼ mm
EN of CENTS measures 5 mm across bottom (widely spaced)
U of UNITED is ¾ mm from left circle and has a decided upward slant.
Lettering is fairly heavy and well formed.
D of UNITED is near the first S of STATES.
Letters of CENTS are tall.
T and S of CENTS are close at the base.
Printed on the Smithe rotary web press.
No window envelopes
Envelopes are low back with narrow square ends.
Size 21, knife 104 or Size 23, knife 111
Uncommon; entires are known with watermarks 19 and 20 only.
Die 138
Die 138/E(5) Small head 8 ¾ mm
Left 2 is horizontal, the right 2 slopes downward to the right.
T and S of CENTS are close (< 1 mm.) together at the bottom.
Wide N
C of CENTS is round; N is wide (2 ¼ to 2 3/8 mm at bottom, 2 mm at top)
Lower bar of the E of POSTAGE is 1/2 mm from the right circle of value.
Nose is somewhat pointed.
Center lock of hair points left.
D of UNITED is close to the first S of STATES.
E and N of CENTS are close.
N of CENTS is large and broad.
Printed on the Kenny rotary press.
Die 138 was in use from 1916-1926.
Envelopes are low back with wide nearly square ends on the side flaps.
Die 138 entires with 1925 watermarks (26 and 27) are uncommon.
Die 139
Die 139/F(6) Small head 8 ¾ mm
Left 2 slopes strongly downward to the right; the right 2 is horizontal.
TS of CENTS is far (1 mm.) apart at the bottom.
Narrow N.
C of CENTS is round; N is narrow (2 mm at bottom; 1 ¾ mm at top)
Lower bar of E of POSTAGE is ¾ mm (far) from the right circle.
NTS of CENTS is widely spaced at the bottom.
Heavy strands of hair resemble bumps.
Nose is bluntly rounded at the tip.
O of POSTAGE is wide.
N of CENTS is narrow.
Printed on the Kenny rotary press.
Low back envelopes with 18 mm square ends; printed in only two sizes
Die 139 was in use from 1917-1926.
Die 139/F is less common than Die 138/E.
Missing letters are common with Die 139 printings due to “dirty working dies”.
Die 140
Die 140/H(7) Head 9 mm
1st issued 1918 Both 2’s slope downward to the right, especially the left 2.
Cross bars of all T’s are narrow (1 ½ mm across).
C of CENTS is round and very open
Distance across CENTS is barely less than 10 mm.
U of UNITED is ½ mm from the left circle of value.
Embossing is usually very sharp and clear.
Lettering is usually thin but sometimes is heavy
D of UNITED and the first S of STATES are widely spaced.
Last S of STATES and the P of POSTAGE are close.
U of UNITED is wide
O of POSTAGE is large
G of POSTAGE is wide open
E of POSTAGE nearly horizontal
N of CENTS is wide and vertical
T of CENTS slants sharply to the right
E and N of CENTS are the same distance from the inner circle
The ear is prominent.
Printed
on the
Die 140 was in use from 1918-1949.
Low back envelopes are uncommon with Die 140 printings.
No window envelopes
Low back Die 140 printings are on white paper only,
Size 10, knife 59, watermarks 20, 23, or 24.
Die 140 is the only 2¢ die used on manila envelopes.
Die 141
Die 141/H2(8) Same as Die H except the crossbars of all T’s are wide (1 ¾ mm across).
1924 Printed
on the
Die 141 was in use from 1924-1941.
All envelopes are high back
No window envelopes
Die 141 is not known on oriental buff.
Die 142
Die 142/I(9) C, U, and G are very narrow and oval shaped.
1929 Head is the same as in Die A but the lettering is redrawn.
Large head 9 ¼ mm
C of CENTS and both of the 2’s are narrow and tend to close.
Printed on the Harris press.
Die 142 is not known on oriental buff.
Envelopes are high back or low back with rounded ends on the side flaps.
Die 142 on blue is also known printed in the purple used for the 3¢ dies.
