United States
George Washington
Scott 14 · General Issues
About this stamp
The “George Washington” stamp was issued by United States in 1855. This 10c green stamp belongs to the “1851-57” series and is listed under General Issues as Scott 14. It has a perforation measurement of Imperf..
It was printed using Engraving. Its physical characteristics include Unwatermarked watermark and Water-activated gum. It was printed by Toppan, Carpenter & Co. The recorded issue location is Washington, DC. Approximately 2,325,000 copies were produced.
Catalogue recordStamp details
- Country/Territory
- United States
- Standard country
- United States
- Entity type
- Country
- Country issuing years
- 1857-
- Category
- General Issues
- Scott number
- 14
- Description
- George Washington
- Series
- 1851-57
- Year issued
- 1855
- Issue location
- Washington, DC
- Denomination
- 10c
- Colour
- Green
- Perforation
- Imperf.
- Watermark
- Unwatermarked
- Printing method
- Engraving
- Printer
- Toppan, Carpenter & Co
- Gum
- Water-activated
- Stamp type
- Definitive
- Number produced
- 2,325,000
- NH percentage
- 100
- Comments
- Design: Features George Washington, based on the Athenaeum Portrait by Gilbert Stuart. This is the first US postage stamp issued with a 10-cent denomination.
Significance: It was intended for heavier letters and those traveling long distances. Notably, it was imperforate, meaning it had no perforations and needed to be cut apart with scissors.
Rarity: Scarce, especially in sound condition with full margins.
Varieties: Exists with different shades of brown, ranging from orange-brown to deep brown.
Cancellations: "Fancy" cancels (those with decorative elements) are particularly sought after by collectors. Also look for unusual city or town cancels.
Condition: Because it was imperforate, finding examples with four clear margins is challenging. Many have been affected by foxing (brown spots) or have faults from being cut apart.
Additional Notes:
The Scott #14 is a key stamp in any collection of 19th-century US postage.
It is often found with a slightly blurry impression due to the printing methods used at the time.
Stamps with wide margins and original gum are highly desirable.
The #14 is sometimes called the "imperforate ten" to distinguish it from the later perforated 10-cent stamp (Scott #25).
Same seriesMore from 1851-57
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