3c Deep Violet, Orangeburg Coil (389). Deep rich color and sharp proof-like impression, choice centering for this difficult issue, tied by "Orangeburg N.Y. Sep. 19 5PM 1911" machine cancel on cover to Columbus O., usual "Bell & Company Incorporated Manufacturing Chemists" corner card, stamp with light diagonal crease at top

VERY FINE APPEARANCE. A BEAUTIFUL EXAMPLE OF THE RARE 3-CENT ORANGEBURG COIL ON A FRESH COVER. ONLY 13 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 accounts for their rarity.

Accompanied by a nearly identical cover franked with the 3c Perf 8.5 coil, Scott 394 (dated Oct. 14, 1912). Ex Klein. With 2006 P.F. certificate.

Image Magnifier / Download

View PDF of contents of this lot

Power Search for Comparables