TABLE 1 Die 3 vs prominent feature and head size
Head measurements same as for the 1 ½ cent dies
|
Die |
Prominent
Feature |
Slope |
Slope |
H |
|
|
|
Left numeral |
Right numeral |
Head Size |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
134/A/(1) |
E of
CENTS closer to inner circle |
horizontal |
horizontal |
9 1/4 |
|
135/B(2) |
U of
UNITED far from left circle of value |
right |
right |
9 1/2 |
|
136/C(3) |
All inner
circles very thin |
slightly right |
slightly right |
9 1/2 |
|
137/D(4) |
Left 2 is
larger than the right 2 |
horizontal |
right |
9 1/4 |
|
|
U of
UNITED has decided upward slant |
|
|
|
|
138/E(5) |
T and S
of CENTS close at bottom |
horizontal |
right |
8 3/4 |
|
139/F(6) |
T and S of
CENTS far at bottom |
strongly right |
horizontal |
8 3/4 |
|
140/H(7) |
narrow T's |
right |
right |
9 |
|
141/H2(8) |
wide T's |
right |
right |
9 |
|
142/I(9) |
narrow
oval C,U,G |
horizontal |
horizontal |
9 1/4 |
TABLE 2 Die # vs measurements
Measurements A, D, U same as for 1 ½ cent dies
|
Die |
A |
D |
N1/N2 |
S |
U |
|
|
|
length of |
EN of CENTS |
N of CENTS |
TS of CENTS |
U of UNITED |
crossbar of |
|
|
CENTS |
at bottom |
Top/Bottom |
at bottom |
to left circle
of value |
T's |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
134/A/(1) |
9.75 |
4.5 |
1.9 |
2.1 |
0.9 |
0.50 |
|
135/B(2) |
10.25 |
4.5 |
1.9 |
2.1 |
<1.0 |
0.75-1.0 |
|
136/C(3) |
10.25 |
4.5 |
2.0 |
2.2 |
1.0 |
1.00 |
|
137/D(4) |
10.25 |
almost 5 |
2.0 |
2.2 |
0.75 |
0.75 |
|
138/E(5) |
10 |
4.5 |
2.0 |
2.25 - 2.375 |
<1.0 |
0.50 |
|
139/F(6) |
9.75 |
>4 |
1.8 |
2.0 |
>1.25 |
0.50 |
|
140/H(7) |
<10 |
4 |
1.9 |
1.9 |
1.25 |
0.50 |
|
141/H2(8) |
<10 |
4.25 |
1.8 |
1.9 |
>1.25 |
0.50 |
|
142/I(9) |
10.5 |
4.25 |
2 |
2 |
>1.25 |
0.50 |
TABLE 3 Die/Scott # vs paper color (X indicates NOT ISSUED)
|
Die |
white |
amber |
oriental buff |
blue |
manila |
manila wrapper |
glazed brown |
unglazed brown |
|
134/A/(1) |
U429 |
U430 |
U431 |
U432 |
X |
W433 |
W434 |
W435 |
|
135/B(2) |
U429a |
U430a |
U431a |
U432b |
X |
X |
X |
X |
|
136/C(3) |
U429b |
X |
X |
U432c |
X |
X |
X |
X |
|
137/D(4) |
U429c |
U430b |
U431b |
U432d |
X |
X |
X |
X |
|
138/E(5) |
U429d |
U430c |
U431c |
U432e |
X |
X |
X |
X |
|
139/F(6) |
U429e |
U430d |
U431d |
U432f |
X |
X |
X |
X |
|
140/H(7) |
U429f |
U430e |
U431e |
U432g |
U432A |
X |
X |
X |
|
141/H2(8) |
U429g |
U430f |
X |
U432h |
X |
X |
X |
X |
|
142/I(9) |
U429h |
U430g |
X |
U432i |
X |
X |
X |
X |
TABLE 4 Watermark vs die # (X indicates issued)
|
WM/DIE |
134 |
136 |
137 |
138 |
139 |
140 |
141 |
142 |
|
17 |
X |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
18 |
X |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
19 |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
|
|
|
20 |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
|
|
|
21 |
X |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
22 |
X |
|
|
X |
X |
X |
|
|
|
23 |
X |
|
|
X |
X |
X |
|
|
|
24 |
X |
|
|
X |
X |
X |
X |
|
|
25 |
X |
|
|
X |
X |
X |
X |
|
|
26 |
X |
|
|
X |
X |
X |
X |
|
|
27 |
X |
|
|
X |
X |
X |
X |
|
|
28 |
X |
|
|
|
|
X |
X |
X |
|
28a |
X |
|
|
|
|
|
X |
X |
|
29 |
X |
|
|
|
|
X |
X |
X |
|
30 |
X |
