Lot 97 United States SC#U368var 2c Carmine, 1894-1898 Plimpton-Morgan Issue, A Very Fine Mint Envelope, Die 3, Amber, Full Letter Size Envelope, A Great Rarity, As This Die Was Only Known Used On Size 3 &5

A Very Fine Mint Envelope of the 2c carmine from the 1894-1898 Plimpton-Morgan Issue, die 3, amber, full letter size envelope.

According to the US postal Stationary society, Die 3 was only produced in size 3 (commercial) and 5 (legal) formats. So this is an unlisted size. The knife type is 55, instead of the noraml 48, which was used on size 2 envelopes, so this indicates that the factory processed an experimental or anomalous batch of envelopes with Knife 55 and at the same time, stamped die 3 onto a size 2 template. A Majory rarity.

Scott doesn't list this variety, so we estimate it at $1500-$3500. The envelope offered here grades VF.