3c Deep Violet, Orangeburg Coil (389). Deep rich color and sharp proof-like impression, tied by "Orangeburg N.Y. Mar. 8 3PM 1911" machine cancel on cover to Berwyn Pa., usual "Bell & Company Incorporated Manufacturing Chemists" corner card, stamp lifted and hinged to cover, tiny faults not noted on certificate

FINE APPEARANCE. THIS IS THE EARLIEST DOCUMENTED USE OF THE RARE 3-CENT ORANGEBURG COIL ON COVER. ONLY THIRTEEN ORANGEBURG COIL COVERS HAVE BEEN CERTIFIED AS GENUINE BY THE PHILATELIC FOUNDATION.

The Orangeburg coil was made by the Post Office Department in 1911, specifically for use by the Bell Pharmaceutical Company. The 3c coil stamps were used to send samples of their products to physicians. Due to the quantity of mail, they were put through the first-class cancelling machine at Orangeburg, New York. The Orangeburg coil stamps' use on third-class mail and the fact that philatelists were generally unaware of their production account for their rarity.

When we offered this stamp and the cover in our Sale 798 (lot 454A), it was our opinion that the stamp did not originate on this cover. However, it was subsequently expertized by The Philatelic Foundation and certified as a genuine use (earliest documented date) and acquired by Alan Berkun for his exhibit collection.

Ex Ward, Southgate and Berkun. With 1998 P.F. certificate.

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