|
|
|
|
X |
X |
X |
|
30a |
X |
|
|
|
|
X |
X |
X |
|
31 |
X |
|
|
|
|
|
|
X |
|
32 |
X |
|
|
|
|
X |
X |
X |
|
33 |
X |
|
|
|
|
X |
X |
X |
|
35 |
X |
|
|
|
|
X |
X |
X |
|
36 |
X |
|
|
|
|
X |
X |
X |
|
38 |
X |
|
|
|
|
X |
X |
X |
|
39 |
X |
|
|
|
|
X |
X |
X |
|
40 |
X |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
41 |
X |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
42 |
X |
|
|
|
|
X |
|
X |
|
43 |
X |
|
|
|
|
|
|
X |
|
44 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0 |
X |
|
|
|
|
X |
|
|
Identifying the circular dies, part 4
Bill Lehr
3¢, (dark) violet or (bluish) purple, bust of Washington (facing left) surrounded by two colorless circles with inscription between; figures of value in small circles at the sides below the center; UNITED STATES POSTAGE above, CENTS below; colored circle surrounds the whole. Dies are the same as for the 2¢, above, but with the values changed. Dark violet was used for the early printings, beginning in 1917. Dark violet printings are known with watermarks 19 and 20 only. Purple was used for later printings beginning in 1932-1950. The purple ink got progressively darker, approaching the original dark violet color. Neither manila envelopes, nor manila wrappers occur with any of the 3¢ dies.
Head size and orientation of the numerals of value, in combination with other features, serve to identify the various 3¢. Color and watermark are quite useful for identifying the scarce 3¢ dies.
Die 143 purple
Die 143/A(1) Both 3’s are vertical; both dark violet and purple.
Large head 9 ¼ mm
C of CENTS is round and open.
Distance across CENTS: 9 ¾ mm
EN of CENTS measures 4 ½ mm across bottom.
U of UNITED is ½ mm from the left circle of value (close).
Lettering is heavy (broad) but well formed.
E of CENTS is closer to the inner circle than the N of CENTS.
S of CENTS is very short at the upper end.
S of CENTS some distance from the right circle
Distance between the D of UNITED and the first S of STATES is wide.
Printed on the Huckins press.
Die 143 is known printed in the carmine of the 2¢ circular dies.
Die 143 is known printed in the black of the 4¢ circular die.
Die 144
Die 144/E(5) Left 3 is vertical, the right 3 slants to the left; dark violet only.
Small head 8 ¾ mm
C of CENTS is round; N is wide (2 ¼ to 2 3/8 mm at bottom, 2 mm at top)
Lower bar of the E of POSTAGE is 1/2 mm from the right circle.
T & S of CENTS are close together at the bottom.
Nose is somewhat pointed.
Center lock of hair points left.
D of UNITED is close to the first S of STATES.
EN of CENTS is close.
N of CENTS is large and broad.
Size 10 envelopes only except also size 13 in white.
Printed on the Kenny press.
In use from 1917-1919 (watermarks 19 and 20 only).
Scarce to rare.
Die 144 is known printed in the carmine of the 2¢ circular dies.
Die 145
Die 145/F(6) Both 3’s slant to the left; printed in dark violet only.
Small head 8 ¾ mm
C of CENTS is round; N is narrow (2 mm at bottom; 1 ¾ mm at top)
Lower bar of the E of POSTAGE is ¾ mm (far) from the right circle.
NTS of CENTS is widely spaced at the bottom.
Heavy strands of hair resemble bumps.
Nose is bluntly rounded at the tip.
O of POSTAGE is wide.
