219P4 1c Benjamin Franklin 1890 issue plate proof on card
$30.00
1890-93 Issues The Small Bank Note Series American Bank Note Company (ABNC)
In 1889, the USPOD put out for bid the new contract with more stringent requirements, specifying the colors to be used for each denomination and requesting large size stamps, as were currently being used, and a new smaller size, which ultimately would be adopted. After a failure by the original contract winner to meet requirements, a second request for bids was made and would ultimately be awarded the ABNC as their price was substantially under that of the only other bidder. At the end of the day, the USPOD decided to go with the smaller size stamps as that offered further savings.