Plate 0:
Plate 0 was likely the fourth plate manufactured, produced in late August, 1851. Its earliest known use date is September 8, 1851 and it was used until late 1851, when it was discarded, probably because of some serious defect, most likely a crack. The plate never show any signs of wear, and both inner lines are recut on all positions. The recuts are generally heavier on this plate than any other plate. Approximately 4,361,800 stamps (21,809 impressions) were printed from Plate 0. Refer to Dr. Chase's book The 3¢ Stamp of the United States 1851-1857 Issue for the full story of Plate 0.
Plate 0 - Earliest Use September 8, 1851; Used for 3 Months; 21,809 impressions/4,361,800 stamps/1.20% of issued; 200 Scott 10A:
Chase - Plate 0:
Images are provided courtesy of Smithsonian's National Postal Museum