N of CENTS is narrow.
Size 13 envelopes only except size 23 in white and amber.
Printed on the Kenny press.
In use from 1917-1919 (watermarks 19 and 20 only).
Scarce to rare.
Die 146/dark violet Die 146/purple
Die 146/H(7) Both 3’s slant to the right; printed in both dark violet and purple.
Head 9 mm
C of CENTS is round.
Distance across CENTS: barely less than 10 mm
U of UNITED is ½ mm from the left circle of value.
Cross bars of all T’s are narrow (1 ½ mm across).
Embossing is usually very sharp and clear.
D of UNITED and the first S of STATES are widely spaced.
Last S of STATES and the P of POSTAGE are close.
O of POSTAGE is large.
G of POSTAGE is wide open.
N of CENTS is wide and vertical.
T of CENTS slants sharply to the right.
E and N of CENTS are the same distance from the inner circle.
Ear is prominent; nose is blunt.
Die 146 dark violet on size 21 envelopes only.
Dark violet
printings were done on the
Purple
printings were done on either the O’Connell or on the
Die 147
Die 147/I(9) Both 3’s are vertical; printed in purple only.
Head is the same as in Die 143(A) but the lettering is redrawn.
Large head 9 ¼ mm
C of CENTS and both 3’s are narrow.
C, U, and G are very narrow and oval shaped.
Printed on the Harris press.
In use from 1932-1950.
Die J Die J nose
Die J Working dies were made from a composite of previous dies with a new bust.
Die J is not listed in the Scott catalog
Die J is easily confused with Dies 143 and 146.
Printed in purple only.
Both 3’s are horizontal.
E of CENTS is closer to the inner circle than the N.
Center bar of the E of CENTS and of STATES is high.
N of CENTS is tall.
Tops of the T’s are short.
Head is small and measures 8 ¾ mm.
Head exhibits an extra lock of hair by the ear (four strands of hair below the ear).
Nose is long and hooked.
Rounded point of the chin is more prominent.
Lettering is thin and well defined.
Printed on the Huckins press.
11 working die varieties are known
In use from 1935-1946
Most common watermarks are from 1943
TABLE 1 Die # vs prominent feature and head size
Head measurements same as for the 1 ½ and 2 cent dies
|
Die/Color |
Dark |
|
Prominent
Feature |
Slope |
Slope |
H |
|
|
violet |
Purple |
|
Left numeral |
Right numeral |
Head |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
143/A(1) |
X |
X |
E of CENTS
closer to inner circle |
horizontal |
horizontal |
9 1/4 |
|
144/E(5) |
X |
|
T and S
of CENTS close at bottom |
horizontal |
right |
8 3/4 |
|
145/F(6) |
X |
|
T and S
of CENTS far at bottom |
strongly right |
horizontal |
8 3/4 |
|
146/H(7) |
X |
X |
narrow
T's |
right |
right |
9 |
|
147/I(9) |
|
X |
narrow
oval C,U,G |
horizontal |
horizontal |
9 1/4 |
|
143J/J(NSL) |
|
X |
narrow T,
fine lettering |
horizontal |
horizontal |
8 3/4 |
TABLE 2 Die/Scott # vs paper color (X indicates NOT ISSUED)
|
Die |
white |
amber |
oriental buff |
blue |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dark
violet |
|
|
|
|
|
143/A(1) |
U436a |
U437a |
U438 |
U439a |
|
144/E(5) |
U436b |
U437b |
U438a |
U439b |
|
145/F(6) |
U436c |
U437c |
U438b |
U439c |
|
146/H(7) |
U436d |
U437d |
U438c |
U439d |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Purple |
|
|
|
|
|
143/A(1) |
U436 |
U437 |
X |
U439 |
|
146/H(7) |
U436e |
U437e |
X |
U439e |
|
147/I(9) |
U436f |
U437f |
X |
U439f |
|
143J/J(NSL) |
NSL |
NSL |
X |
NSL |
TABLE 3 Watermark vs die # (X indicates issued)
|
|
Dark violet |
|
Purple |
