Position 1R4

1¢ Franklin Issue of 1851-1857, PLATE 4
Position 1R4, (Scott #20 shown)

Scott #20 Blue,
Type II, Relief A
Issued both imperforate (7) and perforate (20).

Plate 4 changed it's appearance as many plating marks faded away due to plate wear, and new plating marks developed over the life of the plate. One of the most annoying aspects of trying to identify Plate 4 positions is the appearance and disappearance of these plating marks.

The violet arrows are marks of note that are at this time unknown if consistent.

Figure 1. (BELOW) A strong dot inside of Ornament A, and a CURL to the left of the U of U.S. These marks are not illustrated on the plating diagrams but confirmed as consistent. The curl shows faintly on 10L4, the next entry of the transfer roll. The dot carries onward to 10L - 9L - 8L - 7L - 6L4, getting progressively weaker, and can be seen on the archive 7L4.

Figure 2. (BELOW) A deep diagonal scratch in shoulder as illustrated in the Ashbrook/Neinken plating diagrams.

Figure 3. (BELOW) Various blurs, blurry dot and dash of color in the N of ONE, as illustrated in the Ashbrook/Neinken plating diagrams. The strong dot in the left scroll (South of N of ONE) occurs on six consecutive Plate 4 top row positions, 6-10L4 and 1R4, and is very useful in telling similar top row positions apart. This plating mark is only illustrated for 1R4 on the Ashbrook/Neinken plating diagrams.

Figure 4. (BELOW) Blur plating marks as illustrated in the plating diagrams.

Figure 5. (BELOW) Detail view of the top row guide dot.

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REVISED 4.30.09