<#pn=plate numbers> assigned to both <#bep=BEP>-printed and privately-printed <#plate=plates> since 1980. From 1980 to 2006, the first plate of each type (i.e. <#intaglio>, <#gravure>, <#offset>) prepared for a given stamp was given number 1. Subsequent plates of the same type were given consecutively higher numbers. A prefix letter before a representative plate number designates the private printing company. In the case of BEP-printed <#coil=coil stamps> where space was limited, a suffix letter was sometimes used to indicate plates higher than 9. Thus 1111A follows 9999, and 1111B follows 9999A. Since 2007, <#usps=USPS> policy is that the first and only plate number assigned to a given stamp is 1; even if multiple plates are used, all are numbered 1. Higher numbers are assigned to a plate only if there is a change in stamp design, materials, press or manufacturer.