||||||
|
WM/DIE |
143 |
144 |
145 |
146 |
|
143 |
146 |
147 |
143J |
|
17 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
18 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
19 |
X |
X |
X |
X |
|
|
|
|
|
|
20 |
X |
X |
X |
X |
|
|
|
|
|
|
21 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
22 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
23 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
24 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
25 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
26 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
27 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
28 |
|
|
|
|
|
X |
X |
X |
|
|
28a |
|
|
|
|
|
X |
X |
X |
|
|
29 |
|
|
|
|
|
X |
X |
X |
|
|
30 |
|
|
|
|
|
X |
X |
X |
|
|
30a |
|
|
|
|
|
X |
X |
X |
|
|
31 |
|
|
|
|
|
X |
X |
X |
|
|
32 |
|
|
|
|
|
X |
X |
X |
X |
|
33 |
|
|
|
|
|
X |
X |
X |
X |
|
35 |
|
|
|
|
|
X |
X |
X |
X |
|
36 |
|
|
|
|
|
X |
X |
X |
X |
|
38 |
|
|
|
|
|
X |
X |
X |
X |
|
39 |
|
|
|
|
|
X |
X |
X |
X |
|
40 |
|
|
|
|
|
X |
X |
X |
|
|
41 |
|
|
|
|
|
X |
X |
X |
|
|
42 |
|
|
|
|
|
X |
X |
X |
|
|
43 |
|
|
|
|
|
X |
X |
X |
|
|
44 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Identifying the circular dies, part 5
Bill Lehr
The remainder of the circular dies present no identification problems as there is only one die per value.
Die 148
4¢, black, bust of Jefferson (facing left) surrounded by two colorless circles with inscription between; figures of value in small circles at the sides below the center; UNITED STATES POSTAGE above, CENTS below; colored circle surrounds the whole.
Die 149
5¢, blue, bust of Washington (facing left) surrounded by two colorless circles with inscription between; figures of value in small circles at the sides below the center; UNITED STATES POSTAGE above, CENTS below; colored circle surrounds the whole.
Die 150
6¢, orange, bust of Washington (facing left) surrounded by two colorless circles with inscription between; figures of value in small circles at the sides below the center; UNITED STATES POSTAGE above, CENTS below; colored circle surrounds the whole.
TABLE 1 Die #/paper color vs Scott #
|
Die |
white |
amber |
blue |
|
148 |
U440 |
U441 |
U442 |
|
149 |
U443 |
U444 |
U445 |
|
150 |
U529 |
U530 |
U531 |
TABLE 2 Watermark vs die # (X indicates issued)
|
WM/DIE |
148 |
149 |
150 |
|
17 |
|
|
|
|
18 |
|
|
|
|
19 |
X |
X |
|
|
20 |
X |
X |
|
|
21 |
|
|
|
|
22 |
X |
X |
|
|
23 |
X |
X |
|
|
24 |
X |
X |
|
|
25 |
X |
X |
|
|
26 |
X |
X |
|
|
27 |
X |
X |
|
|
28 |
|
|
X |
|
28a |
|
|
|
|
29 |
X |
X |
X |
|
30 |
X |
|
|
|
30a |
|
X |
|
|
31 |
|
|
|
|
32 |
X |
X |
X |
|
33 |
|
|
|
|
35 |
X |
X |
X |
|
36 |
|
|
|
|
38 |
X |
X |
X |
|
39 |
|
|
X |
|
40 |
|
|
|
|
41 |
|
|
|
|
42 |
|
|
|
|
43 |
|
|
|
|
44 |
|
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
APPENDIX
Knife refers to both the overall shape and to the size of an envelope. Many different knives were used during the production of the circular die envelopes. The generic high back and low back are important to proper identification. High back and low back actually refers to the throat of the envelope.
High back Low back
TABLE 3 Envelope sizes of interest
|
Size |
|
Millimeters |
|
Inches |
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10 |
|
89 |
160 |
|
3 1/2 |
6 5/16 |
|
13 |
|
95 |
171 |
|
3 3/4 |
6 3/4 |
|
21 |
|
98 |
225 |
|
3 7/8 |
8 7/8 |