The Bureau of Printing and Engraving reacted quickly to the public’s dislike of the original 2¢ stamp and produced a new 2¢ Washington stamp. The stronger more bold design replaced the ornate flag background with a shield and strengthened Washington’s portrait. The replacement stamp was placed into circulation in November 1903, ten months after the first 2nd Bureau Washington debacle. Like its predecessor, the Washington shield was cut into booklet panes, saw further use in the production of imperforate, and later private vending coil stamps.
Varieties (Scott catalog number):
US Definitive (319)
Booklet Pane (319g)
319 type II with gash (319F)
Imperforate (320)
Imperforate type II (320A)
Horizontal Coil (321)
Vertical Coil (322)
Canal Zone Overprint (5)
Philippines Overprint (240)
Common Uses:
Solo Uses:
Star-in-diamond machine cancel
- 1st class letter (< 1 ounce)
- 2nd class (< 8 oz newspaper or magazine)
- 3rd class (< 4 oz printed matter )
- 4th class (< 2 oz samples or merchandise)
Favorite Covers:
Hi, great page by the way. I have a #319 that i suspect is a Double Impression. Can i send you a PDF to get your opinion?
Thanks,
JLP